kamrynharned's review
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wasn’t expecting for this book to be about motherhood. It explores the concept of motherhood as thoroughly as Our Missing Hearts, and was just as captivating and gut-wrenching. Gave me a very familiar feeling of mental turmoil - what is the role of a mother? What makes a good mother? What do mother’s owe to their children, and what do children owe to their mothers? Is biology the only thing that makes you a mother, or is it simply the love and capacity to care that matters most? The plot of this book wasn’t riveting at all - it actually takes about half of the book of just character background and development to even arrive to the main conflict or plot line. It’s so rare to read a book with a conflict that is so perfectly written that it does make you feel like you aren’t completely sure which side to take. You can’t help but sympathize with both sides and while some characters are genuinely unlikable (Mrs Richardson), she’s so human and relatable that you can’t hate her fully, because secretly, you relate with her. Her fears, her desire for a perfect, planned out life, her desire to do charity because it makes her feel important. It was definitely a book that I appreciated without enjoying it (really makes rating the book very challenging). Even though many of the plot points weren’t enjoyable, they were masterfully written and played a role in the character development. The only point that I did not feel was beneficial at all was Pearl and Trip’s relationship. Ng’s ability to jump around in the timeline and use it to slowly tie loose ends together was insanely admirable. And honestly, the ending was incredible. Overall, I don’t think I would recommend this book, but I’m glad I read it and will likely be thinking about if for some time.
alyssa2012's review
5.0
Might be the best book I read this year. Gives me a "Where'd You Go Bernadette" vibe.
sallychen's review
4.0
I loveddd the basis of the story and the themes that were explored (motherhood/parenting, socioeconomic status, art, relationships). The book hooked me particularly with Mia’s backstory. However the only reason I don’t give it a 5 star is that at times the writing just felt that little bit cliche. Maybe it was because some details were skimmed over just to drive the story along? I finished the book wanting more closure on the character developments of the Richardson siblings but didn’t get it. Maybe that’s how it was meant to be but I feel like the siblings could have had a bigger role in the story. Overall though this book has left me questioning what constitutes motherhood, family and love.
pinkhydroflask's review
4.0
omagawd this was rlly good. the plot was slow (a huge pet peeve of mine) but the story was so beautifully written i couldn't put the damn book down. amazing.
justbkathleen's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jordanw's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this book.
Spoiler
my only qualm was when the author chose to explain all the photos that Mia left for the Richardsons. I would have preferred if they'd gone about it a different way.kristinjsellers's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
starryeved's review
4.0
I put off reading this for a while. I didn't know what to expect.
When I started Little Fires Everywhere, the going was slow. Up till around the middle, I had no idea where the story was going -- yes, it was well written, with a sort of curious style, but what else was so mind-blowing about it?
But I read all the way through, and slowly the threads started unraveling.
Everything in this book builds up slowly; it's like a spring being pushed down, coiling ever-tighter, while you watch, never knowing when it'll sudden let loose and explode. As each part started to fall into place, I found myself dreading the climax I knew would come. And when it came, it hit hard.
That's what's special about this book. The plot is quiet, subtle, but also fraught with tension. It hits on all sorts of topics, like abortion and race, and stares the controversial down in a way that is slow but powerful. The drama is intertwined quite well. Overall, a great read.
When I started Little Fires Everywhere, the going was slow. Up till around the middle, I had no idea where the story was going -- yes, it was well written, with a sort of curious style, but what else was so mind-blowing about it?
But I read all the way through, and slowly the threads started unraveling.
Everything in this book builds up slowly; it's like a spring being pushed down, coiling ever-tighter, while you watch, never knowing when it'll sudden let loose and explode. As each part started to fall into place, I found myself dreading the climax I knew would come. And when it came, it hit hard.
That's what's special about this book. The plot is quiet, subtle, but also fraught with tension. It hits on all sorts of topics, like abortion and race, and stares the controversial down in a way that is slow but powerful. The drama is intertwined quite well. Overall, a great read.
deefreds's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0