Fifteen-year-old Magdalena has felt a little lost since her mother died, and in some respects, the teen is okay with that feeling. Magdalena’s mother had a vivid imagination, and had encouraged her daughter’s imagination as well. Magdalena uses this strong internal connection to retreat from the pain of the outside world. At the same time, her father tries to help by encouraging her to focus on more concrete issues, such as school. When Magdalena discovers that her mother may have been mentally ill, and may have committed suicide, she wonders if she will share the same fate. Will Magdalena find a way to combine the best of what both parents have taught her, and figure out her own place in the world? This novel thoughtfully highlights the importance of understanding your family history before you can work towards your future.