The Leavers by Lisa Ko

The Leavers
by Lisa Ko
The Leavers is one of the most interesting books I have read in quite a while. The story is powerful and has many fascinating aspects to it.

The novel tells the story of Deming Guo, a young boy whose mother, Polly, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, suddenly disappears one day. Deming is then adopted by a white, middle-class American couple and renamed Daniel. The story follows his struggles to adapt to his new life and his search for his mother, which takes him on a journey that spans continents and cultures.

One of the things that makes this book so powerful is the way it explores issues of identity, belonging, and culture. Deming/Daniel’s experiences as an immigrant, both in China and the US, are vividly portrayed and provide a nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience.

Another aspect of the book that I found compelling was the way it dealt with issues of family and relationships. The complex web of relationships that Deming/Daniel has with his birth mother, adoptive parents, and various other characters in the book is portrayed with great sensitivity and insight.

Overall, The Leavers is a beautifully written and deeply affecting novel that explores important themes with intelligence and compassion. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

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