an absolutely STUNNING novel. i will be talking about this book to each and every person i can. this whole, shattered, unique, and complicated book is masterful. Ng’s writing is beautiful, and each and every character feels like a real person. it’s hard to believe this slow-burn family saga is only a mere ~330 pages. it’s something i imagine Ng spent years on - sculpting each person and perfecting each voice. something i imagine Ng thought of when looking at a photograph, or when overhearing a child cry, or while looking at a fire for too long before bedtime. something that inspired her, ignited her, and led her to write something so wonderful, so complex, as this.