I finished Little Fires Everywhere. As infuriating as Elena Richardson was she’s a textbook example for why you shouldn’t have kids if you don’t really want them. I’ve heard so many people say that maternal instinct is the most natural thing in the world, that if you have a uterus you’ll know exactly what to do with a baby. The reality is way more complicated. Elena’s mother and husband should’ve listened when she said she couldn’t handle another baby but they didn’t. As a result she resents poor Izzy for existing and because kids aren’t stupid Izzy can tell that her mother doesn’t like her. Another factor is that frankly Elena might not be the kind of person for whom motherhood comes naturally, but it’s easier to connect with Lexie because she can clearly see the parts of herself in her. Some people can’t accept that their kids won’t be clones of them and Elena is unfortunately one of them. Their relationship was doomed from the start.