Loribeth is on the run, with a dead child in her suitcase. A fortune teller helps her: she must take the suitcase along with the child to her missing father in order to grow up. On her fantastical journey, she traverses cities, deserts, and seas, falling in love with all beings that offer her something edible. However, unexpected encounters, disasters, and a disturbingly lively corpse in the suitcase constantly force her to move on - until the suitcase reaches its destination and Loribeth's perspective changes: the magical transitions into the real. The long-awaited life among her chosen friends feels dull; nothing happens. In an attempt to bring back a bit of magic, wild celebrations ensue, but Loribeth can't stop asking: Is this all there is? With her debut novel, Michelle Steinbeck has crafted a virtuoso coming-of-age story, told in a sensual language.