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).
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.
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! ✨
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