We can always start over again.

Found this book randomly from a second-hand book event at Thammasat Library. I got it because I like the cover and the title. I finished it after 2 weeks at home.

There were not many twisted parts at the start of the book. I was even confused at a couple of first pages with many characters’ names and some fire discussions. Then I gradually got they are all Elena’s children. Until the life of Mia was revealed, I could understand why she is such an independent person, living like a nomad. Her fire for art is one. During the darkest time, her loved brother was dead, her parents lost trust in her, and she got strength thanks to her love for her brother, art, and her to-be-born child. Then her whole life comprised full of transcience and uprooting attachment. 3 sentences hit me hard are:

(1) Learn not to be attached to anything, people and places.

(2) We can always scorch everything to the ground and start over again.

(3) Everyone deserves more than one chance.

These are the principles to live a free life where ones follow their heart. Mia was able to raise her daughter as a single mom at the age of 20 or 21. I cannot imagine how driving the car over thousands of miles in America feels like, alone, that day, while she was 9 months pregnant. Is it since the moment her brother Warren passed away, she realized the right to raise her own child, and then nurture that sense of motherhood along the way? Mia is definitely the Hero character for me in this book. I also look up to Izzy, a 10-year-old kid who learns to see who are rebels for her. It was not hatred for no reason, but for the disrespect and takeaway to what transforms her, who accepts her and ignites her inner whole. I like characters who do things extraordinarily for the right beliefs.

Yes, there are rules, however, sometimes, rules conflict with ethics or human rights. So breaking the rule, and burning the house is understandable.

If I were to imagine what would happen to all characters after the unexpected ending, I would say people would be hurt initially and need to learn their lessons. Elena would discover the lie of Lexie very soon, and the whole family would be guilty of Mia and Pearl and could not do anything but reflect on their past. Elena’s ego is high, and her belief in conformity is also strong. She blamed on everything only seeing the name “Pearl Warren” at the clinic without actually talking to Pearl at all. She talked to her son, then Mia who she thought are influential stakeholders. Essentially, it was a complete misunderstanding. While she could not even sense what has been wrong with their children, considering the changes in their development, she devoted her time to inspecting people’s history with wrongful assumptions and even illegal requests. She merely wanted to satisfy her curiosity about Mia’s behavior, and to support her close friend’s hearing. She also tried to make up her guess about Bebe’s assuming pregnancy just by hearing others’ mouths.

Seriously, Elena could have spent her time talking to her children about life, and friendship, especially understanding Izzy’s soul. There are two things that I am fond of her. (1) She allowed her children to make their own decisions because she thought they are mature enough. (2) She offered Mia and Pearl a place and jobs to live by. But then she went the extra mile and discreetly encroached on others’ private lives. She could have invited Mia to dialogue openly as a friend. She didn’t think about how to communicate with empathy and sincerity with people. Her solution is like an instinct of a journalist. Well, maybe that’s why she likes to do that job and write up stories that have their truth questionable.

Another message sent to me in this book: It is love that matters the most, love is the healing power as well as the drive for humans to overcome the toughest times. Just like Mia’s love for her brother and daughter. Human connections are so beautiful which could be born out of differences like race, history, family, class, and age. I admire the friendship of Pearl and Moody whose ending was really sad. I cried when reading the piece when Izzy got to talk to Mia for the last time, and Mia told her that

“Sometimes you need to start over from scratch.”

Izzy tried to make sense of that part. And later, she understood when she herself ran around and found all keys to the puzzles. The fire was a fierce deed but reflects her rage for her family for how she is now left alone. Following Mia’s words, it was time to begin again, and we can always begin again. I don’t know if Izzy would be found. I guess, she would make her life through and become a strong woman, like the person she admires and could share her heart with, Mia.

Credit to #Littlefireeverywhere (Celeste Ng)

#Freemind

#Newyear

#Newage