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The Leftover Woman
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2023)An evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women--from the New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation.
Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, on a desperate search for the daughter who was taken from her at birth--another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy. But with her husband on her trail, the clock is ticking, and she's forced to make increasingly desperate decisions if she ever hopes to be reunited with her daughter.
Meanwhile, publishing executive Rebecca Whitney seems to have it all: a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores. She's even hired a Chinese nanny to help her balance the demands of being a working wife and mother. But when an industry scandal threatens to jeopardize not only Rebecca's job but her marriage, this perfect world begins to crumble and her role in her own family is called into question.
The Leftover Woman finds these two unforgettable women on a shocking collision course. Twisting and suspenseful and surprisingly poignant, it's a profound exploration of identity and belonging, motherhood and family. It is a story of two women in a divided city--separated by severe economic and cultural differences yet bound by a deep emotional connection to a child.
Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, on a desperate search for the daughter who was taken from her at birth--another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy. But with her husband on her trail, the clock is ticking, and she's forced to make increasingly desperate decisions if she ever hopes to be reunited with her daughter.
Meanwhile, publishing executive Rebecca Whitney seems to have it all: a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores. She's even hired a Chinese nanny to help her balance the demands of being a working wife and mother. But when an industry scandal threatens to jeopardize not only Rebecca's job but her marriage, this perfect world begins to crumble and her role in her own family is called into question.
The Leftover Woman finds these two unforgettable women on a shocking collision course. Twisting and suspenseful and surprisingly poignant, it's a profound exploration of identity and belonging, motherhood and family. It is a story of two women in a divided city--separated by severe economic and cultural differences yet bound by a deep emotional connection to a child.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
About the author
Jean Kwok
11 books2,251 followersJean Kwok is the award-winning, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Leftover Woman (coming 10/10/23), Girl in Translation, Mambo in Chinatown, and Searching for Sylvie Lee, which was a Read with Jenna Today Show Pick. Her work has been published in twenty countries and is taught in schools across the world.
She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, a Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-Finalist for Mystery & Thriller, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, an Orange New Writers title, and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. She was one of twelve authors asked by the Agatha Christie estate to write an original, authorized Miss Marple story for the collection Marple: Twelve New Mysteries.
She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University. She divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City.
Learn more about Jean here:
www.jeankwok.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanKwokAuthor
She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, a Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-Finalist for Mystery & Thriller, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, an Orange New Writers title, and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. She was one of twelve authors asked by the Agatha Christie estate to write an original, authorized Miss Marple story for the collection Marple: Twelve New Mysteries.
She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University. She divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City.
Learn more about Jean here:
www.jeankwok.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanKwokAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,974 reviews
September 25, 2024
I finished this masterpiece, dabbing my tears, taking short breaths, feeling overwhelmed, and speechless. No other words can adequately express how this book rocked my entire world. My emotions are all over the place, and my heart is wrenching. I cannot find the best words to express my appreciation for this beautiful story!
As a first step, Jean Kwok discussed her own book by using one of her main characters, which was a smart move. Rebecca, a highly accomplished editor in chief, summarizes the book of Isabel Navarro, an aspiring author she wants to represent, in perfect words. However, she cannot see that the people living so close to her are also enduring the same struggles that have been told in Isabel's book.
Leftover Woman defines each woman from different races, colors, and religions who are neglected, pushed to be wallflowers, taken advantage of, and left behind defenseless, as if they have been ghosts of themselves, as if they have never existed.
This multifaceted book intertwines two characters. One of them is Jasmine, who was left by her own parents to be raised by her uncle and his wife. At the age of 14, she was sold to a man who has a powerful job in government without her consent, leaving behind Anthony, the boy she loved forever. She is physically and verbally abused, mansplained, endures miscarriages and grief of her babies, but she found out the hard truth her husband hides from her. She pays the snake heads to leave her homeland behind for starting a new life in the states as an illegal, paperless immigrant without having linguistic skills to keep her head above the water. She finds herself working at an underground strip club, serving cocktails, being groped and harassed by men to collect enough money for paying her debt to the snake heads.
The other character is Rebecca Whitney, a white, privileged, wealthy woman, a publishing executive, married to a handsome, smart, Columbia University professor, raising her adopted Chinese daughter Fifi with Chinese, clumsy nanny Lucy. After a scandal ruined her reputation in the publishing industry, she has every intention to involve herself in the play by winning the auction to work with promising author Isabel Navarro, who has written a book about a woman of color in the United States and the explosive secret she's hiding.
She gets torn between her career, wife and mother duties, and she cannot fulfill each of her responsibilities. She is afraid that a big secret she's keeping to herself may ruin everything she's worked for! Could little Fifi be the same girl taken away from Jasmine? Could Jasmine find a way to survive in a country as her husband is still looking for her? How will Jasmine and Rebecca's paths cross?
I think Jean Kwok summarized her own book's plot perfectly by using the voice of Rebecca: "It's an intricate, tightly woven story about the price of ambition, displacement, and adoption. Its themes of motherhood, identity, romantic love, and race are specific and universal at the same time."
Those words above were written to review Isabel Navarro's book, but they perfectly match the main story of Leftover Woman!
Overall, this book is the best historical fiction/multicultural interest novel of the year! It left me speechless, broke my heart into a million pieces, and took my breath away! You shouldn't miss it! Jean Kwok is one of the most talented authors of the century! I'm looking forward to devouring more of her works in the near future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this masterpiece's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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As a first step, Jean Kwok discussed her own book by using one of her main characters, which was a smart move. Rebecca, a highly accomplished editor in chief, summarizes the book of Isabel Navarro, an aspiring author she wants to represent, in perfect words. However, she cannot see that the people living so close to her are also enduring the same struggles that have been told in Isabel's book.
Leftover Woman defines each woman from different races, colors, and religions who are neglected, pushed to be wallflowers, taken advantage of, and left behind defenseless, as if they have been ghosts of themselves, as if they have never existed.
This multifaceted book intertwines two characters. One of them is Jasmine, who was left by her own parents to be raised by her uncle and his wife. At the age of 14, she was sold to a man who has a powerful job in government without her consent, leaving behind Anthony, the boy she loved forever. She is physically and verbally abused, mansplained, endures miscarriages and grief of her babies, but she found out the hard truth her husband hides from her. She pays the snake heads to leave her homeland behind for starting a new life in the states as an illegal, paperless immigrant without having linguistic skills to keep her head above the water. She finds herself working at an underground strip club, serving cocktails, being groped and harassed by men to collect enough money for paying her debt to the snake heads.
The other character is Rebecca Whitney, a white, privileged, wealthy woman, a publishing executive, married to a handsome, smart, Columbia University professor, raising her adopted Chinese daughter Fifi with Chinese, clumsy nanny Lucy. After a scandal ruined her reputation in the publishing industry, she has every intention to involve herself in the play by winning the auction to work with promising author Isabel Navarro, who has written a book about a woman of color in the United States and the explosive secret she's hiding.
She gets torn between her career, wife and mother duties, and she cannot fulfill each of her responsibilities. She is afraid that a big secret she's keeping to herself may ruin everything she's worked for! Could little Fifi be the same girl taken away from Jasmine? Could Jasmine find a way to survive in a country as her husband is still looking for her? How will Jasmine and Rebecca's paths cross?
I think Jean Kwok summarized her own book's plot perfectly by using the voice of Rebecca: "It's an intricate, tightly woven story about the price of ambition, displacement, and adoption. Its themes of motherhood, identity, romantic love, and race are specific and universal at the same time."
Those words above were written to review Isabel Navarro's book, but they perfectly match the main story of Leftover Woman!
Overall, this book is the best historical fiction/multicultural interest novel of the year! It left me speechless, broke my heart into a million pieces, and took my breath away! You shouldn't miss it! Jean Kwok is one of the most talented authors of the century! I'm looking forward to devouring more of her works in the near future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this masterpiece's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium blog
April 5, 2024
In a Nutshell: A book that is mostly women’s fiction focussing on a Chinese mom’s quest to be reunited with her daughter. The tag of ‘mystery/thriller’ applies to it in the loosest possible sense. I liked a few things but was equally unhappy with some other points. This is an outlier review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
💐 I loved Fifi’s character – the only one to be written in an age-appropriate manner. Her love for her parents, her accepting her mother’s instructions willingly, her desperation to impress her parents – all felt realistic. She was the only loveable character in the book for me.
💐 I liked the contrast between the two main characters – an undocumented immigrant and a privileged white woman. Their disparate backgrounds allowed many social points to be raised.
💐 One revelation in the book totally caught me by surprise. Just one. But it was a good one.
💐 The repercussions of China's controversial one child policy are covered well. As a resident of China’s neighbouring country, I was already aware of this policy and its consequences, hence I wasn’t shocked at the details. But it was still a creditable inclusion in this plot.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 Rebecca's character is tough to like, but I liked her representation as the ignorant “do-gooder” who can’t see her own shortcomings and her white-saviour complex. Through her arc, we get to see the systemic racism prevalent in the USA and also her ignorance of her white privilege. Admittedly, this is handled in too obtrusive a manner, but still, it was good to see the issues tackled head on. At the same time, her personal mistakes and her clumsiness sees highly exaggerated, which doesn't go with the rest of her personality. Many of her goof-ups seem forced into her arc, possibly so that we can feel sorry for her, which I didn’t.
🌹 I might have praised some aspects of Rebecca’s and her husband’s parenting techniques with Fifi, but I recently read an eye-opening anthology written by trans-racial adoptees about trans-racial experiences, and this brings into question many of the decisions taken by the couple to keep Fifi “connected to her culture.” Their heart was in the right place, but their approach was totally wrong. I don’t completely agree with the message this book sends to trans-racial adoptive parents.
🌹 The details of Rebecca's work are good at highlighting what editors actually do. But can an editor be so castigated and shunned from the industry just because an author lied in her book? The depiction seems somewhat farfetched, especially when even newspapers also call out the editor publicly in the scandal.
🌹 Jasmine’s work at the Opium club works better in comparison, representing the dark underbelly of the Asian community in NYC. I would have been very impressed by these details, had I not read a similar (and better handled) portrayal of an Asian “club” in Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s ‘Dust Child’ earlier this year. This one paled in comparison.
🌹 Unlike most readers, I liked what happened at the end, because it was the only realistic solution to the problem at hand. But the pre-climax scenes were straight from a soap opera – overly melodramatic.
🌹 The title is good (and it is explained in the book), but does it represent the story perfectly? I don’t think so. This isn’t just Jasmine’s story.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The romance in Jasmine’s arc is so cheesy YA in style! The weird metaphors and the description of the intimacy scenes are cringeworthy.
🌵 There are multiple references to the “Beautiful Country” (USA, just in case you thought it was China), multiple references to fashion brands, multiple references to being thin, multiple references to physical beauty… Aargh! The book needs some strict editing. Moreover, nothing in the story feels 2007. Especially the technological depiction. There are even some anachronisms in the conversations.
(Editing to Add: It seems that "Beautiful Country" is a direct translation of the Mandarin 美国 (Mei Guo), which stands for the USA. That's why it is used so often in the book. I am still not happy with the repetition but at least I know the reason for this quaint usage. Thank you, Allie, for this clarification in the comments!)
🌵 In what world is this a mystery-thriller and how did it even get nominated as such in the Goodreads Choice Awards - Best Mystery & Thriller (2023)? The “mystery”, if I can call it that, is totally guessable, and the thrills comes only in one action-filled chapter towards the end. Most of the book is a woman’s fiction wannabe.
🌵 The representation of China per se is very stereotypical and one-noted. (Any book that depicts a country and its citizens in just one shade is doing something wrong.)
🌵 Both Jasmine’s and Rebecca’s arcs meander away form the core plot – that of Jasmine wanting to reunite with her child, who is clearly Rebecca’s adopted daughter. (Not a spoiler – only the densest of readers would fail to establish this link from the blurb.) However, there are many frivolous subplots that take up needless page space.
🌵 There are plenty of plot holes. Even till the end, we don’t know exactly how Jasmine escaped her abusive husband and reached the US, though we know whose help she took. How does Rebecca have time to go to a gun range when she doesn’t have time for her daughter and has to work till late in the night to fulfil her professional commitments? How did Jasmine locate her child? How did Jasmine bump into Anthony so conveniently in such a big city? Ignoring a couple of plot holes is easy, but this one was as holey as a colander. The entire approach is too simplistic.
At one point, I honestly thought that I was reading a debut work. To discover that this is the tenth novel by an established writer left me astounded.
A majority of reviewers have found this a great book. So don’t listen to me being the Grinch. Please read their reviews and take a call for yourself. In the meantime, I am, as usual, perched on Outlier Island, pondering over my book selection habits.
2.5 stars.
My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Leftover Woman”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn't work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
2007. New York.
Fleeing from an abusive marriage in China, Jasmine arrives in New York City with hardly any support system of money or family. Her main purpose is to be reunited with her daughter, who, unknown to her, was taken away at birth and offered to an American couple for adoption. With her ex searching for her, Jasmine is running out of time to find her child and escape permanently. But how is she to do that?
Rebecca, an editor-in-chief at a publishing company, has it all – a job she loves, a talented and good-looking husband, a loveable adopted daughter Fifi, prestige, and wealth. However, her life suddenly seems to be on a downswing, with first her job and then her marriage in trouble. As the world around her begins to collapse, Rebecca knows she needs to save her family and her job at any cost. But how is she to do that?
The lives of these two women, as you might have guessed, are on a collision course, which forms the crux of the novel.
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Jasmine and the third person perspective of Rebecca.
Bookish Yays:
💐 I loved Fifi’s character – the only one to be written in an age-appropriate manner. Her love for her parents, her accepting her mother’s instructions willingly, her desperation to impress her parents – all felt realistic. She was the only loveable character in the book for me.
💐 I liked the contrast between the two main characters – an undocumented immigrant and a privileged white woman. Their disparate backgrounds allowed many social points to be raised.
💐 One revelation in the book totally caught me by surprise. Just one. But it was a good one.
💐 The repercussions of China's controversial one child policy are covered well. As a resident of China’s neighbouring country, I was already aware of this policy and its consequences, hence I wasn’t shocked at the details. But it was still a creditable inclusion in this plot.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 Rebecca's character is tough to like, but I liked her representation as the ignorant “do-gooder” who can’t see her own shortcomings and her white-saviour complex. Through her arc, we get to see the systemic racism prevalent in the USA and also her ignorance of her white privilege. Admittedly, this is handled in too obtrusive a manner, but still, it was good to see the issues tackled head on. At the same time, her personal mistakes and her clumsiness sees highly exaggerated, which doesn't go with the rest of her personality. Many of her goof-ups seem forced into her arc, possibly so that we can feel sorry for her, which I didn’t.
🌹 I might have praised some aspects of Rebecca’s and her husband’s parenting techniques with Fifi, but I recently read an eye-opening anthology written by trans-racial adoptees about trans-racial experiences, and this brings into question many of the decisions taken by the couple to keep Fifi “connected to her culture.” Their heart was in the right place, but their approach was totally wrong. I don’t completely agree with the message this book sends to trans-racial adoptive parents.
🌹 The details of Rebecca's work are good at highlighting what editors actually do. But can an editor be so castigated and shunned from the industry just because an author lied in her book? The depiction seems somewhat farfetched, especially when even newspapers also call out the editor publicly in the scandal.
🌹 Jasmine’s work at the Opium club works better in comparison, representing the dark underbelly of the Asian community in NYC. I would have been very impressed by these details, had I not read a similar (and better handled) portrayal of an Asian “club” in Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s ‘Dust Child’ earlier this year. This one paled in comparison.
🌹 Unlike most readers, I liked what happened at the end, because it was the only realistic solution to the problem at hand. But the pre-climax scenes were straight from a soap opera – overly melodramatic.
🌹 The title is good (and it is explained in the book), but does it represent the story perfectly? I don’t think so. This isn’t just Jasmine’s story.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The romance in Jasmine’s arc is so cheesy YA in style! The weird metaphors and the description of the intimacy scenes are cringeworthy.
🌵 There are multiple references to the “Beautiful Country” (USA, just in case you thought it was China), multiple references to fashion brands, multiple references to being thin, multiple references to physical beauty… Aargh! The book needs some strict editing. Moreover, nothing in the story feels 2007. Especially the technological depiction. There are even some anachronisms in the conversations.
(Editing to Add: It seems that "Beautiful Country" is a direct translation of the Mandarin 美国 (Mei Guo), which stands for the USA. That's why it is used so often in the book. I am still not happy with the repetition but at least I know the reason for this quaint usage. Thank you, Allie, for this clarification in the comments!)
🌵 In what world is this a mystery-thriller and how did it even get nominated as such in the Goodreads Choice Awards - Best Mystery & Thriller (2023)? The “mystery”, if I can call it that, is totally guessable, and the thrills comes only in one action-filled chapter towards the end. Most of the book is a woman’s fiction wannabe.
🌵 The representation of China per se is very stereotypical and one-noted. (Any book that depicts a country and its citizens in just one shade is doing something wrong.)
🌵 Both Jasmine’s and Rebecca’s arcs meander away form the core plot – that of Jasmine wanting to reunite with her child, who is clearly Rebecca’s adopted daughter. (Not a spoiler – only the densest of readers would fail to establish this link from the blurb.) However, there are many frivolous subplots that take up needless page space.
🌵 There are plenty of plot holes. Even till the end, we don’t know exactly how Jasmine escaped her abusive husband and reached the US, though we know whose help she took. How does Rebecca have time to go to a gun range when she doesn’t have time for her daughter and has to work till late in the night to fulfil her professional commitments? How did Jasmine locate her child? How did Jasmine bump into Anthony so conveniently in such a big city? Ignoring a couple of plot holes is easy, but this one was as holey as a colander. The entire approach is too simplistic.
At one point, I honestly thought that I was reading a debut work. To discover that this is the tenth novel by an established writer left me astounded.
A majority of reviewers have found this a great book. So don’t listen to me being the Grinch. Please read their reviews and take a call for yourself. In the meantime, I am, as usual, perched on Outlier Island, pondering over my book selection habits.
2.5 stars.
My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Leftover Woman”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn't work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
November 10, 2023
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok is a Blend of Family Fiction and Mystery Thriller!
The Leftover Woman is one my most anticipated reads of 2023...
Jasmine Yang, from a small village in China, arrives illegally, penniless, and alone in New York City running from a manipulative husband who deceived her. She's willing to take personal risks in her solitary search for the daughter taken from her at birth. She lives a life on the edge.
Rebecca Whitney is a publishing executive with a beautiful home in New York City, a gorgeous husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she loves. She also has a Chinese nanny to help balance her busy career and family life. She lives a life of comfort.
Living in two different worlds in the same city, their lives are destined to intersect...
The Leftover Woman, as one my most anticipated reads for 2023, did not disappoint. Kwok creates a rich blend of Family Drama and Mystery-Thriller giving additional layers to this complicated story. I read it slowly, lingering over the beautiful writing and compelling storytelling that surrounds topics stemming from cultural misconceptions and language barriers. The unexpected twists found along the way are a delightful bonus.
These two female protagonists are vastly different in looks, upbringing, and current status in life. This disparity is accentuated by the author's distinction between a first-person voice for Jasmine and a third-person narration for Rebecca. Jasmine's voice is personal and stirs compassion and hope for her circumstances. Rebecca's narration causes a disconnect and frustration with her 'helicopter' style stance with everything around her.
I was rooting for Jasmine based on her strength and perseverance. Rebecca, lost within her poor choices and attempts at back pedaling, was exhausting. Her self-centeredness was a difficult platform to cheer for.
The Leftover Woman is an eye-opening look at China’s controversial One Child Policy but this story is so much more than that. The author draws an artful and affecting tale, as seen through the eyes of an undocumented immigrant versus a person of privilege, that feels both thoughtful and thought-provoking. I'll definitely be waiting for Kwok's next book and hoping the wait won't be quite as long.
I highly recommend The Leftover Woman!
4.5⭐
Thank you to William Morrow and Jean Kwok for a physical ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
The Leftover Woman is one my most anticipated reads of 2023...
Jasmine Yang, from a small village in China, arrives illegally, penniless, and alone in New York City running from a manipulative husband who deceived her. She's willing to take personal risks in her solitary search for the daughter taken from her at birth. She lives a life on the edge.
Rebecca Whitney is a publishing executive with a beautiful home in New York City, a gorgeous husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she loves. She also has a Chinese nanny to help balance her busy career and family life. She lives a life of comfort.
Living in two different worlds in the same city, their lives are destined to intersect...
The Leftover Woman, as one my most anticipated reads for 2023, did not disappoint. Kwok creates a rich blend of Family Drama and Mystery-Thriller giving additional layers to this complicated story. I read it slowly, lingering over the beautiful writing and compelling storytelling that surrounds topics stemming from cultural misconceptions and language barriers. The unexpected twists found along the way are a delightful bonus.
These two female protagonists are vastly different in looks, upbringing, and current status in life. This disparity is accentuated by the author's distinction between a first-person voice for Jasmine and a third-person narration for Rebecca. Jasmine's voice is personal and stirs compassion and hope for her circumstances. Rebecca's narration causes a disconnect and frustration with her 'helicopter' style stance with everything around her.
I was rooting for Jasmine based on her strength and perseverance. Rebecca, lost within her poor choices and attempts at back pedaling, was exhausting. Her self-centeredness was a difficult platform to cheer for.
The Leftover Woman is an eye-opening look at China’s controversial One Child Policy but this story is so much more than that. The author draws an artful and affecting tale, as seen through the eyes of an undocumented immigrant versus a person of privilege, that feels both thoughtful and thought-provoking. I'll definitely be waiting for Kwok's next book and hoping the wait won't be quite as long.
I highly recommend The Leftover Woman!
4.5⭐
Thank you to William Morrow and Jean Kwok for a physical ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
October 11, 2023
***NOW AVAILABLE ***
This is a wonderful example of great storytelling that immediately captured and held my attention!
At its heart are two main characters:
Jasmine, living in China, was only 14 y/o when she was sold to a much older man. She was abused and suffered miscarriages and finally a pregnancy. After delivering the baby girl she is told that the baby was stillborn. YEARS LATER SHE KNOWS DIFFERENTLY!!
She was desperate to get out of China and paid “snakeheads” a lot of money to get to the US. Without legal papers she doesn’t have many options for making money. She settles on work in an underground strip club where her Chinese accent isn’t a problem.
Her main focus is to find the daughter that she now knows was also sold!!
Rebecca Whitney is a hard working and successful publishing editor. She has so much going on that she hires a Chinese nanny to help care for her young adopted daughter, Fifi. She and her husband hope that Lucy will help Fifi learn Chinese and other things about her heritage.
Rebecca is juggling motherhood, her job and other obligations. She is also hiding a secret which could impact her life and her career!
Rebecca’s husband, Brandon, is a professor at Columbia University and their marriage is very much centered around their daughter!
How will these two women meet and what will be the outcome?
The blurb already tells a lot so I will leave you to discover all of the plot twists and secrets.
The premise is unique as it touches upon China’s “one child policy” which was introduced in 1979. Many women were subjected to forced sterilization and abortion.as well as penalties for those found to have violated the policy, etc” .
The themes include motherhood, race, female empowerment, ambition, displacement, adoption and immigration!
I can highly recommend this novel, it will keep you turning the pages. Keep the tissues handy!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
This is a wonderful example of great storytelling that immediately captured and held my attention!
At its heart are two main characters:
Jasmine, living in China, was only 14 y/o when she was sold to a much older man. She was abused and suffered miscarriages and finally a pregnancy. After delivering the baby girl she is told that the baby was stillborn. YEARS LATER SHE KNOWS DIFFERENTLY!!
She was desperate to get out of China and paid “snakeheads” a lot of money to get to the US. Without legal papers she doesn’t have many options for making money. She settles on work in an underground strip club where her Chinese accent isn’t a problem.
Her main focus is to find the daughter that she now knows was also sold!!
Rebecca Whitney is a hard working and successful publishing editor. She has so much going on that she hires a Chinese nanny to help care for her young adopted daughter, Fifi. She and her husband hope that Lucy will help Fifi learn Chinese and other things about her heritage.
Rebecca is juggling motherhood, her job and other obligations. She is also hiding a secret which could impact her life and her career!
Rebecca’s husband, Brandon, is a professor at Columbia University and their marriage is very much centered around their daughter!
How will these two women meet and what will be the outcome?
The blurb already tells a lot so I will leave you to discover all of the plot twists and secrets.
The premise is unique as it touches upon China’s “one child policy” which was introduced in 1979. Many women were subjected to forced sterilization and abortion.as well as penalties for those found to have violated the policy, etc” .
The themes include motherhood, race, female empowerment, ambition, displacement, adoption and immigration!
I can highly recommend this novel, it will keep you turning the pages. Keep the tissues handy!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
October 14, 2023
Despite a few plotholes, this is an enjoyable blind read that kicks its gear with some thrilling scenes in the last 15%. I don't want to give too much away so I'm being vague with this review!
Jasmine Yang is from a rural Chinese village. She was sold to a rich, controlling, and abusive guy at the age of 14. She finally escaped her husband to New York through a human trafficking ring.
Rebecca Whitney is an executive at a publishing firm in NYC, married to a college Professor. They have a loving family with a young daughter FiFi.
Two women with completely different lives will soon be connected.
Told from 2 PoVs by Jasmine and Rebecca. The Leftover Woman is a story about motherhood, family, culture, race, and many more to list.
The Leftover Woman is a well written family drama. I enjoyed Jasmine's POV from a cultural perspective and also with a more suspenseful tone compared to Rebecca's. I find myself rooting for Jasmine all the way and hope she finds happiness. 3.5⭐
Jasmine Yang is from a rural Chinese village. She was sold to a rich, controlling, and abusive guy at the age of 14. She finally escaped her husband to New York through a human trafficking ring.
Rebecca Whitney is an executive at a publishing firm in NYC, married to a college Professor. They have a loving family with a young daughter FiFi.
Two women with completely different lives will soon be connected.
Told from 2 PoVs by Jasmine and Rebecca. The Leftover Woman is a story about motherhood, family, culture, race, and many more to list.
The Leftover Woman is a well written family drama. I enjoyed Jasmine's POV from a cultural perspective and also with a more suspenseful tone compared to Rebecca's. I find myself rooting for Jasmine all the way and hope she finds happiness. 3.5⭐
October 13, 2023
3.5 stars
This is the story of two very different women. Jasmine Yang is newly arrived in New York City from China, escaping an unhappy past especially her marriage, her principle objective is to search for the child taken from her at birth. She is in the United States with no papers, courtesy of the snakeheads and potentially with her husband Wen on her tail, so she has to survive as best she can. Her life is a vivid contrast to that of Rebecca Whitney, an editor in chief at a publishing house and coming from a wealthy prestigious family, she appears to have it all. However, appearances can be very deceptive. How do the lives of these very different characters connect?
The standout feature of the book for me is the excellent characterisation of the two central characters of Jasmine and Rebecca, both trying to survive, but in diametrically opposite ways. Both have very interesting back stories which we learn little by little. Jasmine’s is especially powerful as she is the leftover woman, although it could also be said of Rebecca, but in a contrasting way. Jasmine is deeply affected by the Chinese One Child policy in more ways than one and her cultural adjustments to life in the United States are enlightening, especially the racism she faces. Rebecca’s story includes relationship/family life and balancing a career and navigating the high price of ambition as a woman. Through both women there is an examination of motherhood and adoption. It’s a tale of complexity with the two narratives being woven together very well.
However, in places I find it a bit heavy going as it’s slow, there is some suspense, but not as much as I would like and the big twist is a very obvious one. I do like the ending which is emotional with plenty of drama, but which is also poignant and sad. I do think there are some loose ends and there’s a very big final fast forward in time.
Overall though, I would read this author again, as she has definitely piqued my interest.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Serpents Tail/Viper/Profile for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is the story of two very different women. Jasmine Yang is newly arrived in New York City from China, escaping an unhappy past especially her marriage, her principle objective is to search for the child taken from her at birth. She is in the United States with no papers, courtesy of the snakeheads and potentially with her husband Wen on her tail, so she has to survive as best she can. Her life is a vivid contrast to that of Rebecca Whitney, an editor in chief at a publishing house and coming from a wealthy prestigious family, she appears to have it all. However, appearances can be very deceptive. How do the lives of these very different characters connect?
The standout feature of the book for me is the excellent characterisation of the two central characters of Jasmine and Rebecca, both trying to survive, but in diametrically opposite ways. Both have very interesting back stories which we learn little by little. Jasmine’s is especially powerful as she is the leftover woman, although it could also be said of Rebecca, but in a contrasting way. Jasmine is deeply affected by the Chinese One Child policy in more ways than one and her cultural adjustments to life in the United States are enlightening, especially the racism she faces. Rebecca’s story includes relationship/family life and balancing a career and navigating the high price of ambition as a woman. Through both women there is an examination of motherhood and adoption. It’s a tale of complexity with the two narratives being woven together very well.
However, in places I find it a bit heavy going as it’s slow, there is some suspense, but not as much as I would like and the big twist is a very obvious one. I do like the ending which is emotional with plenty of drama, but which is also poignant and sad. I do think there are some loose ends and there’s a very big final fast forward in time.
Overall though, I would read this author again, as she has definitely piqued my interest.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Serpents Tail/Viper/Profile for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 7, 2024
2.2/5ੈ ✩‧₊˚
DNF @ 55%
I must just be choosing all the wrong reads for me.
This really disappointed me. I wanted to love this so much - I loved the premise. I used to read the Chinese Cinderella series when I was younger and I loved how rich the culture was, and discovering everything that came along with that.
The main issue for me was the pacing. Without spoiling - the blurb tells you that Rebecca and Jasmine's stories intertwine, but they don't show you how, at least not yet. I felt no urgency on
I felt like they spent way too long on the world building and I'm really sorry but I just got bored and didn't want to finish it, and was not looking forward to what was happening next. It's 2024 - if I don't want to read a book, I'm going to DNF it ):
Things I loved surrounded the underlying themes, with Rebecca's struggle of being a mother of a mixed baby. That reminds me of my own mother, and that was the most interesting part of the book to me.
I just think for over halfway through, I should feel a bit more urgency and a bit more direction in the plot. It feels like there has been no development since the start.
Would I recommend this? I'm not sure. The plot has so much promise. The writing style was so vivid and built a world I could picture perfectly in my mind. Maybe if I had finished this book I'd have a different opinion, but for now this is where I'm at.
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
score card:
plot: 4/5
characters: 2/5
world/setting: 2/5
pacing: 1/5
enjoyment: 2/5
total: 2.2/5ੈ✩‧₊˚
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
reading log
07/04 2:32am
goodness me its picked up the pace now, and i'm intrigued. i think initially the pacing was hard to get behind and I do love the underlying feminist themes
06/04 8:08pm
i love jasmine’s chapters, rebecca’s not so much - they feel like fever dreams
06/04 12:48pm
i'm finding it a tad difficult to get into this, maybe because of my sort of drowsy state from being in hospital?
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
pre-reading ⋆˙⟡♡
i can't continue on with magnolia parks at the minute whilst my own heartbreak is going on, so i thought i'd switch it up a little bit.
i haven't heard too much on this book so i'm excited to go into this blind :)
DNF @ 55%
I must just be choosing all the wrong reads for me.
This really disappointed me. I wanted to love this so much - I loved the premise. I used to read the Chinese Cinderella series when I was younger and I loved how rich the culture was, and discovering everything that came along with that.
The main issue for me was the pacing. Without spoiling - the blurb tells you that Rebecca and Jasmine's stories intertwine, but they don't show you how, at least not yet. I felt no urgency on
I felt like they spent way too long on the world building and I'm really sorry but I just got bored and didn't want to finish it, and was not looking forward to what was happening next. It's 2024 - if I don't want to read a book, I'm going to DNF it ):
Things I loved surrounded the underlying themes, with Rebecca's struggle of being a mother of a mixed baby. That reminds me of my own mother, and that was the most interesting part of the book to me.
I just think for over halfway through, I should feel a bit more urgency and a bit more direction in the plot. It feels like there has been no development since the start.
Would I recommend this? I'm not sure. The plot has so much promise. The writing style was so vivid and built a world I could picture perfectly in my mind. Maybe if I had finished this book I'd have a different opinion, but for now this is where I'm at.
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
score card:
plot: 4/5
characters: 2/5
world/setting: 2/5
pacing: 1/5
enjoyment: 2/5
total: 2.2/5ੈ✩‧₊˚
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
reading log
07/04 2:32am
goodness me its picked up the pace now, and i'm intrigued. i think initially the pacing was hard to get behind and I do love the underlying feminist themes
06/04 8:08pm
i love jasmine’s chapters, rebecca’s not so much - they feel like fever dreams
06/04 12:48pm
i'm finding it a tad difficult to get into this, maybe because of my sort of drowsy state from being in hospital?
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
pre-reading ⋆˙⟡♡
i can't continue on with magnolia parks at the minute whilst my own heartbreak is going on, so i thought i'd switch it up a little bit.
i haven't heard too much on this book so i'm excited to go into this blind :)
December 1, 2023
Gripping, thought provoking, heart wrenching, and evoking emotion. This is a tale of two extremely different women whose paths collide in The Leftover Woman.
Jasmine Yang was born in a rural Chinese village and was married young to a domineering and controlling husband. She lives during the time of China's One Child Policy. She endured miscarriages and was told her daughter died after birth. When she learns the truth, she sets out on a mission to find her child.
Rebecca Whitney is a publishing executive with a handsome husband and an adopted Chinese daughter. She appears to have it all but looks can be deceiving. She decides to hire a Chinese nanny to help her balance her personal and professional lives.
I enjoyed this well written tale of motherhood, loss, courage, and hope. It addresses several themes such as culture, abuse, adoption, secrets, class, immigration, how women are treated, secrets, and deception. There is a lot of food for thought in this book. I enjoyed both women's stories, but Jasmine's was the most powerful for me to read. My heart went out to her many times over.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. There are a few twists and reveals along the way in this captivating book. This was my first book by Jean Kwok, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
*A buddy read with Witches Words group.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 17, 2023
DID I READ THE SAME BOOK WITH EVERYONE? I requested this cause it has a lot positive feedbacks, and here i am joining the same euphoria but feels like i dont like the party. I've been patiently reading the book in the hopes of finding something upbeat, but nothing has appeared. Possibly this is just not my cup of tea!
However, thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for this Advance Reader Copy!
However, thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for this Advance Reader Copy!
October 22, 2023
4.5 for the love of a child stars
What would you do for your child? How far would you go?
This tale is a family drama with a few twists. It is centered on two women in New York. The women are very different, both culturally and economically.
Jasmine has recently arrived from China, and she has to earn money in a hurry. It is difficult for her to find work when she doesn’t have all the right paperwork.
The other woman, Rebecca, is a wealthy woman working in publishing. She’s married to a handsome Columbia language professor. They have an adopted Chinese daughter, Fiona.
As Jasmine struggles to find her way in a new country, she runs into someone who was once very close to her back in China. Will the two of them be able to create a new relationship?
Rebecca has just gotten through a dicey scandal in her job and is trying to get a new writer on board with her publishing firm. The fallout from the scandal may prove too much to overcome.
The twist was a good one; overall, I found this book very well written. There are so many facets to explore in terms of culture, a woman's value, and motherhood's strong power.
As the stories of the two women come together, I found myself sympathetic to both in different ways.
My thanks to William Morrow for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
What would you do for your child? How far would you go?
This tale is a family drama with a few twists. It is centered on two women in New York. The women are very different, both culturally and economically.
Jasmine has recently arrived from China, and she has to earn money in a hurry. It is difficult for her to find work when she doesn’t have all the right paperwork.
The other woman, Rebecca, is a wealthy woman working in publishing. She’s married to a handsome Columbia language professor. They have an adopted Chinese daughter, Fiona.
As Jasmine struggles to find her way in a new country, she runs into someone who was once very close to her back in China. Will the two of them be able to create a new relationship?
Rebecca has just gotten through a dicey scandal in her job and is trying to get a new writer on board with her publishing firm. The fallout from the scandal may prove too much to overcome.
The twist was a good one; overall, I found this book very well written. There are so many facets to explore in terms of culture, a woman's value, and motherhood's strong power.
As the stories of the two women come together, I found myself sympathetic to both in different ways.
My thanks to William Morrow for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
October 12, 2023
I loved the premise of this book. But the writing and the characters were just so stilted! I feel like I read a different book than everyone else that’s giving these five star reviews.
We’ve got Rebecca, who views the world with thinly veiled racism but then all of a sudden at the end, “Rebecca thinks about how she’s thought she was the great white savior when all along, Fifi has been saving her.” Like, seriously? This is a great example of telling instead of showing, which is why this book seems like it has no depth to me. Also, do we really need to know the brand of every piece of clothing Rebecca wears?
Then there’s Jasmine, who does have some very admirable qualities. But can we get away from this “I’m a super attractive woman but when I put on glasses and baggy clothes, nobody can tell” trope?! It’s unrealistic and honestly, sort of demeaning. And then, after Jasmine works so hard to be with her daughter, she just…gives up?!? It comes off as unrealistic and rushed.
The men in this novel seem to be pretty flat. Which is fine, whatever. It’s about motherhood. But it’s wholly unsatisfying and poorly executed.
Last rant: so many rhetorical questions!
“Was that some kind of warning? What’s Lucy’s role in all this?…Could Lucy have hurt Fifi herself? And what’s has Lucy been doing with Rebecca’s husband?”
It’s like the author thinks we need constant reminders of the characters’ confusions.
2/5 - interesting premise, awkward attempts at imagery and depth
We’ve got Rebecca, who views the world with thinly veiled racism but then all of a sudden at the end, “Rebecca thinks about how she’s thought she was the great white savior when all along, Fifi has been saving her.” Like, seriously? This is a great example of telling instead of showing, which is why this book seems like it has no depth to me. Also, do we really need to know the brand of every piece of clothing Rebecca wears?
Then there’s Jasmine, who does have some very admirable qualities. But can we get away from this “I’m a super attractive woman but when I put on glasses and baggy clothes, nobody can tell” trope?! It’s unrealistic and honestly, sort of demeaning. And then, after Jasmine works so hard to be with her daughter, she just…gives up?!? It comes off as unrealistic and rushed.
The men in this novel seem to be pretty flat. Which is fine, whatever. It’s about motherhood. But it’s wholly unsatisfying and poorly executed.
Last rant: so many rhetorical questions!
“Was that some kind of warning? What’s Lucy’s role in all this?…Could Lucy have hurt Fifi herself? And what’s has Lucy been doing with Rebecca’s husband?”
It’s like the author thinks we need constant reminders of the characters’ confusions.
2/5 - interesting premise, awkward attempts at imagery and depth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
“I had come to America in search of a fresh start….but I hadn’t understood how isolated I’d feel, unseen among strangers. Back home, so much of my identity was mirrored through other people's eyes. The village I came from, the school I went to, the family name, those all had meaning in China. Here they stood for nothing - all those details disappeared when you were an immigrant, and suddenly all that was left of you was whatever you carried inside.”
I had to buy this book after seeing Jean Kwok on Friends and Fiction Podcast!
This is a twisty and emotional family drama about two women from very different backgrounds who become bound to each other through their love for a child.
Kwok explores identity, motherhood, and belonging as she highlights China’s controversial One Child Policy of the 1980s and the life of undocumented workers.
First of all, THAT title. I love a title that makes readers think and shapes their reading experience. I appreciated a chance to figure out who the title was referring to and if there were any additional meanings other than the Chinese phrase. Jasmine and Rebecca were both strong women who faced impossible choices and steadfastly refused to become ‘leftover’ women. The final sentence of chapter 21 …. don’t miss it.
Secondly, the food descriptions. There’s no doubt what we’ll be having for dinner tonight.
Thirdly, the characters. WOW. The development was amazing. At first, I didn’t care for Jasmine but as the layers unfolded, I warmed up to her and by the end of the book, my heart hurt for her. Likewise, my feelings for Rebecca changed as I got to know her. I felt the pull and the agony of each as they fought for what they wanted most from life and grappled with doubt. I appreciated that the author made each woman distinct; the language and prose reflected each woman.
Fourthly, the contrasts. The beautiful prose highlighting the juxtapositions of both lives was phenomenal. I started highlighting them and then stopped and just appreciated how wonderful they were.
Fifthly, the cliffhangers at the end of each section and the twist. I love how Kwok pulls readers back into the story. I LOVED the twist. I didn’t see it coming and I appreciated how it was woven into and made a part of the story. Seamless.
Finally, the issues raised. It was eye-opening to be placed inside of a character’s head as she faced life as an undocumented worker. I could see how it affected every aspect of her life. I was aware of China’s One Child Policy, but I’d never stopped to think about how it affected both parents and unwanted children. Kwok has opened my eyes to both sides of the issue.
This author is now on my radar and I’ll be watching out for her next release!
I had to buy this book after seeing Jean Kwok on Friends and Fiction Podcast!
This is a twisty and emotional family drama about two women from very different backgrounds who become bound to each other through their love for a child.
Kwok explores identity, motherhood, and belonging as she highlights China’s controversial One Child Policy of the 1980s and the life of undocumented workers.
First of all, THAT title. I love a title that makes readers think and shapes their reading experience. I appreciated a chance to figure out who the title was referring to and if there were any additional meanings other than the Chinese phrase. Jasmine and Rebecca were both strong women who faced impossible choices and steadfastly refused to become ‘leftover’ women. The final sentence of chapter 21 …. don’t miss it.
Secondly, the food descriptions. There’s no doubt what we’ll be having for dinner tonight.
Thirdly, the characters. WOW. The development was amazing. At first, I didn’t care for Jasmine but as the layers unfolded, I warmed up to her and by the end of the book, my heart hurt for her. Likewise, my feelings for Rebecca changed as I got to know her. I felt the pull and the agony of each as they fought for what they wanted most from life and grappled with doubt. I appreciated that the author made each woman distinct; the language and prose reflected each woman.
Fourthly, the contrasts. The beautiful prose highlighting the juxtapositions of both lives was phenomenal. I started highlighting them and then stopped and just appreciated how wonderful they were.
Fifthly, the cliffhangers at the end of each section and the twist. I love how Kwok pulls readers back into the story. I LOVED the twist. I didn’t see it coming and I appreciated how it was woven into and made a part of the story. Seamless.
Finally, the issues raised. It was eye-opening to be placed inside of a character’s head as she faced life as an undocumented worker. I could see how it affected every aspect of her life. I was aware of China’s One Child Policy, but I’d never stopped to think about how it affected both parents and unwanted children. Kwok has opened my eyes to both sides of the issue.
This author is now on my radar and I’ll be watching out for her next release!
September 7, 2023
I cannot believe that this is my first venture into Jean Kwok’s writing—thank you @kraysbookclub and @bostonbookfanatic for introducing me to this legend! Jean Kwok’s upcoming suspense drama, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN, is a beautifully tragic and riveting story of two women. Two women from different backgrounds and cultures who are intertwined through their pull of motherhood.
While I won’t give out many details of this story (I am not going to spoil it for readers!), I wanted to just quickly say that Jean Kwok is a beautiful storyteller. The prose is incredible and the story is so captivating that I couldn’t put it down—even while working overtime everyday this week! The story is more suspense and drama, but provides mystery / thriller readers with some action too. I loved Jean the moment I met her in person, but now I’m a full fledged fan. Do yourself a favor and prioritize THE LEFTOVER WOMAN when it comes out this October.
While I won’t give out many details of this story (I am not going to spoil it for readers!), I wanted to just quickly say that Jean Kwok is a beautiful storyteller. The prose is incredible and the story is so captivating that I couldn’t put it down—even while working overtime everyday this week! The story is more suspense and drama, but provides mystery / thriller readers with some action too. I loved Jean the moment I met her in person, but now I’m a full fledged fan. Do yourself a favor and prioritize THE LEFTOVER WOMAN when it comes out this October.
November 23, 2023
If I think of this as a thriller, it's a 2 star. If I think of it as general fiction with a crime element that tackles the complexities of international adoption and what it means to be a Chinese woman in America, it's a 4 star. So I'll settle at 3 stars and recommend it as general fiction, not a mystery or thriller
October 20, 2023
With China's one-child policy, Jasmine's abusive husband Wen had hoped for a son and heir. When Jasmine gave birth to a daughter, he told her that their daughter had died and arranged for the child to be adopted by his American friend Brandon Whitney and his wife Rebecca. Once Jasmine learns the truth, she sacrifices everything to travel from China to America, working with Chinese gangsters to gain entry. Nothing was going to stop her from reuniting with her daughter.
Author Jean Kwok's The Leftover Woman is an emotional tale of two women. Jasmine yearns for her daughter and lives in fear that she will never be able to pay back the criminals she is indebted to and hopes her husband will not find her. She is a woman who has been so demoralized that she has no idea how beautiful she is. And Rebecca, a woman brought up in wealth, is striving to live up to the success of her late father, a legendary book publisher. While she loves her adopted daughter and husband, she is having a hard time juggling her priorities.
From the world of lucrative publishing deals to a seedy strip club in Chinatown, this book is filled with drama, mystery and suspense. It's an engaging story.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Author Jean Kwok's The Leftover Woman is an emotional tale of two women. Jasmine yearns for her daughter and lives in fear that she will never be able to pay back the criminals she is indebted to and hopes her husband will not find her. She is a woman who has been so demoralized that she has no idea how beautiful she is. And Rebecca, a woman brought up in wealth, is striving to live up to the success of her late father, a legendary book publisher. While she loves her adopted daughter and husband, she is having a hard time juggling her priorities.
From the world of lucrative publishing deals to a seedy strip club in Chinatown, this book is filled with drama, mystery and suspense. It's an engaging story.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
August 1, 2024
The story surrounds two main characters, Jasmine and Rebecca. They are both in NYC but come from two very different worlds. Jasmine has fled her home country of China, and Rebecca is a very privileged white woman. While I appreciated the cultural elements of Jasmine's story, including the ramifications of China's rigid one-child policy, I thought some of the stereotypes were pretty heavy handed. I felt similarly for Rebecca, that the white-savior complex was presented to me a little bit like I'm an elementary school child. They were both overdone in their own way.
I found both women's perspectives to be interesting enough, but Jasmine's chapters were slower paced, and there was a romance subplot that read very YA to me which I didn't like at all. Rebecca's chapters were more frenetic, and the pacing ultimately felt off in a weird way. I didn't mind the ending, but I did find it a bit less satisfying that I realized we were at the end and there were still a lot of holes in the plot that were never explored.
Again, not to continue to shit on how books get categorized here on Goodreads, but I will because this is SO not a mystery thriller. It is a domestic suspense at best. I think if you are a fan of Celeste Ng, this is a similar style but unfortunately not done quite as well, in my opinion.
I found both women's perspectives to be interesting enough, but Jasmine's chapters were slower paced, and there was a romance subplot that read very YA to me which I didn't like at all. Rebecca's chapters were more frenetic, and the pacing ultimately felt off in a weird way. I didn't mind the ending, but I did find it a bit less satisfying that I realized we were at the end and there were still a lot of holes in the plot that were never explored.
Again, not to continue to shit on how books get categorized here on Goodreads, but I will because this is SO not a mystery thriller. It is a domestic suspense at best. I think if you are a fan of Celeste Ng, this is a similar style but unfortunately not done quite as well, in my opinion.
January 31, 2024
This is one of those books that snuck up on me, a story that at first seemed like a tangle of disparate threads, until I realized how stealthily, steadily Kwok had been weaving together her characters' lives and motivations and growth arcs into a tapestry that deeply moved me. These are messy people who make messy choices; there is heartbreak and miscommunication. But they redeem themselves. Beautifully. They grow. They make hard, noble choices. They do the right thing. In any book that leans heavily on human failings, I love most to see them ending on a triumphant note that foregrounds our capacity for goodness, selflessness, and redemption.
Content notes: racism, domestic abuse, misogyny, brief mentions of violence and blood.
Content notes: racism, domestic abuse, misogyny, brief mentions of violence and blood.
January 16, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Mystery Thriller
"The Leftover Woman" takes place in New York City, where two cultures meet. After her daughter Fiona is forcibly adopted, Jasmine, a distraught Chinese villager, runs away from her violent husband and sets out on a dangerous quest to find her in the United States. At the same time, Fiona's adoptive mother, Rebecca, a wealthy publishing executive, struggles with feelings of guilt and uncertainty over her position and Fiona's background.
Both of these women, as their lives begin to intersect, are forced to confront their own demons and make sacrifices. Their journeys shed light on the intricate dynamics of motherhood, identity, and surviving as a foreigner. The positive aspect of the book is that it does a good job of exploring the effects of China's one-child policy and the challenges immigrants keep facing.
Having said that, the book was not devoid of any shortcomings. Some depictions of Chinese characters stray into stereotypical territory, and I can’t help it, but the plot at times was just too melodramatic for my taste. I was hoping for more of Jasmine's side story because of the uneven pacing that was present in Rebecca's parts.
It is ultimately dependent on your level of tolerance for clichés and predictability as to whether or not these disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Even though it has some flaws, "The Leftover Woman" is still a thought-provoking book that has a lot to offer. It will leave you thinking about the profound questions it raises long after you have finished reading it.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
"The Leftover Woman" takes place in New York City, where two cultures meet. After her daughter Fiona is forcibly adopted, Jasmine, a distraught Chinese villager, runs away from her violent husband and sets out on a dangerous quest to find her in the United States. At the same time, Fiona's adoptive mother, Rebecca, a wealthy publishing executive, struggles with feelings of guilt and uncertainty over her position and Fiona's background.
Both of these women, as their lives begin to intersect, are forced to confront their own demons and make sacrifices. Their journeys shed light on the intricate dynamics of motherhood, identity, and surviving as a foreigner. The positive aspect of the book is that it does a good job of exploring the effects of China's one-child policy and the challenges immigrants keep facing.
Having said that, the book was not devoid of any shortcomings. Some depictions of Chinese characters stray into stereotypical territory, and I can’t help it, but the plot at times was just too melodramatic for my taste. I was hoping for more of Jasmine's side story because of the uneven pacing that was present in Rebecca's parts.
It is ultimately dependent on your level of tolerance for clichés and predictability as to whether or not these disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Even though it has some flaws, "The Leftover Woman" is still a thought-provoking book that has a lot to offer. It will leave you thinking about the profound questions it raises long after you have finished reading it.
October 24, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
“I do think women can have it all, but not all at the same time." Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State.
This is an excellent story of motherhood, told from two women's points of view. When Rebecca, an editor-in-chief at a publishing house that her father once ran, discovers she is infertile, she and her husband, a professor of Asian studies, adopt a baby girl from China. Because they are both so busy with their high-powered careers, they hire Lucy, a Chinese immigrant, to be their live-in nanny, not realizing who the woman really is.
Kwok's writing is excellent and quite evocative. I really came to care for both these women and worried about the mess they were making of their lives. Everyone makes mistakes, this is true, but some mistakes are life changing. Very satisfying ending. Once again it's sad to see how immigrants, especially Asians, are treated in this country.
I was so disappointed to be declined for an advanced reader's copy of this new novel by Jean Kwok, after having enjoyed her first novel and having met the author in person at a literary festival at St Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, a few years back. Thank goodness for our public libraries!
A bookreporter.com interview with Jean Kwok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi5aA...
“I do think women can have it all, but not all at the same time." Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State.
This is an excellent story of motherhood, told from two women's points of view. When Rebecca, an editor-in-chief at a publishing house that her father once ran, discovers she is infertile, she and her husband, a professor of Asian studies, adopt a baby girl from China. Because they are both so busy with their high-powered careers, they hire Lucy, a Chinese immigrant, to be their live-in nanny, not realizing who the woman really is.
Kwok's writing is excellent and quite evocative. I really came to care for both these women and worried about the mess they were making of their lives. Everyone makes mistakes, this is true, but some mistakes are life changing. Very satisfying ending. Once again it's sad to see how immigrants, especially Asians, are treated in this country.
I was so disappointed to be declined for an advanced reader's copy of this new novel by Jean Kwok, after having enjoyed her first novel and having met the author in person at a literary festival at St Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, a few years back. Thank goodness for our public libraries!
A bookreporter.com interview with Jean Kwok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi5aA...
December 18, 2023
What is a leftover woman?
The term, sheng nu, literally translates to “leftover ladies” or “leftover women” which is considered a popular term in China. To be a leftover woman is to be a woman who remains unmarried in their late twenties and beyond. Even with that conspicuous title, the women may still promote themselves as morally upright, economically independent, successful citizens.
How this becomes important to this book, is told through the story of two women, Jasmine and Rebecca.
And…
Although it is not clear how these two women, relate to each other, by part 4, the puzzle pieces of their lives begin to fit together. How this all resolves may feel predictable, but the pages do keep turning, as readers try and figure it out.
This is a suspenseful family drama, that may suffer a bit from tropes, cliches and stereotypes…
But…
It does build momentum and texture in its final chapters.
As readers, we can’t help but root for the women, as they are facing impossible choices.
Yet…
We watch as they emerge stronger for all the battles fought, always resisting becoming “leftover” women.
October 30, 2023
3.5 stars
Now that I have a little bit of a break from the demands of work and school, I am hoping to get caught back up on the new releases and book club reads that I had been neglecting over the past month. One of those new releases is Jean Kwok’s latest novel The Leftover Woman , which came out earlier in the month. I had read Kwok’s previous novel Searching for Sylvie Lee several years back and had really enjoyed it, so of course this book, her newest work, was highly anticipated. In the end, Kwok definitely didn’t disappoint, as she delivered a solid, compelling story that proved to be both culturally resonant as well as thought-provoking - though not without a few flaws.
At the center of the story are two women from completely opposite worlds. Jasmine Yang is a young Chinese woman from a poor rural village who enters into an arranged marriage at 14 to a man years older than her. After suffering several miscarriages, Jasmine finally gives birth to a daughter, but not too long afterwards, is told that the baby died. Jasmine is devastated — until she finds out that her husband lied to her and actually gave the baby up for adoption so that they could try for a son under China’s strict One Child Policy. Determined to find her daughter, Jasmine plans an escape from her abusive marriage and eventually lands in New York through the help of “snakeheads” whom she has to figure out a way to pay back. Meanwhile, in New York, Rebecca Whitney is an editor at a glamorous publishing house who is living the dream life — she has a prestigious family name and the accompanying wealth and privilege that comes with it, and she lives in a beautiful house with a handsome, talented husband aa well as an adopted daughter whom she adores. But balancing a high profile career with the demands of marriage and motherhood is not easy and when a work-related scandal breaks out, Rebecca finds her perfect life slowly starting to unravel. The story is told alternately from the perspectives of these two very different women whose lives end up colliding in unexpected ways.
I really appreciated the premise of this story, especially Jasmine’s storyline about her struggles fleeing an archaic, patriarchal system and the choices she had to make once she was in America trying to find her daughter. Not that I didn’t like Rebecca’s storyline, but I just felt that it was less necessary — I would’ve liked to see Jasmine’s story explored more, as there were opportunities there that were only touched upon. I will be honest in saying that I preferred Jasmine’s story arc and the direction that Kwok went with it (though there was potential for more as I mentioned earlier), whereas Rebecca’s story arc felt typical of other stories that we’ve read before.
Plot-wise, I felt that the first half of the story dragged a bit and the buildup was slow — I definitely preferred the second half better, though the ending also felt too rushed (and there were some plot holes that weren’t too believable). Despite the pacing issues though, I enjoyed this one overall — the cultural aspects were done well and the “twist” did take me by surprise (though it didn’t blow me away to the point that I keep thinking about it like I’ve done with other twists).
I don’t want to say too much, since this IS a mystery / thriller after all, so it’s best to go in knowing as little as possible (though I have to say that the story was more character-driven than plot-driven, so from that aspect, the thriller element was less prominent). I definitely recommend picking this one up, especially if you’re looking for a story that has mystery / thriller elements, but also emotional depth and poignancy. I can’t wait to see what Kwok comes out with next!
Received ARC from William Morrow via NetGalley.
February 2, 2024
3.8/5
rtc! sorry i’ve been inactive yall lemme just catch up on this workload and ill check in with all y’all’s updates and reviews 🥹🩷
rtc! sorry i’ve been inactive yall lemme just catch up on this workload and ill check in with all y’all’s updates and reviews 🥹🩷
September 9, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read and liked both GIrl in Translation and Mambo in China Town so was looking forward to Kwok's latest novel.
Billed as "an evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women..."
"Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, on a desperate search for the daughter who was taken from her at birth--another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy."
"...publishing executive Rebecca Whitney ... a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores." A ..."Chinese nanny to help her balance the demands of being a working wife and mother. But when an industry scandal threatens to jeopardize not only Rebecca's job but her marriage, this perfect world begins to crumble and her role in her own family is called into question."
The narrative rotates between Jasmine and Rebecca and both have multiple story lines.
Jasmine's life in New York where's she's at the mercy of the snakeheads [with a backstory as to what it was in China]. And surprise [?]-- she meets up with her childhood friend/love, Anthony.
Rebecca,: her legacy, her mother, her upbringing, her marriage, her career problems. The similarities to the James Frey/deceptive author story. And I learned more about the publishing/auction process.
There were a number of twists [though I did figure out other trajectories].
At the outset, I was engaged. At the beginning, a description of a "woman with a blunt-cut pyramid of hair" had me thinking--Yes! But as the novel progressed, I knew I'd like it less and less.
Confession--I sensed early on that some of the prose would derail me. There were too many oy moments--like nails on a chalkboard.
To wit:
"The shape of him rises up to meet her, like echoes from a vast lake..."
"he tastes like desire"
"the heat of him sinking into me"
"plunder my lips"--that did me in!
And there were a few times I just wondered--e.g., how did Jasmine's wedding ring get reported stolen in a pawnbroker in the US? It stretched my belief.
In the distinct minority of readers.
2.5, cannot round up.
I read and liked both GIrl in Translation and Mambo in China Town so was looking forward to Kwok's latest novel.
Billed as "an evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women..."
"Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, on a desperate search for the daughter who was taken from her at birth--another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy."
"...publishing executive Rebecca Whitney ... a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores." A ..."Chinese nanny to help her balance the demands of being a working wife and mother. But when an industry scandal threatens to jeopardize not only Rebecca's job but her marriage, this perfect world begins to crumble and her role in her own family is called into question."
The narrative rotates between Jasmine and Rebecca and both have multiple story lines.
Jasmine's life in New York where's she's at the mercy of the snakeheads [with a backstory as to what it was in China]. And surprise [?]-- she meets up with her childhood friend/love, Anthony.
Rebecca,: her legacy, her mother, her upbringing, her marriage, her career problems. The similarities to the James Frey/deceptive author story. And I learned more about the publishing/auction process.
There were a number of twists [though I did figure out other trajectories].
At the outset, I was engaged. At the beginning, a description of a "woman with a blunt-cut pyramid of hair" had me thinking--Yes! But as the novel progressed, I knew I'd like it less and less.
Confession--I sensed early on that some of the prose would derail me. There were too many oy moments--like nails on a chalkboard.
To wit:
"The shape of him rises up to meet her, like echoes from a vast lake..."
"he tastes like desire"
"the heat of him sinking into me"
"plunder my lips"--that did me in!
And there were a few times I just wondered--e.g., how did Jasmine's wedding ring get reported stolen in a pawnbroker in the US? It stretched my belief.
In the distinct minority of readers.
2.5, cannot round up.
October 26, 2023
Married at 14 to a 26 year old, Jasmine gives birth to her firstborn daughter after many prior miscarriages. Though because of China’s one-child policy and son’s being more desired, her husband tells Jasmine that their baby died soon after birth, and puts her up for adoption behind Jasmine’s back.
Years later, enraged and disheartened by this betrayal, Jasmine sets off to NYC as an undocumented immigrant in search for her child and the family that adopted her.
Messy and melodramatic characters with a muddled timeline.
It felt like the reader was dropped into the middle of a story without prior knowledge, and I would have preferred if the dual character pov’s between Jasmine and Rebecca were presented as concurrent timelines instead of one being delayed by a few weeks as a way to prolong the “suspense” over the nanny’s identity.
Something about the characterizations really rubbed me the wrong way… Rebecca was so white privileged and constantly stuck up her nose at Lucy’s appearance or mannerisms, but thought she was really doing *something* by adopting a child from China after meeting her husband while backpacking in China, and then hiring a nanny directly from China.
It wasn’t enough that Rebecca’s husband was a professor of East Asian languages specializing in contemporary Chinese culture and society who was also born and raised in Beijing to diplomat parents, which already seemed like a stretch for the story.
Just make the adoptive parents Chinese then? Because having a white woman going to the gun range on a Monday morning in the middle of all of this while a struggling immigrant mother is trying to pay off debts and avoid being found by her abusive partner is just too jarring for me.
You can go to the gun range to relieve “stress” from working in publishing, but you can’t take your daughter to school, watch her ballet practices, or cook dinner?
Showing the dichotomy between wealth and social constructs of different countries but within the same race would have still given opportunity to explore all of the underlying complexities while showcasing race and culture in a more appreciative way instead of coming across as a plot tool or a fetishization, as well as allowing motherhood to be more of a prominent and levelled theme.
But to me, The Leftover Woman comes across as inauthentic and not well thought out on many fronts.
“Then Fifi came into their lives, making Rebecca happier than she’s ever been—and there’s a part of her that’s glad she never had to give birth: the pain and the awkwardness of it all, the large swollen belly. She likes being in control, being fit and lean, going to the gym to swim her laps. She secretly believes that babies should be grown in a nice tank in a lab or at least in a discreet corner of the bedroom; we’ve surely progressed past the blood and gore and danger and discomfort by now.”
🤨🤔
Years later, enraged and disheartened by this betrayal, Jasmine sets off to NYC as an undocumented immigrant in search for her child and the family that adopted her.
Messy and melodramatic characters with a muddled timeline.
It felt like the reader was dropped into the middle of a story without prior knowledge, and I would have preferred if the dual character pov’s between Jasmine and Rebecca were presented as concurrent timelines instead of one being delayed by a few weeks as a way to prolong the “suspense” over the nanny’s identity.
Something about the characterizations really rubbed me the wrong way… Rebecca was so white privileged and constantly stuck up her nose at Lucy’s appearance or mannerisms, but thought she was really doing *something* by adopting a child from China after meeting her husband while backpacking in China, and then hiring a nanny directly from China.
It wasn’t enough that Rebecca’s husband was a professor of East Asian languages specializing in contemporary Chinese culture and society who was also born and raised in Beijing to diplomat parents, which already seemed like a stretch for the story.
Just make the adoptive parents Chinese then? Because having a white woman going to the gun range on a Monday morning in the middle of all of this while a struggling immigrant mother is trying to pay off debts and avoid being found by her abusive partner is just too jarring for me.
You can go to the gun range to relieve “stress” from working in publishing, but you can’t take your daughter to school, watch her ballet practices, or cook dinner?
Showing the dichotomy between wealth and social constructs of different countries but within the same race would have still given opportunity to explore all of the underlying complexities while showcasing race and culture in a more appreciative way instead of coming across as a plot tool or a fetishization, as well as allowing motherhood to be more of a prominent and levelled theme.
But to me, The Leftover Woman comes across as inauthentic and not well thought out on many fronts.
“Then Fifi came into their lives, making Rebecca happier than she’s ever been—and there’s a part of her that’s glad she never had to give birth: the pain and the awkwardness of it all, the large swollen belly. She likes being in control, being fit and lean, going to the gym to swim her laps. She secretly believes that babies should be grown in a nice tank in a lab or at least in a discreet corner of the bedroom; we’ve surely progressed past the blood and gore and danger and discomfort by now.”
🤨🤔
January 8, 2024
Filled with a crazy plot twist . It covers immigration, China's one child policy, adoption, motherhood, working mother, love, marriage, friendship.
October 10, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK—A show stopper!
New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok dazzles with her latest evocative and emotional tale, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN — a riveting mystery of two tenacious, inspiring, and fearless women, both mothers—a story of injustice, abuse, sacrifice, and love.
Top Books of 2023! Look at this stunning cover! I cannot wait for my hardcover to arrive. Not only is this cover elegant and haunting on the outside—but it is just as exquisite on the inside—a complete package with a fitting title. The author is at the top of her game!
Jasmine Yang comes from a rural Chinese village. She was left on the roadside as a child because she was a girl. The culture/policy would only allow one child per family. Unfortunately, all the families wanted boys to help care for their parents in their old age.
Her aunt and uncle raised her, but she never felt like she belonged or was loved. Then, she was taken in by a controlling, abusive husband when she was 14. When she delivered her beautiful baby girl, her husband, Wen, wanted a boy, and since they were only allowed one child due to overpopulation, he lied and told her she died.
She was heartbroken. Later, she found the emails and learned that her abusive husband (they were not legally married due to her age) had given her up for adoption. Jasmine knows she must find her daughter. Whatever she has to do to escape this monster and find her daughter, Fiona. She will do anything to reunite with her daughter. Jasmine was just an obsession for Wen.
The clues lead to New York City to a successful, wealthy couple power couple. However, to get there, she has to make a deal with the devil to get to America. If she failed to pay, they would sell her into prostitution.
She had to make money and fast. Since she was an illegal immigrant, she had to turn to being a dancer at an Asian strip club and found a nanny job during the day. She did not want to strip, but it was better than prostitution if she did not come up with the money.
She planned and saved working during the day as a nanny and at night as a dancer at Opium. She kept her head down. The parents did not have a clue as she dressed very plainly and did not draw attention to herself. However, she lived in fear daily, fearing Wen would come after her.
In the meantime, we meet Rebecca and Brandon Whitney. Brandon spoke her native language. They adopted a Chinese girl, and Lucy is now their Chinese nanny for five-year-old Fifi.
Rebecca and Brandson seem to have it all with the family name, beautiful home, wealth, and prestige, and Rebecca a high-powered career in the publishing industry. This is so clever! Then, there is a scandal and blackmail, which could destroy Rebecca's career and marriage.
Beautifully told from alternating POVs: Rebecca and Jasmine in four parts. Two mothers from different walks of life with a shared love, their daughter. When the past and present collide, and the connection between Wen and Brandon comes front and center with the two mothers, it is EXPLOSIVE!
Masterfully crafted, character-driven, and plot-driven, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN is a stunning work of art—a novel of motherhood, class, and culture. The writing is lyrical and heartfelt, and it will break your heart—full of raw emotion, keeping you on the edge of your seat in suspense as to how this could end positively for both mothers.
The author ratchets the suspense as readers try to breathe, hoping for a happy ending. The final Epilogue, told from Fiona's POV, was priceless! I was so worried how this would turn out. Never fear; the author has complete control, and the ending will have you crying tears of joy!
It is an award-winning novel; I cannot wait to see the book played out on the wide screen. WELL DONE! I enjoyed both POVs, both compelling; however, I was drawn more to Jasmine's story (a survivor) and her background, rooting for her all the way! I adored Jasmine, Fiona, and Anthony!
I cannot recommend this masterpiece enough. Get it now! A favorite. It is worth all the hype and then some!
Many thanks to William Morrow for the pleasure of reading an advanced reading copy for an honest review. I also purchased the hardcover copy and the audiobook narrated by Sura Siu and Caroline Hewitt by Harper Audio.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 10, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
Top Books of 2023
Oct 2023 Must-Read Books
Oct Newsletter
New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok dazzles with her latest evocative and emotional tale, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN — a riveting mystery of two tenacious, inspiring, and fearless women, both mothers—a story of injustice, abuse, sacrifice, and love.
Top Books of 2023! Look at this stunning cover! I cannot wait for my hardcover to arrive. Not only is this cover elegant and haunting on the outside—but it is just as exquisite on the inside—a complete package with a fitting title. The author is at the top of her game!
Jasmine Yang comes from a rural Chinese village. She was left on the roadside as a child because she was a girl. The culture/policy would only allow one child per family. Unfortunately, all the families wanted boys to help care for their parents in their old age.
Her aunt and uncle raised her, but she never felt like she belonged or was loved. Then, she was taken in by a controlling, abusive husband when she was 14. When she delivered her beautiful baby girl, her husband, Wen, wanted a boy, and since they were only allowed one child due to overpopulation, he lied and told her she died.
She was heartbroken. Later, she found the emails and learned that her abusive husband (they were not legally married due to her age) had given her up for adoption. Jasmine knows she must find her daughter. Whatever she has to do to escape this monster and find her daughter, Fiona. She will do anything to reunite with her daughter. Jasmine was just an obsession for Wen.
The clues lead to New York City to a successful, wealthy couple power couple. However, to get there, she has to make a deal with the devil to get to America. If she failed to pay, they would sell her into prostitution.
She had to make money and fast. Since she was an illegal immigrant, she had to turn to being a dancer at an Asian strip club and found a nanny job during the day. She did not want to strip, but it was better than prostitution if she did not come up with the money.
She planned and saved working during the day as a nanny and at night as a dancer at Opium. She kept her head down. The parents did not have a clue as she dressed very plainly and did not draw attention to herself. However, she lived in fear daily, fearing Wen would come after her.
In the meantime, we meet Rebecca and Brandon Whitney. Brandon spoke her native language. They adopted a Chinese girl, and Lucy is now their Chinese nanny for five-year-old Fifi.
Rebecca and Brandson seem to have it all with the family name, beautiful home, wealth, and prestige, and Rebecca a high-powered career in the publishing industry. This is so clever! Then, there is a scandal and blackmail, which could destroy Rebecca's career and marriage.
Beautifully told from alternating POVs: Rebecca and Jasmine in four parts. Two mothers from different walks of life with a shared love, their daughter. When the past and present collide, and the connection between Wen and Brandon comes front and center with the two mothers, it is EXPLOSIVE!
"In China, I'd seen posters warning girls of the danger of becoming leftover women, women that no one wanted. Leftover like scraps on a table, uneaten food, both a sacrilege and wasteful, something that should have nourished our country squandered and turned into rubbish: unwarned, purposeless, of no use to anyone. I was a leftover woman, I realized. After everyone else had carved away what they wanted to see in me and taken what they desired, I was all that was left." —Jasmine, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN.
Masterfully crafted, character-driven, and plot-driven, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN is a stunning work of art—a novel of motherhood, class, and culture. The writing is lyrical and heartfelt, and it will break your heart—full of raw emotion, keeping you on the edge of your seat in suspense as to how this could end positively for both mothers.
The author ratchets the suspense as readers try to breathe, hoping for a happy ending. The final Epilogue, told from Fiona's POV, was priceless! I was so worried how this would turn out. Never fear; the author has complete control, and the ending will have you crying tears of joy!
It is an award-winning novel; I cannot wait to see the book played out on the wide screen. WELL DONE! I enjoyed both POVs, both compelling; however, I was drawn more to Jasmine's story (a survivor) and her background, rooting for her all the way! I adored Jasmine, Fiona, and Anthony!
I cannot recommend this masterpiece enough. Get it now! A favorite. It is worth all the hype and then some!
Many thanks to William Morrow for the pleasure of reading an advanced reading copy for an honest review. I also purchased the hardcover copy and the audiobook narrated by Sura Siu and Caroline Hewitt by Harper Audio.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 10, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
Top Books of 2023
Oct 2023 Must-Read Books
Oct Newsletter
September 15, 2023
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok. Thanks to @williammorrow for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jasmine has escaped her rural Chinese village and abusive husband to search New York City for her daughter who was taken from her. Rebecca seems to have it all, including her adopted Chinese daughter but demands from her job and marriage are interfering.
There is so much to this story it’s hard to believe it’s under 300 pages. I was hooked from the very beginning. The two women were so different, but motherhood connected them. This was a story about what we will do for family but it’s also a tale of immigration, adoption, and the trauma of China’s one child policy. This is a sentimental story that will leave you with tears, but also has exciting moments as well.
“I would never again be led blindly into the darkness. If I had to walk, I would choose my own path with my eyes wide open.”
The Leftover Woman comes out 10/10.
Jasmine has escaped her rural Chinese village and abusive husband to search New York City for her daughter who was taken from her. Rebecca seems to have it all, including her adopted Chinese daughter but demands from her job and marriage are interfering.
There is so much to this story it’s hard to believe it’s under 300 pages. I was hooked from the very beginning. The two women were so different, but motherhood connected them. This was a story about what we will do for family but it’s also a tale of immigration, adoption, and the trauma of China’s one child policy. This is a sentimental story that will leave you with tears, but also has exciting moments as well.
“I would never again be led blindly into the darkness. If I had to walk, I would choose my own path with my eyes wide open.”
The Leftover Woman comes out 10/10.
November 2, 2023
I have been fascinated (in a weird way) by China's One Child Policy, and have wanted to read a novel that tackles it from both angles- the parents giving up their child for adoption, and the parents adopting that child.
Behold- Jean Kwok's The Leftover Woman.
The book is written from the female parent's perspectives, Jasmine and Rebecca, and the reader sees how their lives have been changed by the adoption of Jasmine's daughter by Rebecca.
What follows is a shocking, tense and poignant story that will stay with the reader long after the last page.
Behold- Jean Kwok's The Leftover Woman.
The book is written from the female parent's perspectives, Jasmine and Rebecca, and the reader sees how their lives have been changed by the adoption of Jasmine's daughter by Rebecca.
What follows is a shocking, tense and poignant story that will stay with the reader long after the last page.
October 16, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without any money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, in the desperate search for her daughter who was taken from her at birth - another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy. But with her husband on trial, the clock is ticking, and she's forced to make increasingly desperate decisions if she ever hopes to be reunited with her daughter.
Meanwhile, publishing executive Rebecca Whitney seems to have it all, a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores.
The two main characters were completely different women, the only thing they had in common was being mothers. It tells us of the trauma China's One Child Policy can bring. This is quite an emotional read. It showcases the issues that adopting a child from a different race can bring. The story is told from Jasmine and Rebecca's perspectives. The story is quite predictable. It's a bit of a slow burn, but I still enjoyed the story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #SerpentsTailViperProfileBooks #Viper and the author #JeanKnok for my ARC of #TheLeftoverWoman in exchange for an honest review.
Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without any money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, in the desperate search for her daughter who was taken from her at birth - another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy. But with her husband on trial, the clock is ticking, and she's forced to make increasingly desperate decisions if she ever hopes to be reunited with her daughter.
Meanwhile, publishing executive Rebecca Whitney seems to have it all, a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores.
The two main characters were completely different women, the only thing they had in common was being mothers. It tells us of the trauma China's One Child Policy can bring. This is quite an emotional read. It showcases the issues that adopting a child from a different race can bring. The story is told from Jasmine and Rebecca's perspectives. The story is quite predictable. It's a bit of a slow burn, but I still enjoyed the story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #SerpentsTailViperProfileBooks #Viper and the author #JeanKnok for my ARC of #TheLeftoverWoman in exchange for an honest review.
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