Review of Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere (2017) by Celeste Ng is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, race, class, identity, and privilege in suburban America. Set in the 1960s in the affluent community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, the story revolves around two families: the Richardsons, a wealthy and seemingly perfect family, and the Wangs, an unconventional and lower-middle-class Chinese-American family. The novel begins with the Richardson family’s house burning down, with Arson being the suspected cause, and from there, the narrative unfolds through a series of intertwining stories and flashbacks. At its heart, Little Fires Everywhere is about the impact of secrets, parental expectations, and the ways in which the choices of individuals can shape their lives and the lives of others. With sharp prose and vivid characters, Ng expertly tackles tough issues of race, class, and the moral gray areas that define human behavior.

Themes in Little Fires Everywhere

1. Race, Class, and Privilege: One of the central themes of Little Fires Everywhere is the tension between race, class, and privilege. The novel explores how the Richardsons, a well-off white family, benefit from the privileges of wealth and racial homogeneity, while the Wangs, a Chinese-American family, face the challenges of both racial discrimination and economic instability. The stark contrast between these two families is central to the story, as their differences fuel the cultural and moral conflicts that arise over the course of the novel. Elena Richardson, the matriarch of the Richardson family, represents the blindness and entitlement of privilege, while Mia Warren, the artist and mother of Pearl Wang, embodies the complexity and discomfort of navigating life as an outsider in a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood. Ng explores the intersectionality of race and class, questioning the social systems that allow some people to thrive while others struggle, despite their abilities or desires to succeed.

2. Parenting, Family, and Expectations: The novel explores the pressures that come with parenthood and the sometimes unrealistic expectations parents place on their children. The Richardson family is portrayed as seemingly perfect—affluent, accomplished, and well-ordered—but beneath the surface, there is deep emotional tension. Elena Richardson’s relationship with her children reflects the idealization of family life in suburban America, but also the limitations of parental control and attachment. Her desire to maintain order and perfection in her household leads her to impose her values on her children, often ignoring their personal desires and individuality. In contrast, Mia Warren, with her unconventional and artistic lifestyle, encourages independence in her daughter Pearl. The novel questions the balance between allowing children to develop their own identities and the duty parents feel to shape them into the people they believe they should be. Ultimately, Ng examines how parent-child relationships can become strained when expectations are placed on children, and how these dynamics affect their development and sense of self.

3. Secrets and the Consequences of Keeping Them: Another important theme is the impact of secrets and the consequences that arise from keeping them. At the heart of the story is a custody battle over an infant, and the novel explores how different characters’ hidden truths—about themselves, their families, and their actions—lead to moral dilemmas and ethical choices. Mia Warren’s secret past and Elena Richardson’s judgmental attitude both serve to complicate the central conflict, with the characters’ choices ultimately revealing how deeply hidden truths can disrupt relationships and lives. The novel asks the question of whether honesty or protection is the more moral course, and the tension between these two paths is a driving force in the plot.

4. Identity and Belonging: Identity and belonging are recurring themes in Little Fires Everywhere, particularly through the character of Pearl Wang. As a teenager in a predominantly white neighborhood, Pearl grapples with her sense of self and belonging. Her relationship with the Richardson children highlights the struggles of growing up in a racially divided society and trying to navigate the complexities of both her Chinese-American heritage and the white, upper-middle-class world around her. The novel explores how identities are shaped not only by personal choices but by the society and family into which one is born. Pearl’s internal journey is one of self-discovery, as she tries to understand where she fits in a world that categorizes people based on race, class, and privilege. The novel also examines how race and class often dictate people’s sense of belonging, pushing individuals into categories they may never have chosen for themselves.

5. Revenge, Justice, and Morality: In Little Fires Everywhere, revenge and justice are explored through the various actions of the characters, especially Elena Richardson. Elena’s sense of moral superiority and her pursuit of revenge against Mia Warren for exposing her family’s vulnerabilities leads her to take actions that are morally questionable. This theme is particularly evident in the custody battle for the child of Bebe Lin, a Chinese immigrant, which becomes a legal and emotional battleground. The novel raises important questions about what constitutes justice in situations where different people have very different understandings of right and wrong. Through the characters’ varied actions, McEwan explores the nature of revenge and how it often clouds people’s judgment and sense of justice, making it difficult to distinguish between what is truly just and what is driven by personal vendettas.