![]() ![]() The book is framed by a family tragedy from her perspective. I did not agree with her actions at all – but she sticks with you. Instead she is complicated – fighting a deep repressed sense of regret with a strict view of the world as black and white. But in that way, I think Ng did a fantastic job with her. While I understood Elena’s character, she was a person I found difficult to like. And in Pearl I saw myself – the determination, the understanding, and the kindness. She was fierce, compassionate, and incredibly misunderstood. Izzy almost became this silent underdog of my affection. I understood the difficulty of Izzy’s life – surrounded by people who do not understand her. ![]() Mia is incredibly insightful not only about art, but also life. In Mia I saw her resilience, her strength of spirit, and I loved seeing her backstory told through her perspective. I absolutely loved the characters of Mia, Pearl, and Elena’s daughter Izzy. At the same time, there’s the very real issue of ethnicity that I briefly talk about above). There’s this tension between those in the community who believe they’re above race, while still feeling as if they are being ‘compassionate’ to those below them by throwing them the bones. (Additionally, I found the argument of ‘not seeing race’ to be particularly insightful in this book. Not only is this a factor in the adoption debate, but a beam of light is shed on this aspect through a side character. ![]() A lot of what I was able to find, was fetishized, or how Western culture interpreted Chinese culture. I remember it was a huge deal in my house because the American Doll Company had no Asian ‘American Girl’. Even growing up, I felt the same struggles of finding dolls or books that reflected who I am. Culture ErasureĪnother moving topic that Ng deals with is the subtle racism still prevalent in American culture – the way the Asian identity is erased. (Not to mention the utter irony of the singular responsibility of women to ‘know better’ about having children, as if accidents or other parties were not involved). We expect mothers to ‘raise their children better’ (or what they mean by this is raise their daughters better so that they do not become mothers themselves), and infallible, magically able to make anything work, even if they are desperately poor and have a moment of doubt. We are also asked who defines an (un)fit mother/family? Is it about our circumstances now or does it apply to our potential? In this space of debate, Ng encourages a discussion about the pressures and responsibilities we put on mothers. Ng asks us if there is something essential about the connection between a mother and a child, if nurture could erase this bond. The last categorization of mothers is incredibly touching to me, because it interacts with the adoption narrative – which is extremely personal to me. We see those who do not wish to become mothers, those who desperately desire children, and even those who deemed ‘unacceptable’ mothers. Ng masterfully weaves us a narrative that examines the idea of motherhood under a magnifying glass and from many angles. What I loved so much about this book had to be the discussion of motherhood. I took three pages of notes on this book, so to say I loved it and it made me think is an understatement. Even more so, Elena and Mia seem to be on rivaling sides. When a pair of family friends of the Richardsons try to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle breaks forth that divides families and puts the town at opposition with itself. Not only does she have a dangerous secret, but she does not mind rocking the boat. However, Mia is different from most others in Shaker Heights. Soon all four Richardson children are drawn to the pair, attaching like barnacles or in love. ![]() Mia is an artist and single mother, who rents the Richardson’s duplex. But she never could have expected Mia Warren and her daughter to not only shake the foundations of their community, but to change her family forever. The Richardson matriarch, Elena, has lived by this principle. They plan what color your houses can be, based on the style, how tall your lawn may grow, and what the houses look like from the outside. Little Fires Everywhere is a must read for anyone who is a mother, would like to become a mother, or is interested in a careful exploration of what motherhood means. As an adopted Chinese-American, I underestimated the pull it would have for me. Little Fires Everywhere touched me deeply in its discussion of motherhood and adoption (in many forms). ![]()
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