Book Review: The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: October 10, 2023
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
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 risky 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 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 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.
***The Leftover Woman was one of my October 2023 Book of the Month Club selections. You can join Book of the Month with this link and get a hardcover book for only $5 with no obligation to continue your membership.***
