I was completely absorbed in this beautifully written story about family and identity. I can’t believe it’s the author’s debut novel. It’s stunning – intriguing, bittersweet and painful.
Set in 1970s Ohio, the story begins with the death of sixteen-year-old Lydia. What follows is an exploration of the events and experiences which led to this tragedy and also the aftermath. Everything is centred on the Lee family: James and Marilyn, and their children Lydia, Nath and Hannah. The novel is partly about how parents live through their children and pressurise them to do better than they did. James, who as a Chinese American found he never belonged, is eager for his kids – Lydia in particular – to fit in and have lots of friends. Marilyn, whose ambition to become a doctor was sacrificed to her role as mother and housewife, buys medical textbooks for Lydia and would rather she concentrated on physics than friends. The novel is also about perceptions of race and how people don’t always see beyond others’ appearance and backgrounds. I found it odd to see the word ‘Oriental’, a word which was probably common at the time the book is set and which now is often considered as politically incorrect.
The story is told in the third person from different characters. I’m not usually a fan of third person narrative but this was well done. The narrative got right inside the head of each family member. The characterisation is very strong; they are real people. Another positive point about this book is that the length is just right.
Highly recommended. First published in 2014.
It’s on my summer tbr! I loved Little Fires Everywhere, so I definitely need to read this. Great review 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I’m sure you will love this one. I have yet to read Little Fires.
Oh then you’ll love that for sure too 😊
Fab review sounds like a great read!
Thank you, it was! 😀
Glad you enjoyed it! Little Fires Everywhere is also a great book if you want to read more of Ng.
It was a great read 🙂 I will definitely check out her other book!
Great review, I have yet to read this author but it seems like she can write more than one bestseller 🙂
Thanks – I was maybe a little sceptical (because that’s how I am with bestsellers) but I liked it a lot more than I expected!
I enjoyed this too, NS! And I agree with you review! If you’re keen, try Little Fires Everywhere! It’s gotten very different reviews.
Thanks Jee – I think I remember you reviewing at least one of hers.
Definitely going to try Little Fire at some point.
Yeah reviewed Little Fire! 😁
I want to try this one, as the author and I grew up in the same area of OH right about the same time. However, I couldn’t get “into” the characters in her latest, Little Fires… Maybe I’d like this one better.
Wow, that’s a coincidence! I thought the characterisation was very good in this one but I haven’t read her other to compare with.
I found this book for £1 in a sale. I’m glad I gave it a try!
Thanks! Great review!
Excellent review. I think a strong characterisation is key in stories like this which explore family dynamics. Is there a plot/mystery involved as well (how did Lydia die) or is it purely character driven?
Good observation! Yes there is also a mystery surrounding Lydia’s death so the book is both a mystery and a family drama. The characterisation was very well done.