Jade and Emerald

by Michelle See-Tho

Lei Ling Wen is lonely. Bored of her demanding after-school schedule of tuition, study and violin lessons, she struggles to see eye to eye with her strict Chinese-Malaysian mother.

When Lei Ling is befriended by elegant, worldly socialite Gigi Nu, she is enchanted by the realm of luxury and freedom that suddenly opens up to her. Gigi encourages Lei Ling to flout her routines and treats her to designer products and expensive meals, and soon Lei Ling finds herself caught between two lives, and increasingly at odds with her exasperated mother.


Then tragedy strikes, and Lei Ling discovers long-held secrets that lead her to question everything she thought she knew about the two central women in her life, and the friendship she’d held at the heart of it.

Jade and Emerald is a fierce and deeply felt novel about the joys and pains of growing up, of accepting who you are and where you come from.

Genres: Book Club, Audiobook, Australia, Fiction, Young Adult, Family

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2024

About the author

Michelle See-Tho’s work has appeared in Kill Your Darlings, Meanjin, Overland, The Big Issue Fiction Edition and Nintendo Life, among others. Jade and Emerald, her first novel, won the Penguin Literary Prize. She can be found at michelleseetho.com.au or on Instagram @michelleseetho

Reviews

[Ming Suan Ong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high expectations for this - always excited to read a new Malaysian writer and the winner of the 2023 penguin literary prize. However, I was a bit baffled after finishing it. I thought it dragged on a bit - a lot of the middle section could have been trimmed down without losing anything. Also.. it read like middle grade fiction and lacked subtlety - the characters were like extreme tropes - the migrant, super demanding almost abusive, emotionally distant mother who speaks in broken English even though she insists that her child only speaks in English. The rich, spoilt indulgent millionairess. . The loner outlier teen torn between her birth culture and the society she is living in. The relationship between Gigi and Chanel was creepy - is it realistic that you would try to connect with your ex lover’s child and shower her with presents and attention in an attempt to get access to your ex again?? The interactions didn’t feel authentic- the mean people were over the top mean and then changed overnight suddenly to being nice, the Asian mother breaks down and reveals secrets from her past and decades of aloof parenting is forgotten - everything felt over done. Maybe if it were middle grade fiction this would be forgiveable but this won the literary prize! It was very easy reading — equivalent to the sweet valley high books kids read when I was growing up - but not much was literary about it. A little disappointing.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read like a YA, turbulent coming-of-age story, exploring cultural identity and the complexities of family.

Lei Ling Wen is tired of her strict Chinese-Malaysian mother controlling her after-school schedule. She is soon enamored by millionairess and socialite Gigi Nu, and finds herself caught between the two most prominent women in her life.

I listened to this as an audiobook through Libby/Overdrive and it is narrated well and easy to follow along the storyline.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

See-Tho nicely subverts our expectations in this coming of age novel about Lei Ling, a tween who befriends the glamourous Aunty of a schoolfriend. The book could easily have been marketed as young adult fiction - it is very accessibly written - but the best elements of this novel are in the story that See-Tho tells of the adults, through the eyes of Lei Ling. Like most tweens and teens, Lei Ling views her mother and the glamourous older woman as powerful figures, but unfurls a story of vulnerability as well as different kinds of strength. Each of them must learn to live with their own choices, and accept the choices of others. It would suit young people navigating varied cultural expectations, and seeking that sense of identity distinct from family. It also has the arc that swoops rapidly through tragedy into heartwarming that I loved as teen.
The book never elevated itself beyond solid and interesting for me, but those are great qualities.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me alot of Jessie Tu’s ‘A lonely girl is a dangerous thing’ due to the toxic mother- daughter dynamic and the violin playing. It didn’t have any dark sex though!

I didn’t realise homosexual acts were criminal in Malaysia as its predominantly a Muslim country. How sad. Yet more lives destroyed.

I enjoyed this. Keen to see more from this author.

A ‘Birds of a Feather’ 2025 book club pick. I’m keen to hear the author speak in May.

[Corporate Mum Loves Coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jade and Emerald by Michelle See-Tho is a fast, easy read that touches on some heavy and emotional themes. The writing flows well and the pacing kept me engaged—but I found the overall tone quite negative and emotionally heavy, which made it harder to fully connect with or enjoy.

There’s a raw honesty in the portrayal of family, identity, and internalised struggle that I can appreciate, but I wish there had been more lightness or moments of hope to balance it all out.

That said, it's a book that will definitely make you reflect—on culture, connection, and coming-of-age in complicated spaces.

[Jess Theworddegree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jade and Emerald by Michelle See-Tho won the @penguinbooksaus annual emerging writer prize (The Penguin Prize), which once again has met my expectations. Somehow See-Tho has perfectly captured the universal experience of being a twelve year old girl. This book spoke directly to my heart and felt deeply personal while being able to open my eyes to experiences I never had. While i feel the middle section dragged a little, because I knew where it was going and wanted to get there faster, the book was brilliant and I would happily recommend if you are in the market for a coming of age story set in Melbourne.
Thank you @penguinbooksaus for sending me a copy to read and review

[Jennifer Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a day and really enjoyed it!
I’m always interested in stories about cultural assimilation and there are several different relationships to unpack and explore.
I love the title too - very clever. Jade referencing the older, strong culture versus the sparkly emerald, representing prosperity and new beginnings.

[Rebecca Hoffschildt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such an odd book. It just sort of meandered its way through generational trauma and child abuse with no real point until the last 20 pages, at which point it feels like the author realised she was running out of words and told everything in a breathless rush. It genuinely reminded me of my child telling me a story, where he spends an hour on side tangents before burying the real point in a very long, run on sentence.

The mother was incredibly unlikeable, I found the relationship between Chanel and Gigi low-key sinister and Angela didn’t deserve a redemption arc. Also, Mrs Hoffsteder and Caroline both deserved a swift kick to the ovaries for the way they were treating a clearly traumatised child.

If I’m completely honest, if I wasn’t reading this for a book club, I’d have DNF’d about 25 pages in.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The complexity of unconditional love unravels in a series of unique relationships and tense moments between a mother and daughter.
Lei Ling is bored of the demands her mother places on her and the harsh parental tactics employed.
Meeting Gigi let in light and banished the shade from her existence.
Gigi is rich, worldly and knows about the finer things in life.
Her attitude and charisma an instant draw card for Lei.
Violating her mother’s rules she skips extra curricular activities to spend time in the city with Gigi.
A route that will end in conflict.
A tragedy puts the spotlight on the truth.
Secrets and deception are exposed.
I really loved this book.
Cultural enlightenment, family relationships, taboo lifestyles and friendships are at the forefront.
Peripherally the result of too much pressure, school yard bullying and respecting decisions on all sides is osmotically woven through out.
All the emotions make an appearance in this well written narrative set in a busy Melbourne setting.
I couldn’t put this down.

[Brea Roadley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger warning needed for abuse of child (eg. Hitting a child with a ruler so hard the ruler breaks) . The author doesn't acknowledge that this is abuse and calls it a love language/being a strict parent. Read with care. ❤️

[Jessica Fealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different & enjoyable. Flawed characters who you love anyway. A little sad & dark for me.

[Tara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jade & Emerald is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that beautifully explores the complexities of establishing identity. Lei Ling Wen, an initially awkward and solitary teenager, navigates a world shaped by her exceptionally hardworking single mother. Her mother's unwavering dedication to Ling Wen's study and music practice highlights a narrative where perseverance and careful oversight are paramount.
The story takes a compelling turn when Lei Ling is befriended by a classmate's aunt. This new relationship opens up a world of possibilities that Lei Ling had never imagined, stemming from a different kind of influence—that of financial stability and the broader experiences it affords. Caught between these two distinct worlds, Lei Ling is forced to confront who she truly is and where she belongs.
This novel is a wonderful journey of self-discovery, powerfully illustrating the profound impact of female influence on a young person's life. It's a testament to the idea that a "good book is an event," as it truly feels like one unfolds within its pages. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a nuanced exploration of growth, identity, and the subtle forces that shape us.

[Oyinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is, as they’d say in Malaysia- ok lah! I found the mother a very unlikeable character and was getting very frustrared with her as the book progressed. The story line was predictable to me, and , as many readers on here, I found the relationship with the older friend a bit creepy.
I consumed this as an audio book and loooved the voice actor- Oscar worthy reading!!! 👏👏

[Erin McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know where this story was going so this kept me interested to keep reading. Really enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Alison W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, easy read with a beautiful insight into the lives of Malaysian-Australian families.

[Laura Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a teenager and her struggle with her horrible mum and bullies at school and her relationship with a mysterious, glamorous adult. I couldn’t put it down.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cultural Collision

A very sad story with no happy ending for two young girls. I could not condone the mother’s behaviour, nor any of the adults in Lei Lings life. She was continually silenced and shut down.
An easy read with some twists and turns.

I did feel immersed in to a setting that is as lush and vibrant as the precious stones for which the characters are named. The author’s descriptive prowess brings to life the bustling Melbourne Collins st, serene landscapes, and ornate architecture, creating a backdrop that is both immersive and evocative. This vivid portrayal serves not only as a setting but also as a cultural lens through which the reader gains insights into the intricacies of Chinese society and its evolving dynamics.

Michelle masterfully crafts a narrative that balances historical detail with emotional depth. The author’s exploration of central themes such as identity, gender roles, and the clash between tradition and modernity resonates with contemporary relevance, inviting readers to reflect on these universal issues through a uniquely Chinese perspective.

The novel's pacing allows for a gradual unfolding of events, each chapter carefully building on the last to create a tapestry of interconnected lives and fates. Dialogue and relationships are particularly well-handled, with interactions that reveal the nuanced complexities of human emotions and motivations.

A beautifully crafted novel that offers an enriching experience, blending historical fiction with profound character studies. Michelle has delivered a work that not only entertains but also enlightens, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of Chinese culture and history through a compelling narrative.

[Megan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

a heartfelt exploration of class, motherhood, cultural capital and more. it's sophisticated without ever being showy. being Malaysian Chinese and an Australian as the main character is, the authenticity of this book really struck me.

[Jacqui · Rating 1 out of 5]

5-Word Review:
Unintended grooming vibes, cultural clash

Memorable Quotes

"For a few hours that afternoon, I had seen Gigi’s life firsthand: her empire of special treatment and worldly delights. And now that I’d had a taste of it, I wanted to swallow it whole."

"But now I had changed my name, and I had to hide it from her anyway. I realised what a horrible excision it was. I had cut her out and now I was bleeding everywhere."

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Malaysian- Australian teenager in Melbourne in the 1990s. It's me! I didn't have a wealthy benefactor, though.
This story is about a lonely girl who is taken under the wing of a glamorous older woman. Her friendship is an escape from her overbearing and abusive mother. But why is this woman taking such interest in her? is it a genuine friendship, something more sinister?

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on Libby (library app) and the narration was one of the best I’ve heard. I read it on a recommendation without really knowing what it was about. Found it to be a really enjoyable book.

[Marles Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great evening to hear Michell See-Tso reading from her debut book, Jade and Emerald. Jade and Emerald is a book that resonated with me. With prompting questions from Shirley Le (author of Funny Ethnics) Jade delved into how and why this book came to be, and the power of Asian stories being told and becoming more prominent to challenge the myth of the homogenous lived experience for all cultures defined under this one name. Jade and Emerald is one of those very books that brings representation to the forefront.
Lei Ling and her mother are Malaysian-Chinese and live together in the suburbs of Melbourne. They don’t have a lot between them, apart from each other. Their relationship is a curious one: to some it may seem strange: it is one of deep love, even though the way it is shown is harsh, brutal and often unforgiving. And this relationship is where a lot of the themes of this book flourish. The ability to love and let go, the ability to forgive, the relationships between parents and children, cultural identity, unlikely friendships, past relationships, and the impact of guilt. Lei also has a friendship with Gigi, an older woman, auntie to a bully in Lei’s class. Gigi is everything Lei and her mother are not – rich, cultured, respected. And it is this relationship that created tension between Lei and her mother, and a certain hostility between Lei’s mother and Gigi the socio-economic differences Lei could see.
This book is also a journey into how children discover that their parents are people outside of their caring roles, and that these lives may have been painful, regrettable and sorrowful. Lei realised that her mother’s past life was one she never knew, and their Malaysian culture had continued to impact a lasting impression on how they lived their lives in Melbourne. This story had me reflecting on some of the harsher times of my childhood, reliving memories of my grandparents and parents who migrated after the war, and the effects of their tough love.

[BethFishReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a Malaysian Australian teen longing to be a normal kid while honoring her mother's strict rules.

Lei Ling is one of two Asian girls in her school. She has only one friend because her mother insists that she come home when she isn't in school or taking extra-curricular classes. Everything changes forLei Ling when she meets an older Malaysian woman, who is the aunt of Lei Ling's classmate.

Gigi is everything Lei Ling's mother isn't: she seems to have endless money, she's stylish, she believes in enjoying life, she's classy, and most of all, she has taken an interest in Lei Ling. Lei Ling begins to lie to her mother, skipping her after-school activities to spend time with Gigi and learning what money can buy.

The tension between Lei Ling and her mother increases when the older women meet. In addition, Lei Ling must figure out who is truly looking out for her--or are neither or both? Gigi's attentions add a level of uncomfortableness, and Lei Ling's mother struggles to protect her daughter while guarding her own secrets. In the end, Lei Ling discovers that adults have a life outside of their children and that her mother has a private life and regrets.

Some of the issues explored in this book are what it's like to be a child of immigrants, racial tension, teenage social drama, mother-daughter relations, LBGTQ+, the socioeconomic divide, and balancing culture traditions with contemporary society.

While I liked some aspects of this award-winning novel, it was ultimately only okay for me. See-Tho's portrayal of Lei Ling's life seems authentic and relatable, but the ending was a little too neat and easy.

The audiboook was performed by Veronica Chan. I can't judge her Chinese Malaysian accents but she seemed consistent in her accents and characterizations. She was engaging and captured the sense of unease that ran throughout the novel.

Thanks to the publishers for the review copy.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coming of age novel with a rather facile exploration of identity, culture, belonging, intergenerational trauma and difficult parent-child relationships. The book is narrated by teen Lei Ling who befriends a glamorous socialite Gigi who is not all she seems.

The outcome of the book was very apparent from early on which while works for some plotlines, was not beneficial for this book. As a result I found the pace particularly tedious at times especially the middle portion and the ending felt a bit too neat and wrapped in a bow. Perhaps it would have read differently if the prologue was cut out and to have flashbacks or addition of a different POV instead. Additionally, I was craving a more in depth exploration of characters and their motives and lives particularly the adult characters (namely Gigi and Jing Fei) but was left thoroughly disappointed at the rather 2D and stereotypical characterisations.

I have rounded up from a 2.5 stars to 3 stars because there were some poignant moments that did move me to tears.

TW: child abuse

This draws parallels to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid but written from the POV of a teenage girl who's the child of an immigrant parent and minus the complexity

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"We were complex and angry and hurt and loving and trying."

Pretty much the summation of all mother-daughter relationships, at least at some time.
Lei Ling is at that awkward stage of early adolescence, where you don't know who you are or who you want to be. Added to this is the fact that there are only two Asian girls at her high school and the other one is extremely rich - Lei Ling is 'povo', as she calls herself.
This book speaks to the experience of many first generation children, as their parents have moved to Australia to better the lives of their children and often push very hard for them to succeed to take advantage of the sacrifices made on their behalf.
It is a story of the pain and difficulties of growing up, when the grass is always greener on the other side and everyone else's lives always seem better than our own.
The characters seemed somewhat one dimensional though, particularly Gigi. We never see her true nature as she is always hidden behind her wealth and beauty.

[Vivi Widodo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lei Ling Wen lives with her strict Chinese Malaysian mother. Study, violin course, help her mother, that's what she has to do. She can only watch TV every Friday and her favourite show is Sabrina The Teenage Witch. It's boring and lonely for Lei Ling until she meets Gigi Nu at her friend's birthday party. Gigi introduced her to a luxury life, eating in nice places, branded designer products. With Gigi, Lei Ling is experiencing another different world from her home life. However, Gigi is actually her friend's aunt. It's quite tickling why Gigi Nu is really keen to befriended Lei Ling Wen?
The prologue of the book might help you guess where the story goes, but I still love the plot. It's about past love, mother-daughter relationships, guilt, and forgiveness.
This book also brings the reality of living as an Asian kid who studies and mastering a music instrument are a must 😆

[Malvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about young Lai Ling Wen, raised by a single mother who is demanding - to the point of abuse - and not at all affectionate. Lai Ling is unexpectedly befriended by Gigi Nu, the aunt of a girl at her school, who seems to understand her better than her mother. There was always a reason Gigi was in Lai Ling's life, but we don't learn of it until right at the end of the book. Full of teenage angst, anger and confusion, this is an emotional and painful story about growing up, family, love and grief.

SLIGHT SPOILER...


SLIGHT SPOILER...

SLIGHT SPOILER...

The jade refers to a vase in Lai Ling's house, and the emerald to a beautiful Chanel scarf of that colour.

[Deb Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. 2.5 Seemed like a YA book, but maybe that was the voice of the narrator which didn’t really fit? Or maybe it is a YA novel? Good debut novel but could have been tightened up a bit. And there was a LOT of violence from mother to daughter that I found quite disturbing and yet seemed glossed over at the end?? Bit unsatisfying , especially as the plot twist was totally predictable. The preoccupation with ‘high end’ fashion goods didn’t do it for me either. All felt a bit two dimensional.

[Kelleney · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extremely lacklustre read for me. It’s as if the writer made sure absolutely no developments happened right until the last 20 pages just so she could write a whole novel. The book was easy enough to read, but there were no character arches to look forward to and frankly the main POV was frustratingly dull. The key mother figure was also cruel and unrealistic, even to the last minute.