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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
What a beautifully well written book.
I loved the dual point of view.
I would have loved more but I’m always wishing there was more endings of books I like.
It was a refreshing read after a few mediocre books.
I loved the dual point of view.
I would have loved more but I’m always wishing there was more endings of books I like.
It was a refreshing read after a few mediocre books.
Really enjoyed aspects of both women in this book. The ending is what brought it from 3.5 to 4 for me
“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!
Jasmine Yang comes to New York City from China to try and find her daughter Fifi, who was adopted by an American couple because of China’s one-child policy. Once she finds her daughter, she plans to take her away. But first, she has to find a way to pay back the snakeheads that helped make her trip to America possible. She’s undocumented so it will be difficult for her to find a job.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Whitney, Fifi’s adoptive mother, is unaware of Jasmine and her plans. She’s preoccupied with her career and marriage, both of which are falling apart.
The Leftover Woman was beautifully written and intricately plotted. I had no idea how the author could possibly wrap things up until she actually did at the very end. I was very satisfied with the ending – I never could have guessed how it all came together. It’s one of those books that if you reread it, you’ll notice things you didn’t notice the first time that will make you say, “Ah ha – that was a clue!” Even though The Leftover Woman is not a thriller, there were a few plot twists that surprised me. Highly recommended.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Whitney, Fifi’s adoptive mother, is unaware of Jasmine and her plans. She’s preoccupied with her career and marriage, both of which are falling apart.
The Leftover Woman was beautifully written and intricately plotted. I had no idea how the author could possibly wrap things up until she actually did at the very end. I was very satisfied with the ending – I never could have guessed how it all came together. It’s one of those books that if you reread it, you’ll notice things you didn’t notice the first time that will make you say, “Ah ha – that was a clue!” Even though The Leftover Woman is not a thriller, there were a few plot twists that surprised me. Highly recommended.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A