A young doctor from China comes to work in a small town in Maine. Why does he choose to be alone? What is he trying to hide? A visit from a former girlfriend and a rendezvous with a stranger bring back the haunting question: Why is he always running away from love? Back in Shanghai for a family funeral, Dr. Wu once again has to confront the disparity between who he is and who he is expected to be.

This novel explores a young man’s struggle with his sexual identity under the immense pressure of a traditional Asian society that stresses family lineage and honor and extols individual conformity and sacrifice.

Through the protagonist’s narration of his childhood memories, the book offers a glimpse of growing up in an old neighborhood that no longer exists in modern Shanghai. Dr. Wu’s reflection on his parents’ peculiar marriage also sheds light on how political turmoil in China’s recent history has taken a toll on ordinary people’s lives.

Can the prodigal son reconcile his conflicting identities? Will his family accept who he really is? What price will mother and son have to pay to protect their family?

Take this intriguing journey with Dr. Wu. While his story is often uniquely Chinese, his struggle is common to people of all ages, genders, and cultures: how can we be true to ourselves? When can we all be free to be who we are?