Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Review by Mrs. O'Dell

As the title suggests, Little Fires Everywhere has many conflicts.  As a reader, I find myself rooting for and hating almost every character at some point. 

This novel follows the lives of the Richardsons, mom, dad, and four kids, and their tenants, Mia and Pearl Warren.  Told in a non-confusing non-chronological order, readers follow each character through minor conflicts and major misunderstandings. 

Mrs. Richardson is involved in everybody’s business, but can’t see the problems in her own house.  Mia Warren seems to be running from a mysterious past.  Lexie Richardson turns out to be a major hypocrite, judging others’ choices when she falls into a similar terrible situation.  Pearl Warren hides the truth from nearly every character in her life, and although not her fault, she might have the most to lose in the conflict resolution.  And Izzy Richardson, the youngest and most troubled of the Richardsons, literally starts the figurative fires of each character. 

Although a little dark in content and more mature than YA, Little Fires Everywhere provided many lessons to all types of readers.  I saw many mirrors and windows in these characters, leaving a lasting imprint on my soul.  

Five stars! Two thumbs up! Must read!