A review by babewithabookandabeer
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok

emotional mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you William Morrow for my Netgalley copy of THE LEFTOVER WOMAN by Jean Kwok, out on 10/10/23!

This is one of the most unique thrillers I have ever read! I seriously could not put it down and the story was so original, and complex, and absolutely incredible. The Leftover Woman is an evocative family drama and riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood.

Jasmine Yang arrives in NYC from a rural Chinese village without any money or support, fleeing a controlling husband, and on a search to find her missing daughter who her husband secretly turned over for adoption with the One Child Policy in place.

Meanwhile, publishing executive Rebecca Whitney is rich, has a career she is rebuilding after a humiliating disqualification from a prestigious award by one of the books she edited, with a handsome husband with secrets, an adopted daughter she adores but is struggling to connect with her culturally, and a nanny helping her balance the demands of it all. 

This book went somewhere I was not expecting at ALL and I loved every minute of it. Wow wow wow. Please add this to your TBR!!! You will not regret it! It is an astounding exploration of identity, motherhood, and cultural and class differences in opposite parts of the globe. The plot moves so fast and both women are fascinating to follow, with such complex happenings and meanderings. The timing, writing, pacing, and absolute MASTERY of a storyline were just impeccable. 100 stars for this one!!! Will read anything Kwok writes after this breathtaking reading experience I wish I could relive over and over again.