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The Leftover Woman: A Novel Hardcover – October 10, 2023
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Recommended by The New York Times • Elle • Good Morning America • TIME • People • New York Post • Real Simple • Goodreads • 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.
"Intriguing. . . Kwok is a skilled writer of suspenseful family drama. . . . We root for Jasmine and Rebecca as they face impossible choices and emerge stronger for all the battles they’ve fought, always resisting becoming the ‘leftover’ women.” —Leigh Haber, New York Times Book Review
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
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWilliam Morrow
- Publication dateOctober 10, 2023
- Dimensions6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100063031469
- ISBN-13978-0063031463
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From the Publisher
The Leftover Woman | Searching for Sylvie Lee | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars
1,493
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4.2 out of 5 stars
4,923
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Price | $14.99$14.99 | $12.49$12.49 |
Editorial Reviews
Review
"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
“A heart-wrenching examination of transracial adoption and its influence in the lives of a Chinese American child and the two mothers who love her. . . . The resulting intersection of their lives makes this book not only a suspenseful read, but also an introspective journey into the bonds of family, country, class, and race." — Elle Magazine, Best Books of the Year
“Anyone looking for an of-the-moment page-turner of a novel need look no further.” — Bethanne Patrick, NPR
“Secrets and lies propel Jean Kwok’s new novel. . . there are several clever twists.” — Alice Stephens, The Washington Post
"Jean Kwok weaves a riveting drama about motherhood and belonging.” — Time
“The lives of two women — a privileged book editor and a Chinese immigrant navigating Manhattan's underworld — collide in this emotion-packed thriller.” — People
“A propulsive and engrossing narrative.” — The Guardian
“Kwok brings her signature lyrical prose to the novel, while suspense simmers in the background… Highly recommended.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“Kwok brings her signature lyrical prose to the novel, while suspense simmers in the background.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Fans of Little Fires Everywhere will love this evocative and emotional novel from NYT bestselling author Jean Kwok.” — Betches.com, “Best Books of the Year”
“This poignant mystery sparks fascinating questions about motherhood, class, and identity.” — Real Simple
“Kwok has woven an impeccably plotted domestic thriller that culminates in a profoundly satisfying ending, and I must insist that everyone pick this one up.” — Crimereads
“[The Leftover Woman]. . . has the heart and heft of literary fiction and the couldn’t-put-this-down-even-if-tried engine of a thriller.” — The Skimm
“Kwok hooks readers with an emotionally gripping story of two mothers willing to risk everything to protect what they love, skillfully balancing perspectives to a riveting climax.” — LibraryReads
"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 long after I’d read the final page." — Lucy Foley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List and The Paris Apartment
"The Leftover Woman is an unforgettable, beautifully written page-turner that’s about so many things at once: a courageous woman fighting to escape an abusive husband, a mother’s love and sacrifice, and how culture and language dramatically change the lens through which we are seen and evaluated by others. Jean Kwok uses an intricately layered plot to ensnare and mesmerize us with fierce, complex characters. I absolutely adored this novel, from its tantalizing first pages to the poignant ending." — Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls
“A haunting, emotionally powerful story about motherhood, family, oppression, immigration, and power. Kwok is an impressive talent whose books resonate with deeply felt emotion and expertly crafted plotting.” — Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pieces of Her and the Will Trent series
"Jean Kwok has done it again. Her newest novel will make your heart race as it follows two determined women: one whose choices have been limited, and one who has the world at her feet. Jean’s heroines cross languages, borders, and cultures to collide in a confrontation that leaves blood on their hands. As gorgeous as it is thrilling, The Leftover Woman tells a story of identity, ambition, and love that makes us look again at who we are and who we're forced to be. It asks us: How far would you go to get what you want?" — Julia Phillips, bestselling author of Disappearing Earth
“What a page-turner! The Leftover Woman asks aching questions about family and love even as it hop-scotches across cultures and classes, bringing both tragedy and hope. A marvelous read.” — Gish Jen, award-winning author of The Resisters
“An utterly riveting novel about two very different mothers, The Leftover Woman is not only an absolutely propulsive thriller but also a profound exploration of poverty and privilege, oppression and escape, desire and the self. This spellbinding narrative of immigration and hidden identity proves in so many ways that love has no boundaries.” — Lan Samantha Chang, author of The Family Chao
"The Leftover Woman is a gripping, emotional story of women forced to make impossible (sometimes life-and-death) decisions. Driven by love and self-determination, Jasmine and Rebecca present fierce representations of motherhood rife with vivid struggles and triumphs that lodged right in my heart. Jean Kwok once again delivers suspense and passion within a character-driven framework that readers can't help but lose themselves in. The Leftover Woman is one of the best and brightest books of the year!" — Thao Thai, author of Banyan Moon
About the Author
Jean Kwok is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee, Girl in Translation, and Mambo in Chinatown. Her work has been published in twenty countries and is taught in universities, colleges, and high schools across the world. She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, and the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award international shortlist. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University. She is fluent in Chinese, Dutch, and English, and divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City.
Product details
- Publisher : William Morrow (October 10, 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0063031469
- ISBN-13 : 978-0063031463
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #157,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #408 in Asian American Literature & Fiction
- #3,407 in Family Life Fiction (Books)
- #10,280 in Literary Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Jean Kwok is the international bestselling author of Girl in Translation, Mambo in Chinatown, and Searching for Sylvie Lee, which was a Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club pick and an instant New York Times bestseller. Her work has been published in twenty countries and is taught in schools across the world. She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. She immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She received her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and earned an MFA from Columbia University. She currently lives in the Netherlands.
Learn more about Jean here:
https://jeankwok.com/
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New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok dazzles with her latest evocative and emotional tale, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN — a riveting mystery of two tenacious, inspiring, and fearless women, both mothers—a story of injustice, abuse, sacrifice, and love.
Top Books of 2023! Look at this stunning cover! I cannot wait for my hardcover to arrive. Not only is this cover elegant and haunting on the outside—but it is just as exquisite on the inside—a complete package with a fitting title. The author is at the top of her game!
Jasmine Yang comes from a rural Chinese village. She was left on the roadside as a child because she was a girl. The culture/policy would only allow one child per family. Unfortunately, all the families wanted boys to help care for their parents in their old age.
Her aunt and uncle raised her, but she never felt like she belonged or was loved. Then, she was taken in by a controlling, abusive husband when she was 14. When she delivered her beautiful baby girl, her husband, Wen, wanted a boy, and since they were only allowed one child due to overpopulation, he lied and told her she died.
She was heartbroken. Later, she found the emails and learned that her abusive husband (they were not legally married due to her age) had given her up for adoption. Jasmine knows she must find her daughter. Whatever she has to do to escape this monster and find her daughter, Fiona. She will do anything to reunite with her daughter. Jasmine was just an obsession for Wen.
The clues lead to New York City to a successful, wealthy couple power couple. However, to get there, she has to make a deal with the devil to get to America. If she failed to pay, they would sell her into prostitution.
She had to make money and fast. Since she was an illegal immigrant, she had to turn to being a dancer at an Asian strip club and found a nanny job during the day. She did not want to strip, but it was better than prostitution if she did not come up with the money.
She planned and saved working during the day as a nanny and at night as a dancer at Opium. She kept her head down. The parents did not have a clue as she dressed very plainly and did not draw attention to herself. However, she lived in fear daily, fearing Wen would come after her.
In the meantime, we meet Rebecca and Brandon Whitney. Brandon spoke her native language. They adopted a Chinese girl, and Lucy is now their Chinese nanny for five-year-old Fifi.
Rebecca and Brandson have it all with the family name, beautiful home, wealth, and prestige, and Rebecca a high-powered career in the publishing industry. This is so clever! Then, there is a scandal and blackmail, which could destroy Rebecca's career and marriage.
Beautifully told from alternating POVs: Rebecca and Jasmine in four parts. Two mothers from different walks of life with a shared love, their daughter. When the past and present collide, and the connection between Wen and Brandon comes front and center with the two mothers, it is EXPLOSIVE!
"In China, I'd seen posters warning girls of the danger of becoming leftover women, women that no one wanted. Leftover like scraps on a table, uneaten food, both a sacrilege and wasteful, something that should have nourished our country squandered and turned into rubbish: unwarned, purposeless, of no use to anyone. I was a leftover woman, I realized. After everyone else had carved away what they wanted to see in me and taken what they desired, I was all that was left." —Jasmine, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN.
Masterfully crafted, character-driven, and plot-driven, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN is a stunning work of art—a novel of motherhood, class, and culture. The writing is lyrical and heartfelt, and it will break your heart—full of raw emotion, keeping you on the edge of your seat in suspense as to how this could end positively for both mothers.
The author ratchets the suspense as readers try to breathe, hoping for a happy ending. The final Epilogue, told from Fiona's POV, was priceless! I was so worried how this would turn out. Never fear; the author has complete control, and the ending will have you crying tears of joy!
It is an award-winning novel; I cannot wait to see the book played out on the wide screen. WELL DONE! I enjoyed both POVs, both compelling; however, I was drawn more to Jasmine's story (a survivor) and her background, rooting for her all the way! I adored Jasmine, Fiona, and Anthony!
I cannot recommend this masterpiece enough. Get it now! A favorite. It is worth all the hype and then some! I read the e-book and purchased the hardcover copy and the audiobook narrated by Sura Siu and Caroline Hewitt.
#JDCMustReadBooks
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok dazzles with her latest evocative and emotional tale, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN — a riveting mystery of two tenacious, inspiring, and fearless women, both mothers—a story of injustice, abuse, sacrifice, and love.
Top Books of 2023! Look at this stunning cover! I cannot wait for my hardcover to arrive. Not only is this cover elegant and haunting on the outside—but it is just as exquisite on the inside—a complete package with a fitting title. The author is at the top of her game!
Jasmine Yang comes from a rural Chinese village. She was left on the roadside as a child because she was a girl. The culture/policy would only allow one child per family. Unfortunately, all the families wanted boys to help care for their parents in their old age.
Her aunt and uncle raised her, but she never felt like she belonged or was loved. Then, she was taken in by a controlling, abusive husband when she was 14. When she delivered her beautiful baby girl, her husband, Wen, wanted a boy, and since they were only allowed one child due to overpopulation, he lied and told her she died.
She was heartbroken. Later, she found the emails and learned that her abusive husband (they were not legally married due to her age) had given her up for adoption. Jasmine knows she must find her daughter. Whatever she has to do to escape this monster and find her daughter, Fiona. She will do anything to reunite with her daughter. Jasmine was just an obsession for Wen.
The clues lead to New York City to a successful, wealthy couple power couple. However, to get there, she has to make a deal with the devil to get to America. If she failed to pay, they would sell her into prostitution.
She had to make money and fast. Since she was an illegal immigrant, she had to turn to being a dancer at an Asian strip club and found a nanny job during the day. She did not want to strip, but it was better than prostitution if she did not come up with the money.
She planned and saved working during the day as a nanny and at night as a dancer at Opium. She kept her head down. The parents did not have a clue as she dressed very plainly and did not draw attention to herself. However, she lived in fear daily, fearing Wen would come after her.
In the meantime, we meet Rebecca and Brandon Whitney. Brandon spoke her native language. They adopted a Chinese girl, and Lucy is now their Chinese nanny for five-year-old Fifi.
Rebecca and Brandson have it all with the family name, beautiful home, wealth, and prestige, and Rebecca a high-powered career in the publishing industry. This is so clever! Then, there is a scandal and blackmail, which could destroy Rebecca's career and marriage.
Beautifully told from alternating POVs: Rebecca and Jasmine in four parts. Two mothers from different walks of life with a shared love, their daughter. When the past and present collide, and the connection between Wen and Brandon comes front and center with the two mothers, it is EXPLOSIVE!
"In China, I'd seen posters warning girls of the danger of becoming leftover women, women that no one wanted. Leftover like scraps on a table, uneaten food, both a sacrilege and wasteful, something that should have nourished our country squandered and turned into rubbish: unwarned, purposeless, of no use to anyone. I was a leftover woman, I realized. After everyone else had carved away what they wanted to see in me and taken what they desired, I was all that was left." —Jasmine, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN.
Masterfully crafted, character-driven, and plot-driven, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN is a stunning work of art—a novel of motherhood, class, and culture. The writing is lyrical and heartfelt, and it will break your heart—full of raw emotion, keeping you on the edge of your seat in suspense as to how this could end positively for both mothers.
The author ratchets the suspense as readers try to breathe, hoping for a happy ending. The final Epilogue, told from Fiona's POV, was priceless! I was so worried how this would turn out. Never fear; the author has complete control, and the ending will have you crying tears of joy!
It is an award-winning novel; I cannot wait to see the book played out on the wide screen. WELL DONE! I enjoyed both POVs, both compelling; however, I was drawn more to Jasmine's story (a survivor) and her background, rooting for her all the way! I adored Jasmine, Fiona, and Anthony!
I cannot recommend this masterpiece enough. Get it now! A favorite. It is worth all the hype and then some! I read the e-book and purchased the hardcover copy and the audiobook narrated by Sura Siu and Caroline Hewitt.
#JDCMustReadBooks
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok tells the story of two women, Jasmine and Rebecca, whose lives intertwine in New York City. Jasmine is Fiona’s birth mother and Rebecca is her adopted mother. Jasmine’s search for Fiona is what fuels the novel.
In a book about birth and adoptive mothers, I expected to dislike the adoptive mother. I don’t know if there’s any particular reason I expected this other than the book starts with Jasmine’s story and she’s immediately a sympathetic character. A new refugee, we follow her as she attempts to get a job despite her minimal English skills and her lack of papers. She needs a job to pay off the snakeheads who helped smuggle her into the country so she can attempt to find the daughter that was put up for adoption as a result of China’s one-child policy.
Rebecca is an accomplished and powerful editor at a publishing house. Her husband is a professor at Columbia, and they appear to have the perfect marriage until cracks start appearing. One thing is clear, though. They both dote on their adopted daughter, Fiona. While Jasmine’s struggle is survival in a new country and finding her daughter, Rebecca’s struggle is trying to be everything to everyone – a brilliant editor, a loving wife, a doting mother, and everything in between.
The Leftover Woman has mystery, romance, and intrigue, and Kwok plays with the timeline a bit. Kwok’s writing style is engaging, and she effectively conveys the complexities of Jasmine’s and Rebecca’s emotions. The cultural aspects are also well-researched and add depth to the story. But, as much as I enjoyed getting to know Jasmine and Rebecca, The Leftover Woman is lacking in some regards.
If you haven’t read it yet, you might want to stop reading this The Leftover Woman review now. Some spoiler-ish information follows.
• Is it just me or does Rebecca’s husband seem sketch from the first time we meet him? Nobody is that perfect! And then his “scandal” that lead him to be kicked out of China is so tame that I don’t understand why Rebecca didn’t know about it.
• On the other hand, how were they able to adopt Fiona without ever returning to China?
• The ending, at Rebecca’s house, is a bit bonkers, eh?
• I loved everything about Anthony.
• After you finish the book, go back and read the Prologue. The way Jean Kwok ties it all together is amazing.
Jean Kwok’s writing is compelling, and The Leftover Woman is thought-provoking. It’s a solid 3.5-star novel that could have been a bit more.
Kwok brings these two characters together in a surprisingly suspenseful, page-turning story when a vengeful and dangerous biological father forces both mother's instincts into violent play.
Middle of the book there is a “I didn’t see that coming” moment. That’s how I know a book is good because I didn’t figure it out.
I would recommend this book to those who love a mystery and powerful women who don’t know the power they have.
Top reviews from other countries
I was OBSESSED with this book, I devoured it in one sitting !
If you are a fan of The Housemaid, The Push and Verity , then I think you'll love this read too!
It has mystery, suspense, twists, multiple POV's and shortish chapters which I love LOL
Poor Jasmine has fled her abusive influential husband in search of her missing daughter . While on the other side of the world nestled in a quaint little neighborhood lives Rebecca , who is sophisticated , intelligent , amazing career and charming husband , both raising their sweet little adopted daughter Fifi.
Secrets get spun, but who is telling the truth ??
You must read to find out what transpires and I promise you will not be disappointed!!
Superior writing, Bravo Jean Kwok you just gained a new fan !!
Happy Reading :-)
Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2023
I was OBSESSED with this book, I devoured it in one sitting !
If you are a fan of The Housemaid, The Push and Verity , then I think you'll love this read too!
It has mystery, suspense, twists, multiple POV's and shortish chapters which I love LOL
Poor Jasmine has fled her abusive influential husband in search of her missing daughter . While on the other side of the world nestled in a quaint little neighborhood lives Rebecca , who is sophisticated , intelligent , amazing career and charming husband , both raising their sweet little adopted daughter Fifi.
Secrets get spun, but who is telling the truth ??
You must read to find out what transpires and I promise you will not be disappointed!!
Superior writing, Bravo Jean Kwok you just gained a new fan !!
Happy Reading :-)