The tension between a rule follower and a rule breaker. Complacency verses challenge. This novel takes place in Shaker Heights, a planned neighborhood in Ohio, reminiscent of the those in Desperate Housewives or Big Little Lies. Everything seems a little too perfect. Every “I” is dotted and every “T” is crossed.

We meet Elena Richardson, journalist, mother of four, wife of a partner at a prestigious law firm. We then meet Mia Warren, an artist and single mother of one, who lives the life of a nomad, never staying in one place for too long. Mia challenges the order and precision that Elena stands for and reminds Elena of her younger, free-spirited self. As the novel progresses, their lives and children become entangled in various, complicated ways. The real drama begins when a friend of Elena’s tries to adopt a Chinese-American baby, and the characters are forced to take sides.

Most people have an Elena in their lives; she believes herself to be a good, generous person who is always right and knows what is best – for herself, her family and her friends. The novel does a nice job showing how her “holier than thou” personality impacts her children both directly and indirectly. As the story unfolds, you see her blind spots and weaknesses, though she does not.

While this is not a “must read”, I enjoyed its exploration of how individuals react when they are put in uncomfortable situations. The conflict between Elena and Jane draws parallels to the conflict between Renata (Laura Dern) and Jane (Shailene Woodley) in Big Little Lies (for those who have watched the mini-series or read the book). Elena and Mia are similarly individuals operating in completely different stratospheres who are unable to get on the same page, despite the friendship of their children. The various situations the characters find themselves are polarizing, with Elena and Mia as the symbolic poles. Though I preferred Big Little Lies, this book is also about both big and little lies.

Verdict: Read it
Length: 338 pages
When you cannot wait for season two of Big Little Lies and need more drama
Favorite Quote: “All her life, she had learned that passion, like fire, was a dangerous thing. It so easily went out of control.”
Also Read: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Find LIttle Fires Everywhere here

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