Little Fires Everywhere

About “Little Fires Everywhere”

Little Fires Everywhere is a 2017 novel by Celeste Ng set in Shaker Heights, a planned suburban community near Cleveland. The story centers on Elena Richardson, a woman who values order and rules, and Mia Warren, an artist and single mother who moves into the town with her daughter Pearl. Their presence disrupts the community's sense of control. When a custody battle arises over a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided, and Mia and Elena find themselves on opposite sides. The novel explores themes of secrets, identity, and motherhood, as well as the consequences of rigid adherence to rules. It also examines the complexities of privilege and the impact of hidden pasts. The story is told through multiple perspectives, revealing the interconnected lives of the characters and the tensions that arise between them.