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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve had Little Fires Everywhere on my tbr since it came out but finally picked it up for a book club that meets this Friday. I’m so glad I did. Ng tackles a lot here, with my count of at least 9 mother/daughter (or mother/daughter-esque) relationships, not to mention Mrs. Richardson’s relationships to her two sons. There isn’t a lot of plot, but that’s made up for by the pretty in-depth character studies and discussions on motherhood and suburbia that are prevalent throughout.
I was hooked pretty immediately, just as I was when I read Ng’s novel, Everything I Never Told You in 2017. There’s something about her writing style that works for me. I love the 3rd person omniscient narration and the way that the story effortlessly moves the spotlight from character to character. She’s created some realistic, annoying, and often unlikable characters, but there were times that I could see my life growing up in suburbia reflected in Shaker Heights (which, apparently, is a real place).
Ultimately, I do think each of the mothers was trying their best and doing what they thought was the ‘right’ thing for their children, even if their methodologies were questionable, and sometimes even straight-up unethical.
Overall, a 4-4.5 star read. I would recommend.
I was hooked pretty immediately, just as I was when I read Ng’s novel, Everything I Never Told You in 2017. There’s something about her writing style that works for me. I love the 3rd person omniscient narration and the way that the story effortlessly moves the spotlight from character to character. She’s created some realistic, annoying, and often unlikable characters, but there were times that I could see my life growing up in suburbia reflected in Shaker Heights (which, apparently, is a real place).
Ultimately, I do think each of the mothers was trying their best and doing what they thought was the ‘right’ thing for their children, even if their methodologies were questionable, and sometimes even straight-up unethical.
Overall, a 4-4.5 star read. I would recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Abandonment
Minor: Death, Racism
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i really enjoyed this book. i thought it was a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a very complicated question that doesn't really have a right answer. my only complaint is the resolution of izzy's character felt a little bit weird to me
This was a great book and would be great to discuss in a book club. Very well written, and it's impressive to see how each mother/daughter relationship relates to one another in some way. I like more plot twists and action (It wasn't a page-turner for me until about halfway through) but that is the only reason why I gave this book a four, not a five.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
The book was interesting and really wanted to know the plot twist. The characters build ups was exceptional, I found it very intriguing how each one meshed into the other. Even from the different timelines. I guess this is what created the bonds for all. But they were all kinda cliche if anything. It’s a basic novel with a somewhat predictable storyline.
Worse off they were times I felt lost in the book. I didn’t understand how the different point of views worked whether it was being narrated or not. More so, I thought we spent too much time on the past which wasn’t too exciting.
But I must say I always find it refreshing for storylines to be left as cliffhangers. I suppose this allows the readers to embark on their own journey for the characters.
But, I must say Izzy was definitely my favorite character. A lost soul who in turn found her place with Mia!
Worse off they were times I felt lost in the book. I didn’t understand how the different point of views worked whether it was being narrated or not. More so, I thought we spent too much time on the past which wasn’t too exciting.
But I must say I always find it refreshing for storylines to be left as cliffhangers. I suppose this allows the readers to embark on their own journey for the characters.
But, I must say Izzy was definitely my favorite character. A lost soul who in turn found her place with Mia!