The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok

The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok – 288 pages

ARC from William Morrow and Netgalley for an honest review

Book Blurb:

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 desperate 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 Chinese 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.

My Review: 4.5 stars

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The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok is a story about two strong women, one an illegal Chinese refugee and the other a wealthy publishing executive in New York. Both are hiding secrets that will eventually be revealed

I have enjoyed all of Jean Kwok’s books and was highly anticipating this one especially after the author said that this is the novel of her heart. Both storylines of Jasmine and of Rebecca were engaging and kept the me invested. That is a feat in itself, as there is usually one character or timeline that I prefer. I knew from the blurb that these two women’s storylines would converge and was unable to foresee the twist that came midway through the book.  

The concept of the one child rule in China upset me as mothers were led to believe her child died if it was a girl. Generations of families wanted boys, so they secretly had their girls adopted out. Once Jasmine learned her daughter’s true fate, she took mama bear risks to try and find her daughter. 

Rebecca’s secrets were more scandalous and affected her reputation and career. Once she learned the secrets her husband had been holding back, she grew stronger and realized that perfection is just an illusion. 

The pacing, rich characterization and good storytelling made this an excellent read. I’m certain this will make a fantastic book club discussion as there is lots of juicy bits to chew on.

Quotes I liked:

Why was it that women had to pay the price for men’s desires?”

“After all, a book is a garden you carry around with you.”

“We’re both women, and women don’t have it easy in this world. Let’s not stand on opposite sides of the river.”

“Sometimes the past sends shockwaves into the future. “