“Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground and start over. After the burning, the soil is richer, and new things can grow.”
Chapter 1
The Richardson family’s home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, burns down. The fire is ruled arson, and suspicion falls on the youngest daughter, Izzy. The narrative then shifts back to the events leading up to the fire.
Chapter 2
Mia Warren, an artist and single mother, and her daughter Pearl rent an apartment from the Richardsons. Pearl becomes fascinated with the Richardson family, while Mia’s mysterious past intrigues Elena Richardson.
Chapter 3
Pearl befriends the Richardson children—Lexie, Trip, and Moody—while Mia begins working as the Richardsons’ housekeeper. Tensions arise as Elena probes into Mia’s background.
Chapter 4
Lexie, the eldest Richardson daughter, struggles with her college applications and a secret relationship. Meanwhile, Mia’s artistic process and unconventional lifestyle clash with Elena’s structured worldview.
Chapter 5
A custody battle erupts over an abandoned Chinese American baby, May Ling/Mirabelle, between her biological mother, Bebe Chow, and the wealthy adoptive parents, the McCulloughs. Mia supports Bebe, while Elena sides with the McCulloughs.
Chapter 6
Pearl grows closer to Trip, causing tension with Moody, who has a crush on her. Meanwhile, Izzy, the rebellious Richardson daughter, bonds with Mia, seeing her as a maternal figure unlike Elena.
Chapter 7
The custody trial intensifies, exposing racial and class biases. Mia’s past is revealed—she once gave up a baby for surrogacy under financial pressure, deepening her empathy for Bebe.
Chapter 8
Lexie faces a personal crisis after an abortion, revealing her privileged mindset. Meanwhile, Elena discovers Mia’s hidden connection to a famous artist and threatens to expose her.
Chapter 9
Elena confronts Mia, leading to a heated argument. Izzy, disillusioned with her family, plans to run away. The McCulloughs win custody of May Ling, devastating Bebe.
Chapter 10
Bebe kidnaps May Ling and flees. The Richardsons’ conflicts escalate—Izzy sets the house on fire in rebellion. Mia and Pearl leave Shaker Heights, their futures uncertain.
Key Ideas
- Motherhood and identity—exploring biological vs. adoptive bonds.
- Class and racial tensions in suburban America.
- Rebellion against societal expectations and conformity.
- The destructive and regenerative power of secrets.
- Art as both escape and confrontation.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Little Fires Everywhere (TV series) | Starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, expands on racial themes. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of family dramas with deep emotional conflicts.
- Readers interested in suburban life and racial dynamics.
- Those who enjoy character-driven narratives with moral ambiguity.