Celeste Ng – Little Fires Everywhere Be wary of a narrative that switches perspectives between numerous characters, for sometimes, it is darting wildly trying to conjure an interesting story because the writer is unable to do so with limited characters. Frustratingly, Little Fires Everywhere is not one of those. Whilst the narrative focuses on several characters and darts between their perspectives, the characterisation is unrivalled in anything else I have read this year. Central to the story is Shaker Heights, a middle to upper class development and community of perfectly designed houses and roads that were designed so children didn’t have to cross them on their way to their over-performing schools – “the underlying philosophy being that everything could – and should – be planned out.” Our focus is on the Richardsons, a family who seemingly embodies the Shaker spirit and values. Trip, the athletic older son, Lexie, the lithe and attractive girl to be feared, arty outsid...