‘Little Fires Everywhere’ author says new novel’s dystopic vision is ‘plausible — and plausible soon’

Editor’s Note: Keeping you in the know, Culture Queue is an ongoing series of recommendations for timely books to read, films to watch and podcasts and music to listen to. “Our Missing Hearts” is Ng’s first book since the Hulu-adapted, explosive suburban drama “Little Fires Everywhere.” It takes place after an economic crisis —— for which China becomes the scapegoat — upends life in the United States, allowing authoritarianism to fully take root and flourish. Add to queue: Poetic dissidence Read: “Deaf Republic” by Ilya Kaminsky Ng poured through poetry volumes while writing “Our Missing Hearts,” and Kaminsky’s volume particularly moved her. “There isn’t a better introduction to authoritarianism — and how we can counter it — than this.” Watch: “Everything Everywhere All At Once” If you haven’t yet seen the experimental A24 hit film, which stars Michelle Yeoh as a Chinese American laundromat owner trying to keep her family and business afloat before she’s dragged into a sinister multiverse-spanning plot, Ng recommends that you do, immediately. This is one of the most thought-provoking films I’ve seen in ages.” Listen: “Don’t Wanna Fight” by Alabama Shakes; “Fight Test” by The Flaming Lips; “Walls” by The Lumineers Ng offers this trio of songs for a soundtrack to “Our Missing Hearts,” saying she “hit repeat” on these tracks during the years she was writing the novel.