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A review by ilutzer
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A beautifully written novel about the complicated structure of a family with themes of the pressures parents put on their children, how those stem from their own childhood wounds and desires, and themes of family trust, secrets, and belonging (or lack thereof). The characters are complex, to the point that they feel real and reading about the characters' past pain and their mistakes elicits feelings of frustration and empathy. Ng did an incredible job creating characters whose past experiences shaped who they became.
Moreover, Everything I Never Told You is a fantastic tribute to Chinese American families and non-stereotypical representation of half-White, half-Chinese children and the struggles they face in regard to growing up and to their ethnic identities and how the world perceives them. Though painful to read, the examples of xenophobia and racism (commonly described in the form of microaggressions and staring) are real, lived experiences of many people and an important part of the characters' stories and the reality of Asian Americans. Ng incorporated the history of James' parent's immigration experience in a way that was informative of a history that is not typically covered in US history classes.
This is a book that I see myself reading again and again.
Moreover, Everything I Never Told You is a fantastic tribute to Chinese American families and non-stereotypical representation of half-White, half-Chinese children and the struggles they face in regard to growing up and to their ethnic identities and how the world perceives them. Though painful to read, the examples of xenophobia and racism (commonly described in the form of microaggressions and staring) are real, lived experiences of many people and an important part of the characters' stories and the reality of Asian Americans. Ng incorporated the history of James' parent's immigration experience in a way that was informative of a history that is not typically covered in US history classes.
This is a book that I see myself reading again and again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racism, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexism and Xenophobia
Minor: Infidelity