Our Missing Hearts

by Celeste Ng

This novel presents a dystopian vision of America where fear and control shape daily life, but despite its intriguing premise, the execution feels more muted than expected. Our Missing Hearts explores themes of resistance and identity through the journey of a young boy searching for his mother, yet the tempo and emotional depth don’t quite lift it beyond familiar territory. Interesting but hardly remarkable or exciting, it lacks the urgency or unpredictability that could have made it truly compelling. After two disappointing recommendations in a row, I will say Reese is a little light on her reading choices; this is no exception.