Joan

Joan is the protagonist of the novel. She is the daughter of Chinese immigrants and lives in New York City. Joan grew up all over America since her father often moved for work. She did not meet her older brother Fang until she was six years old because he was left back in China while Joan’s parents did their best to establish themselves. Joan grew up in poverty and experienced pressure to stick to one career path.

Joan has a difficult relationship with her family. She prioritizes work above all else and feels most at home at the hospital. Joan avoids family gatherings and has a surface level relationship with her mother Sue. That changes once Joan’s father passes away. Joan and Sue start chatting more often over the phone, helping Joan see that she is always loved.

Joan prefers to keep to herself. She chooses...