Book details
Little Fires Everywhere
by Celeste Ng
2014 · Penguin Press
About the book
Set in the planned community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, the story follows the collision between Elena Richardson, a woman dedicated to order and rules, and Mia Warren, an itinerant artist and single mother. When the Richardsons’ family friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a legal battle erupts that divides the town and forces Mia and Elena onto opposing sides. The tension exposes secrets regarding Mia’s past and Elena’s children, ultimately leading to a fire that destroys the Richardson home and scatters the inhabitants.
Readers interested in the logistics of suburban social structures and the complexities of maternal identity look to this book for a study of class conflict. It serves those examining how rigid adherence to social norms can fracture domestic life and parent-child relationships. The audience gains a detailed perspective on the moral gray areas of transracial adoption and the cost of maintaining a curated public image. You walk away with a clear understanding of how secrets and repressed history can dismantle a community.
Details
- Published
- 2014
- Publisher
- Penguin Press
- ISBN
- 9780735224292
- Language
- EN