Our Missing Hearts

Our Missing Hearts is a poignant exploration of family and identity, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the power of art. The story follows twelve-year-old Bird Gardner, who lives a quiet life with his father, a former linguist, in a world where his mother's voice is silenced. Margaret, a Chinese American poet, vanished when Bird was just nine years old, leaving behind a legacy of banned books and unresolved emotions.

The Plot

As Bird grapples with his feelings of abandonment, resentment, and confusion regarding his mother's artistic choices, a mysterious drawing arrives in a letter, igniting a spark of hope and determination within him. This cryptic message sets him on a quest to find Margaret, a journey that not only reconnects him with her cherished folktales but also challenges him to confront his own identity and the complexities of familial love.

Themes

• Identity: Bird's quest serves as a powerful metaphor for self-discovery and understanding one's roots.
• Art and Censorship: The narrative highlights the impact of artistic expression and the consequences of silencing voices.
• Resilience: Bird's journey reflects the strength required to face personal and societal challenges.

"Through lyrical prose and vivid imagery, Our Missing Hearts captures the essence of longing and the search for belonging."

This novel resonates with readers who appreciate works such as Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng or The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, offering a heartfelt examination of cultural identity and the bonds that tie us together, even in absence.