From the #1 bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere, a deeply heart-wrenching novel about the unbreakable love between a mother and child in a society consumed by fear.
Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner lives a quiet existence with his loving but broken father, a former linguist who now shelves books in Harvard’s library. He knows not to ask too many questions, stand out too much, stray too far. For a decade, their lives have been governed by laws written to preserve ‘American culture’ in the wake of years of economic instability and violence. To keep the peace and restore prosperity, the authorities are now allowed to relocate children of dissidents, especially those of Asian origin, and libraries have been forced to remove books seen as unpatriotic – including the work of Bird’s mother, Margaret, a Chinese American poet who left the family when he was nine years old.
Bird has grown up disavowing his mother and her poems; he doesn’t know her work or what happened to her, and he knows he shouldn’t wonder. But when he receives a mysterious letter containing only a cryptic drawing, he is drawn into a quest to find her. His journey will take him through the many folktales she poured into his head as a child, through the ranks of an underground network of librarians, into the lives of the children who have been taken, and finally to New York, where a new act of defiance may be the beginning of much-needed change.
Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can turn a blind eye to the most searing injustice. It’s a story about the power – and limitations – of art to create change in the world, the lessons and legacies we pass onto our children, and how any of us can survive a broken world with our hearts intact.
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What a powerful story. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the blurb – but as a librarian in a previous life, I was excited read a book about books and censorship. In reality, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng was so much more than that. At its core, the story was about a son seeking a mother who had walked away, but the heart of the story was in the why, not the how. Definitely a story more about the journey than the destination. Beyond the simple story, the reasons why spoke far too much to the world that we are currently living in. In this, Our Missing Hearts inspired and terrified me in equal measure. Although in some ways exaggerated, many of the central themes hit much too close to home in our post pandemic life. The alienation of a whole race of people for the perceived crimes of the few. The refusal to base the rule of law on facts, rather the opinions of an influential minority. The importance of librarians in a time of “fake news” and social media. The impact that one person can have on the world if they only have hope for a better society. Rebecca, ACT, 5 Stars
I loved this book! So many books have great stories but average writing. Celeste Ng writes beautifully which only enhances the story. Ng has created a not-unlikely scenario anti-Chinese sentiment and MAGA are real and heart breaking. At its core, this is a book about stolen children – the loss both they and their parents feel. It’s also about hatred, racism, and persecution, and how easily they flourish when onlookers turn a blind eye. Our Missing Hearts was a pleasure to read, even with its heavy themes. Easily the best book I’ve read this year – highly recommend it!! Yvonne, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this story! Although set in a dystopian world, it is not difficult to relate to or imagine such events happening. The theme of the removal and separation of children from their families is one reminiscent of many historical and contemporary examples. It is an evocative story, told through beautiful language where not a word is wasted. It is a story of family and friendship and of grief, love and loss. While at times dark, disturbing and bleak it also has moments of joy and hope. It has an amazing cast of characters. I particularly loved the main character, 12 year old Bird, and his gutsy, tough, straight talking best friend Sadie. It is a difficult read at times but definitely well worth it. Sharon, VIC, 5 Stars
Our Missing Hearts has the good bones that I’d expect from an Ng novel: carefully-described characters and a strong plot. Young Bird Gardner sets out on a quest to find and understand his missing mother. As in any good quest, along the way he finds a band of friends and fellow travellers. The settings include campus, city and country, and for book lovers (no spoilers): libraries and librarians are key. This is an utterly dystopian novel set in a near-future where community division and tension builds to The Crisis; a Crisis to which the PACT (Preserving American Culture and Traditions) legislation is seen as an answer. In this book, Ng explores the consequences of such legislation – on families of all types and cultures. PACT brings punishment and separation, and the book explores who pushes back, how and why. This is my kind of science/future fiction: it explores what might happen if just a couple of simple facts we take to be true are manipulated. Our Missing Hearts is unputdownable: mysterious and terrifying. I liked Ng’s previous books – but I consider this one on another level of masterful storytelling. One for those who enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale or The Power. Kylie, SA, 5 Stars
I was really looking forward to reading this book and am so glad that I did. It is now my new favourite Celeste Ng book. I do find that dystopian novels can be heavy reading for me, and this was definitely tough to read at times. Particularly because it is an all-so-believable and bleak future for these times. “You think this is something new? She shook her head. Margaret listened. She began to learn: there was no new thing under the sun. [..] There was a long history of children taken, the pretexts different but the reasons the same.” p238. What saved me from sinking into a dark place under the weight of the storyline was the quality of the writing and the characterisation. Noah, whose voice was heard most often throughout the book, was such a lovely boy whose responses to an increasingly shocking world felt realistic and genuine. I also loved the use of art and myth/storytelling in this narrative. And of course, as a booklover, the role of libraries and librarians was pretty cool too. A modern retelling of 1984 with sympathetic, likable characters. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
Like Celeste Ng’s previous books, I loved Our Missing Hearts. Celeste’s writing draws you in right from the start, is addictive & one of those books that robs you of sleep as you realise you cannot put it down. It is easy to read & flows beautifully. I love how researched her books are. It is, however, confronting to say you love a book about this subject matter. Although it is set in a dystopian alternate universe, the concept seems scarily real in how easily it could actually happen. How the powers in charge can take incremental steps to somewhere unrecognisable. And somehow parallels previous policies such as the stolen generation & white Australia policy. It would certainly be a perfect choice for a bookclub, with so much to discuss. I highly recommend this book. Clare, NSW, 5 Stars
A powerful dystopian novel about a mother’s love, the impact of story-telling, and the way fear and suspicion can be overcome by love. Adored the author’s taut, minimalist prose and Bird’s wary but curious point of view. A terrifying and eye-opening peek into a very-possible American future – a fear that pervades the plot and keeps tension high through out. Masterclass! Leearna, VIC, 5 Stars
I found ‘Our Missing Hearts’ to be a really beautiful and thought-provoking read. So wonderfully written. In a World gone mad this is the story of a Mother’s love for her child and they fight for what she knows is right even if it means she will have to put herself at risk. With everyone under constant control and people fearful that if they are ever seen to do or say the wrong thing or even to support someone who might say or do the wrong thing then without warning the authorities will arrive and rip your children away from you under the guise of protecting them. This is something that has happened throughout our history and will continue to happen if we don’t stand up and say “This is wrong”. I found that I really wanted Bird to find his mother and understand why she left him. Bird is very bright and like his mother, he is a very stubborn child who knows what he wants and fights for it. Everyone should read this wonderful story. Annamaree, QLD, 5 Stars
Our Missing Hearts is a beautifully written story which I will think about for a long time. There are lots of issues to ponder and it would be a fabulous book to choose for bookclub as there is lots to discuss Celeste Ng has a power with words and I’m keen to explore other books she’s written One of the best books I’ve read this year. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
I love the title of Our Missing Hearts, very emotive and the theme with both a mother struggling and her son, so affecting on the reader. It is a dystopian novel set-in a near future authoritarian world. Ng is such a capable storyteller, and her writing is so captivating, I was all in after the very first chapter. However, it is a heavy and dark read, suggests a bleak dystopian future that holds little happy moments so beware it will have a significant impact on the reader. The novel follows Bird, a 12-year-old boy who lives with his white father after his Chinese American mother, Margaret Miu, disappeared or left them. Bird often wonders and thinks of his mother, where she is, what she is doing, but can’t go beyond the wonders in his mind due to the patriotic and racist society he lives in. He has learned not to be of any trouble and has been forced by the PACT to suppress his Asian identity, yet he embarks on a quest to find out the truth. One day Bird receives a shadowy letter from his mother that contains only a drawing, he decides this is his time to start to search for his mother and the meaning of this strange drawing. The story also delves into this mother and the reader learns how the PACT was formed, and how it governs through new laws that ultimately seek to preserve “American culture”. Hence, the Asian community was mad to feel incredibly ostracised. The story is told in three parts through Bird’s and Margaret’s points of view. A clever technique to keep the reader interested. The characters, the plot and the setting were all beautifully written, and the pace of the novel is smooth and steady. Sam, QLD, 5 Stars
There is so much beauty in Our Missing Hearts, despite its focus on some pretty dire circumstances, attesting to the incredible skill of Celeste Ng as a storyteller and writer. The story is told from the dual perspectives of 12-year old Bird and his mother, Margaret, who were separated in mysterious circumstances following a period of instability culminating in the establishment of PACT, the Preserving American Culture and Traditions Act. Although the book is set in a dystopian near-future, the themes of political and economic instability, fear, racism, and injustice are, unfortunately, timeless. Equally timeless are the themes of love, loyalty, and courage during times of persecution, which are so beautifully depicted in this book. While Our Missing Hearts could probably be described as character-driven and slower-paced, the plot was so interesting that I did not want to put the book down. I also loved viewing the story from both Bird’s and Margaret’s perspective. I really adored Our Missing Hearts and I know this beautiful book will stay with me for a very long time. Amanda, QLD, 5 Stars
A wonderful thought provoking story of love and fear. Endearing and relatable characters take us through a journey of life that isn’t too far-fetched from what could be all our realities. I truly loved this book and recommend it to all my friends. Megan, WA, 5 Stars
A number of elements stay with me from this book. That a simple phrase, offered innocently in a poem, can become used by others as a tool for great unrest and turmoil – the “Crisis”. That the author of that phrase can be vilified and forced underground. And that the Crisis can in turn bring an authoritarian political response, with dire outcomes for particular ethnic groups within society. The author unfolds the story at a gentle pace and the small group of characters are well developed and, for the most part, sympathetic. Paranoia is real and necessary in this society and drives a lot of the storylines. Aiming to be unremarkable is a watchword for many in this world. But variously the characters grow and are drawn into risk taking and challenging their environment, but at what cost? I thought the main mother/son storyline was not truly compelling, and left me rather flat. As did the seeming futility of the final act of defiance. But having said that, I did enjoy the read and the peek into what could lie ahead in the USA. Ian, ACT, 5 Stars
This is my first experience of Celeste Ng’s work, though I’ve had Little Fires Everywhere on my TBR for a while. I will DEFINITELY be bumping that one up now! The writing is smooth, lyrical, emotive, and really quite phenomenal. If you’re a fellow logophile, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this gorgeous book – I found it to be pleasantly peppered with some of my favourite words. The storyline itself, while thematically heart-wrenching, I found to be more thought provoking than tear jerking. These themes aren’t new – they mirror real life, and I think we should all be inspired to ask questions. Additionally, it’s a hopeful novel. In the spirit of “once you know better, you do better”, Bird’s mum turns to activism in response to her new understanding of the situation. We can all do (even small) things to create a fairer and more just world, and this novel reaffirms this. A gorgeous read, and I’m very appreciative of having been given a copy to review. Eva, WA, 5 Stars
What a great read! Full of some of my favourite things – cats, librarians, stories and the strong belief that grass roots action can change things for the better. Set in a future imagined (but sadly not improbable) world, this story will make you think about your own beliefs and values. Part an account of one family’s struggle in a racist jingoistic America, part detective story. The main characters are believable and likeable, the dialogue excellent and the plot line is complex and compelling. 10 out of 10! Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
Bird has grown up disavowing his mother and her poems. He doesn’t know her work or what happened to her, and he knows he shouldn’t wonder. But when he receives a mysterious letter, containing only a cryptic drawing, he is pulled into a quest to find her. His journey will take him back to many folktales, she poured into his head as a child through the ranks of a underground network of librarians, into the lives of children who have been taken, and finally to New York City. This book is a heartbreaker to love at all costs. A young boy’s journey to find out the truth. It broke my heart many times 💔. A very good read. Noeleen, WA, 5 Stars
Our Missing Hearts introduces us to a world where children are taken from their politically outspoken parents as easily as books are removed from shelves for their unpatriotic content, and citizens are encouraged to report on “potential threats” in the community. In this dreary place, 12-year-old Bird Gardner tries to live a quiet life with his broken father. When he starts receiving mysterious letters, he decides to find the mother who left him years ago. I still feel uneasy describing this book as dystopian because it draws disturbing parallels to life under despotic or imperialist regimes. Despite this bleak setting, I love how its lyrical prose captures grief and longing – this is where Margaret’s voice stands out. I will take Bird’s innocent and hopeful outlook with me. His nostalgic journey with legends and myths harks back to my childhood. My only gripe is that Sadie’s story appears to have bookended the novel. I feel there is much to explore from her forcible separation from her family. Overall, it is a book I definitely recommend. Agnes, NSW, 4 Stars
A book that showcased the power of words on behalf of those who have been silenced. The author’s compassion shone through in this book through the issues of racism, social injustice and economic inequalities. This is a book that at some parts, on an emotional level, I found difficult to read and which I’m sure at similar parts were difficult for the author to write. I came away from the final page of this book with more knowledge and empathy than I had before. Hats off to Celeste Ng. Romina, VIC, 4 Stars
Our Missing Hearts introduces us to Bird (Noah), a twelve-year-old boy, whose estranged mother makes contact after her mysterious disappearance some years earlier. Bird’s mother is Chinese and there is an undercurrent of racism toward Asians and minorities following ‘The Crisis’, a period of economic and social upheaval in the USA, believed a result of China’s success. Following the crisis, a government policy was enabled, espousing American values but creating a culture of fear, particularly for Asian Americans or those deemed to be a sympathetic to Asian people or customs. Bird begins unlocking memories of his childhood while trying to decode a letter he receives from his mother, then embarks on a quest to New York to find her. He begins to notice small acts of dissention and starts to question everything he has been taught or lead to believe. He also faces the disappearance of his friend Sadie, who like many other children, was forcibly removed from her parents. Our Missing Hearts is beautifully written and very much a commentary on issues such as racism, the forceful removal of children from families and censorship, while it also explores themes of love, motherhood and giving voice to the oppressed. Melissa, VIC, 4 Stars
An ominous read about a dystopian world rooted in the reality of human history, and reflecting several elements of the present. At its heart is a reflection of the deep love of a parent for their child, and how they would sacrifice everything to keep that child safe. Beautiful and haunting. Mopsy, VIC, 4 Stars
This book took me in slowly, in fact I almost gave up, the early chapters were very repetitive and I was waiting for some kind of storyline, then we got there. Wow did we get there. Hard to put the book down when we reached this stage, it made me sad, happy and so, so angry. The storyline is as relevant today as it was ‘back in the day’. Celeste Ng has a different way of writing compared to what I usually read, and it was enlightening. I recommend this book, but just know that it will take some work in the early chapters, then you will be rewarded. Davina, SA, 4 Stars
Our Missing Hearts presents us with an unknown world and the agony of being separated from family. It is the heartbreaking story of finding where we belong. Hauntingly beautiful… Chiara, WA, 4 Stars
In post-crisis USA fear and distrust of Asians are fomented as China is blamed and Asian-Americans are demonised as collaborators. Set against this backdrop, the tale is of a couple’s love and the steps taken to protect their son and the role a poet might play in challenging a system. Though the story is fictional, history and recent events make it unnervingly possible. It is a disturbing read with tension and brutality growing. It is also a story with much beauty, poetry and ultimately perhaps some hope. I’d been looking forward to reading this book, having really enjoyed Celeste Ng’s previous novels. It didn’t disappoint! Thanks to Better Reading for my advance copy which is much appreciated. Marlies, VIC, 4 Stars
Wow! I could not put this down. Deep, social, engrossing to say the least! What a journey to behold with this wonderfully written tale. Our missing hearts is truly a read for the ages. April, TAS, 4 Stars
It took me a while to get into this book, but when I did, I just had to keep on reading. I had to find out how Bird got on with the search for his mother, and find out what exactly Margaret was up to and how she was going to execute her plan. We don’t know what that plan is – until it happens, but you have the sense that it is something big and that it will have the potential to change the suffering that life had become for not only their family. Their way of life doesn’t make for happy reading; the demands, restrictions and limitations placed on their society is both shocking and horrible. But everyone lives with it because to bring too much attention to themselves can have dire consequences! This is what Bird and Margaret are caught up in. Celeste Ng has written a ‘beautiful’ story with some wonderful descriptions of the world they inhabit, but more so she has a way of getting into the minds and hearts of her main characters. I really liked this book. I didn’t think I would, but I did! Chris, VIC, 4 Stars
I have previously enjoyed Celeste’s previous books but was a bit apprehensive going into this one as I’m not the biggest fantasy/ dystopian fan. I’m glad I took the chance. This one is just as beautifully written as her others and I enjoyed the character driven plot. like her other books italso covers a range of tough topics- American Asian discrimination, the removal of children for political control and difficult family dynamics. Told in three parts we mostly get the story told by Bird with a small part told by his mother. I loved getting to know Bird and was drawn in immediately and wanted to find out what was happening in the world, who his mother was and why she left. I enjoyed the world building- it was one that was familiar but different. Apparently based on real life events. I loved learning more of the poetry and folktales that were interwoven through the story. Another solid novel. Kirsten, ACT, 4 Stars
Amazing and terrifying, this book is an all too real picture of a possible future fuelled by the fear, censorship and control currently sweeping through America (and the world). It is also the story of a boy, and his parents, doing what they think is best for the ones they love. It is beautiful and horrifying, and I highly recommend it. Kestrel, NSW, 4 Stars
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