Summary
Our Missing Hearts, published in 2022, is the third novel by acclaimed American author Celeste Ng. Set in a dystopian near-future America controlled by an oppressive government, the novel explores themes of censorship, racial prejudice, and resistance as well as illuminates the power of art and storytelling, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child. This instant New York Times bestseller garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including being named a Best Book of 2022 by multiple prestigious publications and selected as a Reese's Book Club Pick.
Plot
In a dystopian near-future America, 12-year-old Bird Gardner lives with his father, a former linguist now working as a library shelver. Bird's mother, Margaret, a Chinese American poet, disappeared when he was nine. The country is governed by PACT (Preserving American Culture and Traditions Act), which allows authorities to relocate children of dissidents, particularly those of Asian descent, and bans books deemed unpatriotic—including Margaret's work.
Bird's quiet life is disrupted when he receives a mysterious letter containing only a cryptic drawing. This sparks a quest to find his long-lost mother, whom he had grown up resenting for seemingly abandoning him. His journey takes him through an underground network of librarians who resist the oppressive regime.
As Bird delves deeper into his search, he rediscovers the folktales his mother shared with him as a child. These stories guide him through his adventure, helping him understand the world around him and the reasons behind his mother's disappearance. He encounters other children who have been taken from their families and learns about the far-reaching consequences of PACT.
Bird's quest ultimately leads him to New York City, where he uncovers the truth about what happened to his mother and why she left. In the process, he becomes entangled in a new act of defiance against the oppressive system, one that may spark much-needed change in their society.
Themes
Impact of government repression on families
Power of literature and art to inspire change
Resilience and courage in the face of adversity
Loss of cultural identity and heritage
Importance of underground resistance movements
Mother-child relationships and unconditional love
Dangers of unchecked nationalism and xenophobia
Setting
Our Missing Hearts takes place in a dystopian near-future United States, where economic instability and violence have led to the implementation of draconian laws. The story unfolds primarily in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where the protagonist Bird Gardner resides with his father. This setting serves as a stark contrast to the America we know today, highlighting the societal changes that have occurred under the oppressive regime.
The narrative expands beyond Cambridge as Bird embarks on a quest to find his mother, taking him through an underground network of resistance and ultimately to New York City. This journey provides a broader view of the altered American landscape, revealing how various communities have been affected by the authoritarian policies. The urban environments of both Cambridge and New York play crucial roles in shaping the atmosphere of fear and suppression that permeates the story.
At the heart of the novel's setting is the omnipresent influence of PACT (The Preserving American Culture and Traditions Act). This fictional legislation casts a shadow over every aspect of society, from the removal of books from libraries to the relocation of children deemed undesirable by the state. The era depicted is one of cultural censorship and xenophobia, particularly targeting Asian Americans, creating a chilling parallel to historical periods of American prejudice and paranoia.
Characters
Bird Gardner: The protagonist. A 12-year-old boy, Bird lives a quiet life with his father, sheltered from the harsh realities of their dystopian world. He embarks on a quest to find his mother after receiving a cryptic letter. Bird's journey leads him through an underground network of librarians and forces him to confront the truths about his mother and society.
Margaret Miu: Bird's mother, a Chinese American poet whose works have been banned. She left the family when Bird was nine years old. Margaret's absence and her controversial poetry play a central role in the plot and themes.
Ethan Gardner: Bird's father, a former linguist who now works as a librarian. He struggles to protect his son in a world that has become increasingly hostile to those of Asian descent. Ethan's love for Bird is evident, but he's broken by the loss of his wife and the oppressive society they live in.
Sadie: A librarian who helps Bird on his quest. She is part of an underground network working against the oppressive government.
Lala: A young girl Bird encounters during his journey. She represents the children who have been taken from their families under the new laws.
Vincent Chen: A former student of Ethan who becomes involved in Bird's search for his mother. He provides crucial information that helps Bird understand the bigger picture of what's happening in their society.
Quick facts
Our Missing Hearts is Celeste Ng's third novel, following her bestsellers Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere.
The novel is set in a dystopian near-future United States governed by the Preserving American Culture and Traditions Act (PACT).
The protagonist, Bird Gardner, is a 12-year-old boy searching for his missing mother.
Our Missing Hearts explores themes of censorship, racism, and the power of art and literature.
The novel features an underground network of librarians working to preserve banned books.
Our Missing Hearts was selected as a Reese's Book Club Pick by Reese Witherspoon herself.
Ng drew inspiration from real-world events and policies, including the treatment of Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The story incorporates elements of Chinese folktales and mythology.
The book's title is a reference to a poem written by Bird's mother, Margaret.
Ng spent four years writing and researching Our Missing Hearts, completing it during the pandemic.
About the Author
Celeste Ng is a critically acclaimed American novelist, born in 1980 to Chinese immigrant parents. She grew up in Pittsburgh and Shaker Heights, Ohio, before earning her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and an MFA from the University of Michigan. Ng's experiences as an Asian-American and her upbringing in diverse communities have significantly influenced her writing.
Ng's literary career took off with her debut novel, Everything I Never Told You, published in 2014. The book, which explores themes of family, love, and racial identity, became a New York Times bestseller and won numerous accolades, including Amazon's Book of the Year. Her second novel, Little Fires Everywhere, released in 2017, further solidified her reputation as a masterful storyteller. It too became a bestseller and was adapted into a critically acclaimed Hulu miniseries starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. She released third novel, Our Missing Hearts, in 2022. Set in a dystopian future America grappling with racism and censorship, the book follows a young boy's journey to reconnect with his dissident mother.
Ng's work consistently tackles complex social issues, blending personal narratives with broader societal themes. Her writing has earned her numerous accolades, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. Ng is also known for her short stories, essays, and social activism. Her work has been published in prestigious literary journals and translated into over 30 languages. Ng has used her platform to advocate for immigrant rights and social justice causes, demonstrating her commitment to addressing real-world issues both on and off the page. Her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with a wide audience has established her as one of the most influential contemporary American authors.
