[6] Luster follows Edie, a Black woman in her twenties who lives in New York City and works as an editorial assistant.

Edie begins a sexual relationship with Eric and moves to New Jersey to live with his family after she gets fired.

"[14] Publishers Weekly reviewed the book and stated, "Edie’s ability to navigate the complicated relationships with the Walkers exhibits Leilani’s mastery of nuance, and the narration is perceptive, funny, and emotionally charged.

"[15] Bookpage.com gave Luster a starred review and wrote: "Leilani’s writing is cerebral and raw, and this debut novel will establish her as a powerful new voice.

"[16] Noting that the novel is a debut, Leah Greenblatt of EW wrote, "that newness sometimes shows; after a wildly beguiling start, the novel telescopes inward, often forsaking narrative momentum for mood and color.