Through the Tran family’s struggles and setbacks, the novel addresses gentrification and immigrant experiences, but the overall mood is somehow more of a comedy. Some of their plans to save the salon and the family have a heist movie feel, which keeps a lighter tone, even with very realistic dangers for the family business. Father Phil is certain he can win enough money through gambling to pay off the back rent, despite some pretty dramatic losing streaks. Of course, he’ll have to risk the money they do have…  Meanwhile, mother Debbie stumbles into a certain shocking secret that will make great blackmail. 

But Sunshine Nail isn’t entirely a comedy. The book also reveals the reasons Debbie and Phil had to leave Vietnam, and there’s an constant awareness of the culture gap between the parents and the kids. in this family. The book also shows the struggles their niece Thuy faces trying to establish herself in Toronto while her family back is sure she’s making loads of cash and should be helping them more.  And almost anywhere we look, affordable housing and shopping is gentrifying into expensive neighborhoods and chains.