The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei

The Original Daughter is an exquisite and emotionally complex debut novel that leaves a lasting impression. Jemimah Wei brings both poetic precision and raw vulnerability to her storytelling, crafting a narrative that explores family, identity, and the invisible lines between love and resentment. At the center is Genevieve Yang Su Qi, a bright and ambitious young woman raised in a modest one-room flat in Bedok, Singapore. Her world is upended when her estranged grandfather dies and sends his youngest daughter, Arin Yan Yan Mei, to live with Genevieve’s family. Arin, quiet and emotionally withdrawn after being abandoned by her birth parents, struggles to connect. But over time, the two girls become like true sisters—inseparable, devoted, and supportive. Genevieve mentors Arin, guiding her through school and early adulthood. But as Arin blossoms—winning awards, earning admiration, and eventually rising to Hollywood stardom—Genevieve’s path becomes increasingly difficult. Her academic promise fades, career opportunities slip away, and her efforts are often overlooked. The emotional weight of being the “good daughter” begins to break her. Even when she sacrifices her own ambitions to care for her ailing mother, Genevieve remains in the background, overshadowed by Arin’s success. What makes this novel truly shine is how deftly Wei captures the inner lives of these two women. The story is layered with themes of abandonment, jealousy, betrayal, mental health, and the heartbreak of unfulfilled dreams. Genevieve’s descent into disillusionment is both painful and deeply human. Arin, for all her grace and charisma, is not spared from emotional turmoil either. The pacing is intentional—slow at times, but rewarding for readers who appreciate psychological nuance and emotional depth. The final scenes, especially those involving their mother, are profoundly moving. Wei’s debut is bold and tender, a meditation on what it means to belong, to sacrifice, and to be seen. Both Genevieve and Arin are unforgettable characters—flawed, real, and achingly relatable. This novel is not just a story—it’s an experience that lingers long after the final page. A powerful and promising start to what is sure to be a brilliant literary career. I look forward to whatever Jemimah Wei writes next.