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Book Jacket

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
by Maureen Lindley

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: 09/01/2009.
Historical Fiction, 304 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 18
Readers' Consensus: 3.5
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First Impressions: Page 3 of 3
Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by 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.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Jean L. (Deerfield, IL)

An interesting story
This was an intriguing book that described a time, place and culture about which I knew little. I would have liked this book more if it had given more description of the Japanese, Chinese and Mongolian cultures of the time period. It was clearly a time of great change from the ancient to the modern and a broader view of society would have been helpful. The main character was not a very likable person but was never boring. She was, perhaps understandably, rather shallow. That being said, it was a very interesting story.

Rated 2 of 5 of 5 by Heather F. (Tulsa, OK)

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
While I generally like historical fiction, I found this book confusing and barely believable. It would seem impossible for a young girl of this time and place to become so disenfranchised from family and station and to endure the many and varied sexual and other adventures. The author did not allow me much empathy or inclusion into her main character.The book was just "a read".

Rated 2 of 5 of 5 by Kat F. (Palatine, IL)

Unbelieveable and tiresome
I was looking forward to an interesting read about a strong woman living on the edge in an oppressive time and culture. What I got was a salacious book littered with the stereotypical ideas of Asian culture; geisha, opium, mysterious dreams, etc.

It was a disappointment from start to finish.

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