Foreign Places

Karen is surviving coming of age as a member of a rather dysfunctional family. Her parents are gradually becoming alcoholics as they struggle to deal with her father's career changes, their son's failures, and a move first to a prestige life in Canada followed by a return to California.

How to deal with a dejected brother who seems to be squandering his life? Why is Karen's mother unable to face the reality of her situation? And how is it that Karen is able to succeed amidst the sometimes depressing situations that develop around her?

Occasionally the author fast forwards to give the reader perspective. Does Karen's family ever become like the normal families she encounters around her?