Life becomes exciting, difficult, hair-raising and undeniably fuller for Neil when Geraldine, his mentally handicapped sister, comes home to live with the family. Thirteen-year-old Geraldine is mentally-disabled and has been 'institutionalised' for the duration of her short life.

Her entry into everyday society is traumatic, both for Geraldine and her family.

Written from the point of view of Gerladine's older brother Neil, we experience the full gamut of emotions -- from anger to despair to joy, as Neil learns some hard lessons about prejudice, tolerance and families.