"but the problem with rules... was that they implied a right way and a wrong way to do things. When, in fact, most of the time they were simply ways, none of them quite wrong or quite right, and nothing to tell you for sure what side of the line you stood on."
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
For me, this book was a completely new kind of writing experience. I’m used to reading books with a single, consistent narrative or, if there are multiple perspectives, they’re usually divided neatly into separate chapters or sections. But this book flows seamlessly between different points of view, and that constant shift in perspective had a profound effect on me as a reader. It made me empathize with each character in a way I wasn’t expecting, helping me see how their thoughts, fears, and decisions—though seemingly one-sided—made perfect sense in the context of their lives. It’s rare to read something that lets you step into each character’s shoes so naturally, making their motivations feel entirely rational, even when their choices conflict.
This style was definitely fresh for me, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. It made me think about how, in life, we rarely get to see the whole picture, but when we do, everything falls into place in ways we might not have anticipated.
Book Review:
The story revolves around two central characters, both mothers but living completely different lives. Elena, who has spent her life following the rules, is the picture of perfection with her ideal family, loving husband, and perfect children. On the other hand, Mia is a single mother, an artist who moves from town to town with her daughter, Pearl, always chasing her next project and leaving behind the life of stability Elena clings to.
Their worlds collide in a series of unexpected events, and as buried secrets from the past surface, Elena’s perfectly ordered life is thrown into chaos. What struck me most is how the book navigates moral ambiguity, showing that life isn't just about what’s "right" or "wrong." It forces you to question the gray areas of every decision, peeling back layers to reveal the complexity underneath. Sometimes, people make choices not out of malice, but from a place of survival, love, or fear. And this book captures that beautifully, offering a reminder that life isn’t as clear-cut as we’d like it to be.
It reminded me of Einstein’s famous quote: "It’s all relative." And in this story, relativity is everything—the way each character sees the world, their experiences, and how those perspectives clash or intertwine is what gives the narrative its depth.
This is one of those books that makes you reflect on your own life and the judgments we often make. It was a reminder to me that sometimes understanding someone else’s point of view is all it takes to shift how you see the world.
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