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grboph's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was simply a great book. I loved all of the characters, the story was captivating and emotional, and Ko is a wonderful writer - I'd definitely seek out other books of hers. It also sheds light on an important societal issue, and I think it's a very important thing to be aware of. I'd recommend this book to anyone who lives in the United States or anyone who likes good stories about families.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Deportation, Abandonment, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Addiction, Medical content, Death of parent, Infidelity, Xenophobia, Classism, Confinement, Cursing, Pregnancy, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, and Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Abortion
madeleinebay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Confinement, Grief, and Addiction
mayab1226's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I think everyone should read this book. It paints a beautiful, multifaceted, and realistic picture of topics such as the mother-son relationship, the Fuzhounese diaspora, and the struggle to fit in and find a home, a place where you belong. The book gave me a new perspective on issues like trans-racial adoption that I hadn’t previously considered, and its depiction of ICE detention camps and deportation was absolutely harrowing to read.
The characterization of Peilan/Polly and Deming/Daniel, in my opinion, was fascinating and three-dimensional. I thought the narrative device of Deming/Daniel’s parts being written in third person, then Peilan/Polly’s being written in first person with her son as the narratee (“you”), was interesting and well-executed, if a bit surprising at first; it ultimately fit their characters well. I especially liked the unspoken similarities and parallels between them, the things that really make them mother and son—for instance, they both hate silence and find it oppressive (side note: I loved reading about Daniel’s synesthesia, since I have the same type—I see colors when I hear music), they both chafe at the idea of doing exactly what is expected of them, and ultimatelytheir idea of home and a place of belonging is transient, temporary, for both of them; both of them choose to be the titular leavers . Ko has created characters that fit this conclusion well and serve it perfectly: Polly craves the unknown, endless possibility, being in motion, and often chooses to leaves her fate up to chance; similarly, while Daniel doesn’t like to be physically adrift, his gambling habit in which he gets himself “lost” evokes the same tendencies. Speaking of Polly’s characterization, it brings up interesting questions about her life story after Daniel finds her . From the beginning, she’s ambivalent about motherhood—domestic life is the exact opposite of the freedom and possibility she craves—but she obviously loves her son. At the same time, though could she have tried harder to find him after being deported to China, or did she just really want to start a new life of her own? It’s probable that both are true at the same time; both are consistent with her multifaceted characterization; it’s what made my professor call this “a very brave novel”.
Which leads me to a disclaimer — I read this for a college class on Asian American Fiction. This review might also be influenced by my friend in that same class, who loved this novel and cited it as her favorite assigned book of the whole semester. But I genuinely think this was a well-written book that brings up very important issues. And in the end, it made me Feel Emotions—and isn’t that all you can truly ask of a novel?
The characterization of Peilan/Polly and Deming/Daniel, in my opinion, was fascinating and three-dimensional. I thought the narrative device of Deming/Daniel’s parts being written in third person, then Peilan/Polly’s being written in first person with her son as the narratee (“you”), was interesting and well-executed, if a bit surprising at first; it ultimately fit their characters well. I especially liked the unspoken similarities and parallels between them, the things that really make them mother and son—for instance, they both hate silence and find it oppressive (side note: I loved reading about Daniel’s synesthesia, since I have the same type—I see colors when I hear music), they both chafe at the idea of doing exactly what is expected of them, and ultimately
Which leads me to a disclaimer — I read this for a college class on Asian American Fiction. This review might also be influenced by my friend in that same class, who loved this novel and cited it as her favorite assigned book of the whole semester. But I genuinely think this was a well-written book that brings up very important issues. And in the end, it made me Feel Emotions—and isn’t that all you can truly ask of a novel?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, and Racism
Moderate: Addiction
rebriley95's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A really good interesting read. Was so interesting to see how Deming/Daniel grew and learned from his past, and how he was part of so many communities. I was surprised by the ending but happy with the growth of the characters. I found the book a bit slow but enjoyable and would recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Grief
Minor: Addiction
nefie's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
incredible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Mental illness
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