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Aleta S. (Bainbridge Island, WA)
The Potential Remains
I began this selection with anticipation because I especially enjoy historical fiction. A strong, unique female protagonist driven amidst events of war and intrigue held great promise.
Eastern Jewel seemed not to reach its potential. I was ultimately unable to overcome a feeling of watching myself read, rather than losing myself in the novel: a sign of predictability in my reading (e.g., repeated dream sequences and tedious sexual encounters). That said, I’d try another effort by the same author. I think Maureen Lindley has more and better ahead.
Diane D. (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
Good story, but not great
I enjoyed the book and was definitely compelled to finish it. Although I found it an interesting reflection of the Asian culture and what it was like in the early 1900's, I couldn't help but feel that the author fell a bit short compared to a Lisa See book or Memoirs of a Geisha.
Wilhelmina H. (FL)
Not sure what the book wanted to be...
This book tries to be many things and falls flat on most of them. The main character is not very likable and while likable isn't a requirement, there isn't much to take away from reading this other than people can be cruel and use/abuse others to their own advantage. Certainly would spark discussion in a book group if the sexual content doesn't offend.
Angelina A. (New York, NY)
Fascinating History but with Reservations
Diving into the way women are seen in various Eastern cultures is fascinating and how the main character rebels against constraints is truly amazing. However, what tries so hard to be an epic just didn't convince me of those proportions because the main character's development lacked in some areas. I really wanted to believe and understand the Eastern Jewels actions more. Perhaps as a Westerner it would be difficult for me to really truly understand her motives.
Beth T. (Savannah, GA)
Oriental Erotica
People who have an interest in Japanese history and culture will enjoy this book very much if they don't mind the heavy dose of erotica that flavors most of the story. There is a great deal of interesting information in the book, but also a lot of sexual activity, which readers will either like a lot or find that it detracts from the story they were expecting. I didn't find the characters particularly likable or sympathetic, which made the book a more challenging read for me. It's almost as if the book is mis-categorized as historical fiction. It might do better as historical romance.
Julie M. (South St Paul, MN)
Disappointing Jewel
I didn't find the story as compelling as I thought it would be. I had to force myself to finish it. I wanted to be swept away like I was in Memiors of a Geisha or Snowflower and the Secret Fan, but sadly I wasn't.
Jane H. (Owensboro, KY)
The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
Giving this book a three might put off some readers from picking it up to read, but I hope it doesn't. Despite the fact that I believe it to be only an "average" read, it does have its moments and I really had no problem staying interested in the story.
I was puzzled throughout the story about the true story aspect. I felt the author could have been more specific in a prologue about exactly how much leeway she took in putting this together. I think a better presentation would have been to print excerpts from the actual diaries (if there were actual diaries) and then fill in the story with dialogue and supposed
…more scenarios. As it was, I think it diluted the effectiveness of what is probably a very interesting behind the scenes story of a Chinese woman recruited by the Japanese to spy for them.
Also, the sexual freeness or obsession of this woman, who lived from circa 1920, was a little unbelievable without some kind of further explanation about why she was so drastically different from the "normal" recluse Asian women of that time.
I would have liked to know more about her Princess status. Not being a Chinese/Japanese history scholar, I couldn't quite put her royal status in perspective. I felt a short rundown on the historical aspect of her position in society would have helped tremendously in fleshing out her character. I couldn't really appreciate the magnitude or scope of her life without more historical background.
These things aside, it really was a fascinating look into the life of a female spy, her motivations and lack of direction which eased her into the amoral life depicted in this book.
So, even with a 3 rating, I think this is an interesting book, worthy of your reading time. (less)This book was, for me, a difficult read. When I first started to read Eastern Jewel, I wasn't sure if I would finish. The character, a Manchu princess, defied tradition and conventional mores from a very young age. The author has tried to show her to be not just a one-sided "bad" person, but one with some sense of loyalty and love. Her sexual "addiction"; her preference of dressing in men's clothing and her penchant for spying (even as a child) combined to make her an unsympathetic character. It is only at the very end of this book that I find Eastern Jewel a "decent" human being.
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