The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee: Book Review

I enjoy so many different types of books especially when they are in the women’s fiction genre. The expanse of topics is phenomenal and it is exciting to be able to read so many different books. I introduced you to an author last month who is making waves in the women’s fiction area. I published a Q&A with her called Meet the Author: Janice Y. K. Lee. She is publishing the new novel, The Expatriates and I was pleased to be able to review it.

The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee
Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: January 12, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-0525429470

Mercy, a recent Columbia graduate without a safety net, is adrift, undone by a terrible incident in her recent past. Hilary, a lonely housewife, is haunted by her struggle to have a child, something she believes could save her foundering marriage. Meanwhile, Margaret, once a happily married mother of three, takes every opportunity to escape from her life in the wake of a shattering loss.

Chapter by chapter, the novel draws the reader into their stories and gives us glimpses of expatriate life’s surprising contradictions in Hong Kong, where these women are both insiders and outsiders, incredibly privileged but deeply unsatisfied, and attempting, above all, to connect with others and regain a sense of self that has slipped away. As each woman struggles with her own demons, their lives collide in ways that have irreversible consequences for them all.

My Thoughts:

This book was a surprise to me in many ways. As a child, I was an expat in Southeast Asia and many of the stories and descriptions of living the expat life really resonated with me. I saw so many things growing up exactly like was was described in this book. Parties, community gatherings, meltdowns and breakdowns from stress and issues brought on by living away from family and friends for years.

Visiting Hong Kong was a highlight of my travels and many of the descriptive portions the author added of the city brought back memories long forgotten. The smells, the noise, the dirt and the many differences in our cultures was brought to life by the author. She has a talent for transporting you right into the city so it seems you are watching the story unfold right in front of you.

This book is written about the intersection of three women and their lives in Hong Kong. It is very clear that no matter where you are in the world, it truly is a small world and you will run into someone you know, somewhere. And the 6 degrees of separation is really much smaller so often, especially in a small city like Hong Kong.

The book is rich with emotion. The pain, regret, and insecurities these women deal with are fresh and raw. There were many parts that were hard to read. Heartbreaking in spots and healing in others. It speaks volumes to the struggles women face and learn to deal with as a woman and a wife.

Janice Y. K. Lee has crafted a beautiful story that is not really what you expected but leaves you with so much more than you started with. Richly in-depth and highly unique. Definitely one to read!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.