Lydia was the favourite child of Marilyn and James Lee. Her parents had been determined that she would fulfil the dreams they were unable to pursue themselves, though she had also been under pressures that had nothing to do with growing up. Her father is an American born of first-generation Chinese immigrants, which makes him and his children conspicuous in any setting, especially in 1970s small-town Ohio. When Lydia's body is found in the local lake, James is consumed by guilt, while Marilyn is determined to make someone accountable, no matter what the cost. Lydia's older brother, Nathan, is convinced that local bad boy Jack is somehow involved. But it's the youngest in the family, Hannah, who observes far more than anyone realises, and who may be the only one who knows what really happened ...
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Everything I Never Told You A Novel
By Celeste Ng
Lydia was the favourite child of Marilyn and James Lee. Her parents had been determined that she would fulfil the dreams they were unable to pursue themselves, though she had also been under pressures that had nothing to do with growing up. Her father is an American born of first-generation Chinese immigrants, which makes him and his children conspicuous in any setting, especially in 1970s small-town Ohio. When Lydia's body is found in the local lake, James is consumed by guilt, while Marilyn is determined to make someone accountable, no matter what the cost. Lydia's older brother, Nathan, is convinced that local bad boy Jack is somehow involved. But it's the youngest in the family, Hannah, who observes far more than anyone realises, and who may be the only one who knows what really happened ...
Popular Reviews(2)
Reviewed by Carlos R. DiazThis is the ultimate family drama. It's basically a story about a family who suffers the untimely death of its shining star: Lydia, the oldest daughter and favorite child. Yet, it's about so much more, too. The novel deals with themes of love, forgiveness, memory and history. My favorite character is the youngest child because she knows much more than people give her credit for knowing. A masterpiece of the Chinese-American experience. That is all.
Reviewed by kenI skimmed some parts, sure, but only because I can't bring myself to care about the cheating subplot. But overall, I admired the author's language, her description, and nearly cried about Nath's and Lydia's relationship. And Hannah, my favourite character in this entire piece, for being the baby of the family that no one seems to care about until her sister's death. The novel tries to say that "too much love can kill you", and I have a feeling that that is true.