65 pages 2 hours read

Celeste Ng

Our Missing Hearts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Celeste Ng’s contemporary dystopian novel, Our Missing Hearts, Bird, an Asian American child, and his mother Margaret navigate an oppressive society shaped by the anti-Asian law PACT. Margaret, a poet, goes into hiding to oppose the government while Bird deciphers story-encoded messages to reunite with her. The novel highlights the roles of librarians, storytellers, and readers in championing truth. The book addresses themes of racism and includes hate crimes and racial slurs.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng has been praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth. Critics admire Ng's lyrical prose and timely exploration of societal and familial issues. However, some find the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it is deemed a thought-provoking and poignant read, resonating strongly with contemporary themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Our Missing Hearts?

Readers who enjoy Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng are drawn to thought-provoking dystopian novels with deep emotional resonance and social critique. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood or 1984 by George Orwell will appreciate Ng’s exploration of authoritarianism and cultural identity.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Themes

Identity: Race

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Topics

Race / Racism