A Great Place to Raise a Family: A Novel

Summary

A captivating portrait of an immigrant family burdened by shameful secrets as they race to save the life they have built, from award-winning author Tracey Lien

Sydney, Australia, 2005

Riots have erupted on North Cronulla Beach, turning neighbors and friends against each other and exposing the racial fault lines running beneath Australia.

Days after the riots ignite, the home of the Luu family is ransacked, but only one thing is stolen: ten-year-old Fiona's ceramic treasure chest. What follows isn't grief, but panic. Each family member has hidden something inside.

But asking for help isn't an option. Fiona’s parents, haunted by their escape from Vietnam, fear that the authorities will cast blame rather than offer protection. Each of them suspects that their own secrets made them a target—secrets that could destroy them all.

Chancey, the survival-hardened mother who believes providing stability is the highest form of love

Tommy, the assimilating father, convinced conformity will shield his family from harm

Helen, the volatile teenage daughter desperate to be seen—and willing to do almost anything to make it happen

And Fiona, the observant youngest child quietly holding her family together

As their lies and betrayals are brought to light, the robbery and events leading up to it will forever change the Luu family.

A Great Place to Raise a Family is an arresting look into a family confronting the worst things they’ve ever done in pursuit of the better life they were promised.