After a slow start, this novel began to move quickly. With deftly woven characters and timely themes, we follow Ng’s characters through a mountain of thoughts and provocations. In their ordered world and planned community, the Richardson family feels safe and unencumbered by the outside world. But, when new tenants, Mia and Pearl, arrive and move into their rental property, the children are drawn to them. And soon learn new ways of thinking that will turn all their lives upside down.
“It was like training yourself to live on the smell of an apple alone, when what you really wanted was to devour it, to sink your teeth into it and consume it, seeds, core, and all.” From Little Fires Everywhere
When we first meet Mia and Pearl, they are new to the area. The Richardson family sparks a friendship with them. A conflict between family members begins the unraveling of this group. But, Mrs. Richardson’s curiosity leads her down a path of discovery which will disrupt the entire group.
Ng’s brilliantly nuance writing carries her readers on a thrilling ride on social commentary.
Librarian a la mode 