Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
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.
I was drawn to The Leftover Woman because I really enjoyed Jean Kwok’s novel Girl in Translation when I buddy read it, and I also saw that another friend read this one last year and enjoyed it. Kwok has a wonderful way of sucking you right into the story. The alternating POVs of Jasmine and Rebecca in this story kept me intrigued and invested, and the way Kwok highlights themes of motherhood, belonging and womanhood, specifically for Chinese women, is so well done. Jasmine’s pain, desire, and hunt for justice, and Rebecca’s ruthless drive for acceptance, love and understanding feel like two sides to a dangerous, glinting coin highlighting the heavier side of what motherhood and womanhood does to women - especially women who have little choices like Jasmine, or all the choices like Rebecca. This character study - and the mystery at the heart of the plot! - are both thoughtful, and raised all the questions for me to mull over.
There were some plot twists that I thought were good, and I liked how it ended. I had a bit of trouble connecting with the characters, but it was entertaining enough for me to try another book by this author in the future.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Really enjoyed this book! Jean Kwok's writing is spectacular -- accessible, relatable, beautiful. Nothing overdone, nothing showy. But punchy, vivid. This had more thriller vibes than I was anticipating but I flew through it and really liked it. Definitely want to read her other books.
In her latest novel, The Leftover Woman, Jean Kwok masterfully intertwines the lives of two women from vastly different backgrounds in the bustling metropolis of New York City. This compelling narrative delves deep into themes of motherhood, race, female empowerment, and the complexities of immigration and adoption.
A Tale of Two Women
At the heart of the novel are Jasmine Yang and Rebecca. Jasmine, fleeing an abusive marriage in rural China, arrives in New York with a singular mission: to find her daughter, who was taken from her at birth due to China's controversial One Child Policy. Her journey is fraught with the harsh realities of being an undocumented immigrant, yet her determination and resilience shine through.
On the other side of the story is Rebecca, a wealthy American book editor facing her own set of challenges. She has adopted Jasmine's daughter, Fiona, and her life becomes a web of emotional and moral complexities. Kwok's portrayal of these two women is both nuanced and empathetic, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and compelling.
The Leftover Woman goes beyond a simple narrative to explore profound themes that resonate with contemporary readers. The novel highlights the struggles and sacrifices that mothers make for their children, painting a vivid picture of the lengths to which Jasmine will go to reunite with her daughter. It also explores the cultural and economic divides that separate Jasmine and Rebecca, yet ultimately bind them through a shared emotional journey.
Kwok delves into the theme of female empowerment, showcasing the strengths and vulnerabilities of her characters. The story also addresses the complexities of immigration and displacement, providing a poignant commentary on the immigrant experience in America.
Evocative Writing Style
Jean Kwok, known for her bestselling novels Girl in Translatio and Searching for Sylvie Lee, brings her signature narrative style to The Leftover Woman. Her writing is evocative, twisting, and suspenseful, blending family drama with elements of mystery. Kwok's ability to create vivid, relatable characters and her knack for pacing make this novel both a page-turner and a profound exploration of identity and belonging.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its character development. Kwok's portrayal of Jasmine and Rebecca is both nuanced and empathetic, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and compelling. The exploration of complex themes such as motherhood, immigration, and cultural identity adds depth and relevance to the story.
However, some readers might find certain plot twists to be predictable, which can reduce the element of surprise. Sometimes, the narrative may also feel overly dramatic, which might not appeal to all readers.
The Leftover Woman is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that masterfully weaves together the lives of two women separated by cultural and economic divides yet united by their deep emotional connections. Jean Kwok's storytelling prowess shines through, offering readers a captivating and heartfelt journey through the complexities of motherhood and identity. For those looking for a novel that combines rich character development with profound themes,The Leftover Woman is a great-read.
A Tale of Two Women
At the heart of the novel are Jasmine Yang and Rebecca. Jasmine, fleeing an abusive marriage in rural China, arrives in New York with a singular mission: to find her daughter, who was taken from her at birth due to China's controversial One Child Policy. Her journey is fraught with the harsh realities of being an undocumented immigrant, yet her determination and resilience shine through.
On the other side of the story is Rebecca, a wealthy American book editor facing her own set of challenges. She has adopted Jasmine's daughter, Fiona, and her life becomes a web of emotional and moral complexities. Kwok's portrayal of these two women is both nuanced and empathetic, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and compelling.
The Leftover Woman goes beyond a simple narrative to explore profound themes that resonate with contemporary readers. The novel highlights the struggles and sacrifices that mothers make for their children, painting a vivid picture of the lengths to which Jasmine will go to reunite with her daughter. It also explores the cultural and economic divides that separate Jasmine and Rebecca, yet ultimately bind them through a shared emotional journey.
Kwok delves into the theme of female empowerment, showcasing the strengths and vulnerabilities of her characters. The story also addresses the complexities of immigration and displacement, providing a poignant commentary on the immigrant experience in America.
Evocative Writing Style
Jean Kwok, known for her bestselling novels Girl in Translatio and Searching for Sylvie Lee, brings her signature narrative style to The Leftover Woman. Her writing is evocative, twisting, and suspenseful, blending family drama with elements of mystery. Kwok's ability to create vivid, relatable characters and her knack for pacing make this novel both a page-turner and a profound exploration of identity and belonging.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its character development. Kwok's portrayal of Jasmine and Rebecca is both nuanced and empathetic, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and compelling. The exploration of complex themes such as motherhood, immigration, and cultural identity adds depth and relevance to the story.
However, some readers might find certain plot twists to be predictable, which can reduce the element of surprise. Sometimes, the narrative may also feel overly dramatic, which might not appeal to all readers.
The Leftover Woman is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that masterfully weaves together the lives of two women separated by cultural and economic divides yet united by their deep emotional connections. Jean Kwok's storytelling prowess shines through, offering readers a captivating and heartfelt journey through the complexities of motherhood and identity. For those looking for a novel that combines rich character development with profound themes,The Leftover Woman is a great-read.
A complex story of a wealthy and successful couple in the USA, an adopted child, her Chinese nanny, and the hidden secrets of all. This looks at mothers, careers, immigration, deceit, all through a bewildering chain of events. This is about love, deceit, and the invisibility of immigrants. It is a page turner.
NetGalley
NetGalley