LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE, A Novel
by Celeste Ng
After reading Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng's second novel, I have officially added her to my "must read any new book" list. I so enjoyed her first novel, Everything I Never Told You, that I was excited to see if her sophomore work could measure up. And it does! This book is wonderful!
Little Fires Everywhere tells the story of two families in small-town Ohio that become irrevocably intertwined. Elena Richardson, an upstanding citizen, mother of four, journalist and follower of Shaker Heights’ written and unwritten rules, rents a house to Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl. Mia, a single mother and freelance artist, lives an unconventional life, one which threatens the status quo of this small, close-knit town. As might be expected, the four Richardson children are drawn to Mia largely because she is so different from their own mother. Likewise, Mia is drawn to and spends many hours with members of the Richardson family. Everything erupts when old friends of the Richardsons decide to adopt a Chinese American baby and in the custody battle that ensues, Mia and Elena take opposite sides.
Ng creates full and sympathetic characters in Little Fires Everywhere. She adeptly weaves this story of two families to a climax that you won’t soon forget. Make sure to read this novel. You won’t be disappointed. (Liz)
