The Leftover Woman

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