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There are currently 18 member reviews
for The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
