Freedom takes many forms in Mira T. Lee’s debut novel.

Miranda’s pregnant mother was an immigrant from China when she journeyed to America to give her family a better life. When she dies, Miranda assumes the role of mother to her younger sister, Lucia. The sisters are as different as night and day. Miranda attempts to care for Lucia as she struggles with the highs and lows of her mental illness. When Lucia gives birth to a daughter, her mental state reaches crisis mode.

Told from several points-of-view, this is an addictive, haunting tale of love and loss. I think of this as a New York story, but the journey spans the world.