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Loading... The Leftover Woman: A Novel (original 2023; edition 2023)by Jean Kwok (Author)
Work InformationThe Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok (2023)
  
Books Read in 2024 (924) Netgalley Reads (266) No current Talk conversations about this book.  LynnB | May 11, 2024 |    ) huyen | Mar 29, 2024 | The book is a captivating and emotionally charged narrative that held my attention for a few days, leaving me with a need to collect my thoughts. Apologies for the slight delay in sharing my reflections. 'The Leftover Woman’ follows the journey of Jasmine, a young Chinese woman who escapes to America to find her daughter, given up for adoption by her authoritarian husband to an American couple in New York. Facing the constraints of China's one-child policy, Jasmine's husband's actions are driven by his desire for a son to carry on his family name. The story unfolds through the dual perspectives of Jasmine and Rebecca, the American woman who adopted Jasmine's daughter. The narrative subtly delves into the complexities of cross-racial adoption, skillfully highlighting the social and personal challenges associated with such arrangements. Once I delved into the book, it gripped me, although it didn't precisely fit into the thriller or mystery genre due to its somewhat predictable plot and lack of intense suspense. Rather, it unfolds as a slow-burning tale with a strong focus on character development, falling more under the category of literary fiction with elements of suspense. While the overall writing was compelling, I found some of the dialogues, particularly those between Rebecca and her husband, to be a bit awkward and forced. However, this minor issue didn't significantly diminish my overall reading experience. The book remains a commendable effort by the author, delivering a poignant and impactful narrative. Notably, the conclusion was exceptionally satisfying, eliciting a response akin to an enthusiastic round of applause from me. (  ) b00kdarling87 | Jan 7, 2024 | ) shazjhb | Jan 6, 2024 |  ) bookczuk | Dec 29, 2023 | no reviews | add a review
DistinctionsNotable Lists
Fiction.
Literature.
Thriller.
HTML: A Most Anticipated Book by The New York Times • Elle • People • New York Post • Goodreads • Crimereads • LibraryReads • and many more! An evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women—from the New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation. "At once a hugely atmospheric and suspenseful mystery and a compelling exploration of motherhood and belonging that packs a profound emotional punch. I couldn't stop thinking about this book." — Lucy Foley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Apartment 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. "A magnetic meditation on secret histories, motherhood, love, and how we show up for each other in the most surprising of ways. A beautiful, propulsive story!" — Laura Dave, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me "A heart-tugging exploration of love, belonging, and the meaning of family." — Ruth Ware, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The It Girl .No library descriptions found. |
LibraryThing AuthorJean Kwok is a LibraryThing Author, an author who lists their personal library on LibraryThing. Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers 
 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.6Literature English (North America) American fiction 21st CenturyLC ClassificationRatingAverage: (3.78)
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Wikipedia in English
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The story explores complex issues, including motherhood. Two women are mothers to young Fiona. Their legal claims to that status are clearer than the emotional and moral ones. Another major issue explored is the emigration of undocumented people, and the exploitation they face as a result. Cross-cultural adoption challenges and the rights of women round out the major themes. Not to mention unconditional love and what that looks like. (