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Everything I Never Told You

by Celeste Ng

★★★★☆ 3.83 (616 139 ratings)
2014 · 292 pages · ~4h 52m read · Fiction

Set in 1970s Ohio, this poignant debut novel begins with the death of Lydia Lee, the favorite child of a Chinese American family. As her parents and siblings grapple with her loss, the narrative uncovers the long-held secrets, cultural pressures, and unspoken desires that shaped their lives. It is a profound exploration of identity, the weight of expectations, and the fragile bonds of family. Ng's lyrical prose and keen psychological insight make this a haunting and unforgettable literary mystery.

A popular book with millions of readers worldwide.

Atmosphere: Real WorldVibe: TenderPacing: Fast-paced
familymysterycoming-of-age

Notable Quotes

"Before that she hadn’t realized how fragile happiness was, how if you were careless, you could knock it over and shatter it."
"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."
"What made something precious? Losing it and finding it."

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