by Celeste Ng
This book is a riveting, frustrating, powerful, sad, fascinating roller coaster ride. At its core, it is a family drama. It deals with prejudice, parents’ hope that their children will live out their missed opportunities, unspoken love, missed chances, second chances, sibling relationships, loyalty, infidelity. So many powerful themes.
The writing is absolutely superb. Ng uses a third person omniscient approach, but in a way that feels both distant and yet extremely close to each character. It’s almost like she’s a ghost, passing through each character’s heart and mind, while also watching all of the action from a distance.
The book is sad, so I’m sure some people will have a hard time reading it. But, it’s totally worth it.
