The novel addresses several themes that revolve around violence from both historical and domestic points of view. Furthermore, Afro-Caribbean spirituality and traditions are at the core of the story, highlighting the rich culture of the characters. The book blends this backdrop with modern problems involving socioeconomic inequality, addiction, toxic masculinity, and urban decay.
The story takes place in the near future in Toronto where economic downfall and riots have led to societal collapse. In the inner-city, poverty and violence have become prevalent since the wealthy have enclosed themselves in the affluent suburbs. The plot follows Ti-Jeanne who comes from a family of spiritualists, though she has separated herself from the culture. After giving birth, she is forced to live with her grandmother, who is a popular spiritualist and herbalist in the city. Rudy Sheldon and his gang run the criminal underworld and are part of the organ-harvesting ring that preys on the poor. The father of Ti-Jeanne’s unnamed child is a member of the gang that has been tasked with securing a heart for the Premier of Ontario. This leads to a family conflict that reveals Rudy to be Ti-Jeanne’s grandfather, and the spirit he sends to do his bidding is her mother. A battle ensues as the granddaughter embraces her magical heritage to fight off the adversaries and save her mother’s spirit from Rudy.
Through matrilineal kinship, the author integrates strong female characters fighting the patriarchy and the history of violence in the family. The men in the narrative embody the worst traits that have contributed to the moral decline and urban decay in society. Hopkinson incorporates Afro-Caribbean mythology to highlight the eternal power held by the women through magic and spirituality. As such, the novel charts Ti-Jeanne's growth from denying her heritage to accepting her ancestry.
