In a near future in America, an economic crisis and the resulting breakdown in society has led to a repressive government where so-called patriotism is uppermost. Particular hostility is felt towards anyone who appears to be of Chinese origin, as China has been seen to flourish at America’s expense, and random acts of violence are common. Children of anyone suspected of protesting against the regime are now being removed and sent to new families where they are unlikely to ever be found. Twelve year old Noah (Bird) does not understand why his Chinese-American mother left the family, and why his linguistics professor father was demoted to a book shelver in the university library. He begins to notice signs of subversion around him, and to see that the protest slogan is a phrase from one of his mother’s poems, “Our Missing Hearts.” When he discovers clues to where she is, he determines to find her and to discover the truth. This is a powerful novel which also seems frighteningly plausible, especially considering the anti-Chinese feeling that was displayed after the Coronavirus pandemic broke out. A thoughtful exploration of how quickly democracy can be eroded in extreme circumstances and how people can find ways to protest this, often at huge personal cost, is made particularly effective by illustrating it through the eyes of a child. There are all sorts of resonances to modern life- book censorship, cancellation culture, racism, toxic patriotism to name a few. There is also a strong emotional pull from the portrayal of parent/child bonds and the power of that love and loss. A wonderful, devastating but ultimately hopeful book.

I think this is the first time that Celeste has written a dystopian novel but it’s so credible, it is almost like a true story reflecting what is going on now and in our past. At the end of the book Celeste has listed books that we might like to read following on from issues she has raised in her book. This has encouraged me to write at the end of this review my own thoughts on one of the main issues raised that of children being forcefully removed from their families for not being totally committed to PACT - “preserving American culture and traditions”. These children were usually Asian or partly Asian. PACT is the result of Crisis which was an economic depression where many families lost jobs, houses and could not afford to eat. The main character is Noah whose other name is Bird. The first part of the book is seen through his eyes and the second through the eyes of his mother, Margaret. Bird was not taken away from his home as his Chinese mother whose poetry was put on the banned list, took herself away to spare her son. However, Bird’s friend Sadie was removed from her family. Bird’s father wanted to keep Bird safe encouraging him never to question authority. It would be a total spoiler to discuss the ending but it is the ending I would have expected of Celeste. The issues raised are dark but Celeste writes beautifully and her characters are well formed. As a librarian, how nice it is to have the stereotype reversed. Librarians play a very active role in the book. Covid has made some people turn against China where the virus allegedly started and some Asian people have been blamed and so it is possible to see how a story like this one could indeed happen and in some ways did happen in Nazi Germany. However, it is the issue of stolen children that affected me most. If you have seen the film “”Rabbit-proof fence”, you will know exactly what happened in Australia. For my own part, I volunteered for a while in the Archives at Nazareth House. Nazareth House is now a care home and run by wonderful Sisters and other carers but this has not always been the case. It was once a children’s home and while working in the archives, I came across heartbreaking stories of children who were sent to countries such as Australia without the knowledge of their parents. These children were often meant to be in care just for a short time. Their names and dates of birth were often changed. It was not just Nazareth House where this happened. Investigations are taking place to this day. Much food for thought in this book!

This novel feels something of a departure for NG, whose previous books I have loved. This is no exception, It's a real page turner and chillingly prescient, set in the near future. The story centres around Bird a 9 year old boy who lives with his father in an apartment attached to the University in Cambridge, Mass. His mother, Margaret has disappeared following fears that if she stayed Bird would be taken from the family. Bird searches for his mother and finds her for a short time but discovers that she is in fact ever present in her poetry and in the minds and hearts of his family and others. It sounds a bit twee but it's really isn't. This is a touching story of fear and love and family.Told first through Bird's eyes then through Margaret's it's beautifully done and we never feel lectured..The heartbreaking reality of being abused for looking different is shown compassionately and with genuine feeling.. Chidlren being separated from parents happens all the time in the USA and elsewhere. The state has ultimate control over our children something you only know once you've been at risk. The rise in racism against Asian people during the early stages of the Covid Pandemic is what Ng credits for the inspiration for this chilling novel but there have been instances forever of how the US ( and other countries) views Asian peoples to be a threat. At this exact moment I can read multiple stories blaming China for the economic situation and I know of individuals who have been targeted and face abuse daily. It isn't really fiction , it's a foretelling. Highly recommend.

Having read and loved Celeste Ng's previous books I was eager to read this ARC copy of her new work gifted to me by NetGalley and the publisher. The book was not what I was expecting at all but wow, what a powerful and emotive read. This is a deeply political book covering a myriad of topics including racial discrimination, abuse of Government power, police brutality, destruction of families, the transformative power of literature and the power of love. The book is beautifully written yet offers a dark vision for the future - sadly one that is frighteningly feasible. A challenging but necessary and deeply thought provoking read. Highly recommended

This is a well written story of a young, teenage boy trying to piece together his family history and work out with his missing mother is no longer in contact with him. Set against a challenging political backdrop of a dystopian America intent on censorship and introspection, Bird is a fragile, sometimes lonely protagonist. It’s a story that really takes you on the journey with him and is beautifully evocative and thought provoking. I read it in a matter of days and the characters stay with you long after you finish the story.