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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
✨ "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."
Hit me right in the feels! Brought this well-written and marvellous novel to book club and I can't wait for everyone else to check it out.
I haven't read a lot of books about China's one-child policy so this one was certainly illuminating. It was also a captivating read filled with suspense, tension and so much heart. I love how the author explored themes such as racism, immigration, womenhood and motherhood through the lens of Jasmine and Rebecca. We even get a insightful glimpse into the cut-throat world of publishing.
Overall, The Leftover Woman is a fast-paced and highly enjoyable novel that will have you firmly rooting for its main characters. I was SHOOK at one point because I did not see it coming at all. Well-played, Jean Kwok, well-played.
Thank you William Morrow for the Netgalley ARC.
More favourite quotes:
✨ "I mean, people mess up all the time. They trip when they're accepting the Oscars. They tell the world they're madly in love with someone who then divorces them. You make a mistake and life goes on. You're the one who keeps beating yourself up about it. Most everyone's completely forgotten about you and your screwup by then."
✨ "When you love the house, you must love the crows on the roof as well."
✨ "Instead of being separated by their differences, they now realize how similar they are: They're both mothers. They'll do anything necessary to protect their daughter."
Hit me right in the feels! Brought this well-written and marvellous novel to book club and I can't wait for everyone else to check it out.
I haven't read a lot of books about China's one-child policy so this one was certainly illuminating. It was also a captivating read filled with suspense, tension and so much heart. I love how the author explored themes such as racism, immigration, womenhood and motherhood through the lens of Jasmine and Rebecca. We even get a insightful glimpse into the cut-throat world of publishing.
Overall, The Leftover Woman is a fast-paced and highly enjoyable novel that will have you firmly rooting for its main characters. I was SHOOK at one point because I did not see it coming at all. Well-played, Jean Kwok, well-played.
Thank you William Morrow for the Netgalley ARC.
More favourite quotes:
✨ "I mean, people mess up all the time. They trip when they're accepting the Oscars. They tell the world they're madly in love with someone who then divorces them. You make a mistake and life goes on. You're the one who keeps beating yourself up about it. Most everyone's completely forgotten about you and your screwup by then."
✨ "When you love the house, you must love the crows on the roof as well."
✨ "Instead of being separated by their differences, they now realize how similar they are: They're both mothers. They'll do anything necessary to protect their daughter."
4.5 stars
This book had my attention from the start which is quite rare and it only got better from there. I love that the implementation of Chinese culture was there to supplement the novel without making it the central focus or leaning into stereotypes AND the author is Asian. The story was really interesting and while a little predictable, it still kept me on the edge of my seat. I also love that the protagonists are both girlbosses in their own ways and still end up happy.
This book had my attention from the start which is quite rare and it only got better from there. I love that the implementation of Chinese culture was there to supplement the novel without making it the central focus or leaning into stereotypes AND the author is Asian. The story was really interesting and while a little predictable, it still kept me on the edge of my seat. I also love that the protagonists are both girlbosses in their own ways and still end up happy.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Violence, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Classism
Minor: Death
3.5 ⭐️ I didn’t love this book but i was sucked in by the last third & couldn’t quite figure out how all the loose ends were going to tie together.
This is the story of two women from completely different backgrounds, countries, & races - whose lives will collide in a major way. The book is labeled as a mystery/thriller, and though there was some suspense(including a twist that did catch me off guard); I would personally disagree with that label. It is a story about motherhood, adoption, family, and privilege - but at its core, it is a story about womanhood. I like how Rebecca and Jasmine could not have led more different lives, but yet they both have to go through separate struggles & sacrifices, because of their gender. Obviously, Rebecca’s privilege plays a huge role in her character arc; but I like how the author tries to make her relatable, give her some humanity, even though she’s incredibly difficult to like. I could not put this book down, and even though I wanted a little more from the ending, I still loved it.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was easy to read and had good characters. I think my only criticism is that the plot sometimes was a bit much, especially when it came to the involvement of the ex husband but overall enjoyed.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a good story and it was well written. The only thing is, I wish a few things were made known in the end. I’ll always wonder who Jasmine was with and where they were in the Epilogue.