E V E R Y T H I N G I N E V E R T O L D Y O U

// Everything I Never Told You // Celeste Ng // Book Review //

“The things that go unsaid are often the things that eat at you—whether because you didn't get to have your say, or because the other person never got to hear you and really wanted to.”

1970’s Ohio, a Chinese American family, their daughter’s body is found in the lake, only 16 years old. Lydia was the favourite, the middle child, the one to fulfil their missed opportunities. A dramatic and moving look at a family, ripped apart in the middle, showcasing the struggles.

I found this one a really HARD read, it was intense, upsetting and frustrating at times. I think that was the point. I would strongly suggest, that you are in the right head space, to get to grips with this book. It shone a strong light on family dynamics, some not so great, racism and pressure, expectations and favouritism. You will forget all about Lydia by the time the book finishes, the family is on a rollercoaster set for disaster from the start. I have to say I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, not sure if that was intentional from the author. Mixed feelings with that.

A gripping read, still struggling to put my feelings into words for this one....not going to rate it for that reason.