In Celeste Ng’s contemporary dystopian novel, Our Missing Hearts, Bird, an Asian American child, and his mother Margaret navigate an oppressive society shaped by the anti-Asian law PACT. Margaret, a poet, goes into hiding to oppose the government while Bird deciphers story-encoded messages to reunite with her. The novel highlights the roles of librarians, storytellers, and readers in championing truth. The book addresses themes of racism and includes hate crimes and racial slurs.

Readers who enjoy Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng are drawn to thought-provoking dystopian novels with deep emotional resonance and social critique. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood or 1984 by George Orwell will appreciate Ng’s exploration of authoritarianism and cultural identity.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng has been praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth. Critics admire Ng's lyrical prose and timely exploration of societal and familial issues. However, some find the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it is deemed a thought-provoking and poignant read, resonating strongly with contemporary themes.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Emotional / Dark / Challenging

- Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng is set in a dystopian America and explores themes of family, art, and the power of storytelling.
- To celebrate the book's release, Celeste Ng collaborated with talented artists to create a series of artworks inspired by Our Missing Hearts, highlighting its thematic elements visually.
- Celeste Ng is known for her in-depth character development and societal critiques, as seen in her previous best-selling novels, which have garnered critical acclaim and wide readership.

**Bird (Noah)**  
Bird is the 11-year-old biracial protagonist of *Our Missing Hearts*. He is curious about the world and seeks to understand the mystery of his mother, Margaret, who left the family years ago. He shares a close bond with his father, Ethan, but struggles with the racial prejudices he faces as an Asian American. Bird embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his mother’s activism against PACT, driven by clues she left behind.

**Margaret**  
Margaret is Bird's mother and a secondary protagonist in *Our Missing Hearts*. She is a poet and activist who becomes a symbol of resistance against the oppressive PACT policies. Her strong desire to combat societal injustices leads her to make significant sacrifices, including leaving her family to protect them.

**Sadie**  
Sadie is a 12-year-old schoolmate of Bird in *Our Missing Hearts*. She is separated from her parents due to PACT and resides in foster care, driven by the hope of reuniting with them. Sadie plays a crucial role in Bird's journey by revealing the truth about his mother’s activism and offering him friendship and support.

**Domi (The Duchess)**  
Domi is a college friend of Margaret in *Our Missing Hearts*. Despite her wealth, she supports the underground librarian movement by providing refuge for Margaret, Sadie, and Bird. Her commitment to activism remains strong, utilizing her resources to assist the cause.

**Ethan**  
Ethan is Bird’s father and Margaret’s husband in *Our Missing Hearts*. As a linguist, Ethan values language and plays a key role in keeping Bird safe while navigating the societal challenges posed by PACT. His love for his family is evident, although his choices sometimes inadvertently push Bird to seek the truth on his own.

Celeste Ng

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