Time to Discuss The Leftover Woman
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok is more than a fast-paced novel that pulls in the kinds of twists and turns that are elemental to some of our favorite thrillers. But the book also touches on themes of motherhood and betrayal, race and class, politics and ambition. You’ll want a little guidance as you kick off your contemplation or conversation, so read on for a few discussion questions. Be careful, though: Spoilers abound. Be sure, too, to check out the Page & Pairing guide to the novel.
The Leftover Woman
by Jean Kwok
1. What was your first impression of Jasmine? How did your sense of her character change throughout the story? At what point did you root for her most?
2. How would you describe the differences in these characters’ attitudes toward motherhood?
3. Think about the title: The Leftover Woman. This is a Chinese phrase referring to women who are unmarried by their late twenties. How does the title inform your reading? Who is “leftover”? Are there multiple meanings?
4. Discuss the relationship between Rebecca and Brandon. Would you consider them a strong couple? Why do you think Lucy comes between them?
5. Think about Jasmine’s experiences as an undocumented worker in New York City. How does this impact her relationships with different classes and her employers, even as she rubs shoulders with them?
6. How would you describe Kwok’s prose style? What are the distinct elements of each woman’s chapters?
7. Consider the novel’s structure beyond the two perspectives. What effect did the brief Prologue have on your reading of this story? What expectations did it establish? How would the novel read differently without it?
8. Consider what Wen did to Jasmine. Why did he feel he could do this? What does he think Jasmine owes him?
9. Did Jasmine’s time working at Opium surprise you in any way? How does Kwok explore the complexities of sex work and particularly fetishism of minorities?
10. How did you react to the “twist” about Lucy’s character? Why do you think Kwok chose to shape the narrative in this way?