What would you be willing to do if your life depended upon it?
The lengths that a mother will go to for a child are never to be underestimated, and this is as true as ever in Jean Kwok’s latest novel The Leftover Woman.
Two women are both dedicated to the same child. One, Jasmine, is the child’s Chinese biological mother. Her baby was taken from her immediately after her birth in China, and told the newborn had died. Across the world, in New York City, elite book editor Rebecca is raising her sweet daughter Fifi, adopted as a baby from China in answer to her prayers.
After realizing the truth, Jasmine, with no money and no support, takes off for the U.S. to find her baby and bring her back home. Wending her way through the seedy politics of a strip club, she sets her sights on her goal as the polished publishing world of Rebecca begins to implode.
To call this novel a thriller would only give you half the picture; it’s also a cross-section of the excruciating choices that mothers sometimes need to make, not least of all when their lives depend upon it.
The Leftover Woman
by Jean Kwok
 |  |
| Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir | Truth Be Told Sauvignon Blanc |
| Early on in the novel, Rebecca hosts a party at her mother’s posh NYC apartment, and it turns out to be a who’s-who of the book publishing elite. The real goal is not to see and be seen; rather it’s to woo one of the hottest authors around, whose latest book is about to go to auction. Rebecca’s drink of choice? A perfectly elegant and yet full-bodied Pinot Noir, like this Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir from Mendocino County. | There are a lot of twists and omissions and a few absolute lies in The Leftover Woman. With that, we’re pouring a glass of this Truth Be Told Sauvignon Blanc, a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s fuller, like a Bordeaux, and though it’s fairly complex, it’s easy to follow once you’re sitting with it for a few moments. Expect a floral touch, as well as a bit of melon and citrus. |
Lemon Meringue Tarts
We have a special treat for our recipe pairing today, straight from the author, Jean Kwok: “This is a delicious lemon meringue pie that was developed for The Leftover Woman. Jennifer Kular, who runs the site [thewelltravelledkitchen.com] helped me create the menus for the book as I was writing it. Further down the page via the same link is a picture of the perfect frothy drink for the novel, pink champagne!”
Get the lemon meringue tart recipe.
The Leftover Woman touches on motherhood and betrayal, of course, but also pulls in themes of race, class, politics, and ambition. You’ll want a little guidance as you kick off your contemplation or conversation.
Get the questions.
We asked Jean to share a book she’s loved lately. “Finally, a wonderful book I've just read that came out this week is Laura Dave's highly anticipated, The Night We Lost Him."
Check out the book Jean loves.
Jean Kwok now has four novels under her belt and each one is as fabulous as the last. What’s more? She’s a quite prolific essayist and poet, as well. If you loved this book, might we suggest you go back to her first novel, Girl in Translation, and work your way through her bibliography? If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to read every book Jean puts out. Girl in Translation pulls from Jean’s own life. It tells the story of a young Chinese immigrant who arrives in Brooklyn with her mother. She attends school during the day, and is a remarkable student. However, in the evenings, she goes to work in a sweatshop to contribute to her family’s future. As she swings from one life to another and back again, she learns to navigate all of the opportunities ahead of her against the hardship of history she carries with her.