My Little Sister
After their family flees Mao's communist takeover of China, James and Silan grow up in the slums of Hong Kong, the comparative safety and comfort of Malaysia, and then back to the highly competitive society and looming communist threat of Hong Kong. Even after they make their way to new lives in America, the family dysfunction, fears and insecurities of their childhood still deeply affect them. But through it all, they have each other, and they find moments of joy and laughter. When Silan begins showing early signs of dementia in her forties, James and his family struggle to make sense of her illness. My Little Sister recalls James and Silan's early life, explores the science and research behind Alzheimer's and dementia, and journals the tragic decline of a beloved little sister.