Scan barcode
A review by claudiaslibrarycard
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Leftover Woman is a genre bending, tight and concise novel by Jean Kwok. I was amazed at what a detailed story Kwok weaves in under 300 pages, blending characteristics of literary fiction, mystery, and family drama. At times I thought I knew where this plot was going, but I certainly did not.
Told from the perspective of a Chinese immigrant without papers and the high powered publishing editor who adopted a Chinese daughter, this story pulls on heartstrings and keeps the tension taut throughout. How Kwok stays on that tightrope was very impressive.
I recommend this book to almost anyone because it blends so many genres and creates deep, dynamic characters that you feel for but can't consistently agree with while moving towards a plot crescendo that you can feel viscerally.
I'd suggest going in relatively blind, but expect themes around the one child policy of China, adoption, fidelity, and how far a mother will go for her child. The Leftover Woman is well deserving of a spot on your TBR.
Told from the perspective of a Chinese immigrant without papers and the high powered publishing editor who adopted a Chinese daughter, this story pulls on heartstrings and keeps the tension taut throughout. How Kwok stays on that tightrope was very impressive.
I recommend this book to almost anyone because it blends so many genres and creates deep, dynamic characters that you feel for but can't consistently agree with while moving towards a plot crescendo that you can feel viscerally.
I'd suggest going in relatively blind, but expect themes around the one child policy of China, adoption, fidelity, and how far a mother will go for her child. The Leftover Woman is well deserving of a spot on your TBR.