The novel explores the seductive power of the American Dream, particularly for immigrants seeking acceptance and success. Ava, burdened by societal expectations and financial struggles, gets swept up in the allure of quick wealth and effortless luxury. The novel delves into the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve this ideal, even if it means compromising their values and risking everything.

The relationship between Ava and Winnie forms the emotional core of the novel. Their bond is a tangled web of envy, admiration, loyalty, and betrayal. The narrative dives into the power dynamics between women, the masks they wear for each other, and the fine line between support and manipulation within female friendships.

The novel probes the ethics of consumerism in a world obsessed with luxury brands and status symbols. Through the characters' involvement in the counterfeit handbag trade, the novel raises questions about the meaning of authenticity, the value placed on material possessions, and the moral compromises individuals make in a society driven by appearances.