A review by sakisreads
The Leavers, by Lisa Ko
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-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
I was looking for books that centred around joy for people of colour and found this on someone’s ‘Must Read’ list. I absolutely cannot wait to put it on mine either! 👏🏼 I only put it down to laugh (at some of the pure audacity of some of the characters) or cry (about Peilan and Deming and the adversities they faced). I wasn’t sure if there was actually going to be any joy but it was definitely scattered throughout. If anyone is looking for a beautiful book, this one is it. I am so excited to ask friends to read this one to discuss with me! ✨
Spoiler
Ko including Peilan’s deportation after 2 years in ICE immigration camps made me want to throw my Kindle across the room! I was livid. It is atrocious that America still allows this to happen.Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, Addiction, Death of parent, and Forced institutionalization