The third novel by an American writer with Hong Kong roots takes place in the contemporary United States after a devastating economic crisis. During it, anti-Chinese sentiment gradually prevailed, leading to the introduction of laws to protect American values. Based on them, Americans of Chinese and other Asian origins are under close surveillance by the authorities and the public. However, everyone who opposes discriminatory laws in any way is persecuted, punished and liquidated. One of the measures against these people is the removal of children. Celeste Ng was inspired by many real events and historical figures. Discriminatory laws and anti-Asian sentiment in the US existed not only during World War II, but also during the recent covid pandemic. In the context of current world events, the novel is chillingly topical.