‘Everything I Never Told You’ by Celeste Ng

‘Everything I Never Told You’ by Celeste Ng is set in a small Ohio town in the 1970s. After Lydia vanishes, her Chinese-American family struggles to uncover the reasons behind her disappearance and unravel long-held family secrets.

James, although born in the US, often felt isolated as one of the few people of Chinese descent around him, yearning to fit in. Marilyn, determined to break free from traditional roles, dreams of a life beyond being a housewife.

Together, they raise three children—Nath, Lydia, and Hannah—with Lydia becoming the center of their hopes and expectations. The novel explores the complexities of family dynamics, identity, and the search for acceptance both within oneself and from others.

Amid this rich narrative, there is also a subtle but important queer side plot, adding layers to the themes of identity and belonging.

CW: family conflict, emotional abuse, grief, suicide, racial discrimination