The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel

Oct 26, 2009 drey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: multi-cultural, 2009-reads, fiction-historical, memoir

I requested this book based on the cover--I didn't know who Eastern Jewel was, which makes me wonder if I should somehow be ashamed to not know the history of my own race? Anyway. I asked for it, received it, and read it.

I have to admit, it took me a while to finish. Not because I didn't enjoy the book, but because the subject's life--while it must have been entertaining and adventurous to her--made me feel sad that she was as exploited as she was, and how willingly she participated in her own e...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 29, 2009 S. rated it 2 of 5 stars

I won this from FirstReads!

I was hesitant to start reading this book but the minute I did, I was engrossed until about half way through. It's a dark tale of a Chinese Princess, Eastern Jewel, sent to Japan at a young age. She grows up to live an untraditional life. She's not very likeable. What redeems her are some of her good thoughts and feelings towards people but she doesn't act on them. The sex is hollow and graphic, slightly disturbing. The dream descriptions are distracting.

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 17, 2013 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Memoirs of a Geisha fans

Shelves: biographies-and-autobiographies, historical

I wasn't sure what drew me to this book. I suppose I found the cover interesting, with its bright red and its Asian theme. Then reading the blurb on the kindle store and seeing it was about a Chinese princess, sent to live in Japan who turns spy. It certainly piqued my interest.

I haven't read that many historical novels, and this one, based on the real figure of Eastern Jewel (Dongzhen) (see [link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshiko_... set during the early part of last century in the build up...more

like · see review

Dec 16, 2009 Deirdre rated it 3 of 5 stars

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Not-so-historical fiction, September 8, 2009

First, I wish this book had been billed as pure fiction, rather than 'based on a true story'. I'm not sure how much truth Lindley managed to include in her story - I'm not sure that very much truth is actually known about Eastern Jewel. While her life and story would be riveting to explore, this novel seems taken entirely from Lindley's imagination and relies far too heavily on the princess and her s...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2009 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-or-before-2009

This novel combines some of my favorite elements: historical fiction and Asian themes. There are many aspects of this novel that surprised me. While I did not mind the first person point of view, I really wish that I had gotten to know the main character better. The reader is given only glimpses into her and her personality. And unfortunately, many details were left untold or unexplored. The pacing of the novel, overall, was decent. Lindley took her time to explain why certain situations were th...more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2009 Colleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

This book is a hard one to review as I suspect I would have reacted more favorably had it been billed as a straight novel rather than a work of historical fiction based on true events. I actually enjoy a well-imagined work of historical fiction, but this book relied too much on sexual exploits as the motivating factor for every plot twist to be even close to believable. Though it seems the true motivations for Eastern Jewel's actions remain clouded by history, it is hard to accept Lindley's vers...more

like · see review

Sep 24, 2009 Kellyreaderofbooks rated it 2 of 5 stars

Manchu princess Eastern Jewel is only eight years old when her father banishes her from his home for spying on him. Eastern Jewel has been in trouble since she was a young child, and most of her family is glad to be rid of her. She is sent to live with another family in Japan, and soon comes to think of herself as more Japanese than Chinese. As the years go on, her ties to Japan become stronger as she takes one lover after another (most involved in the military), and eventually begins to spy for...more

like · see review

Sep 23, 2009 Chocolate & Croissants rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received my copy of the novel from Bloomsbury USA and Walker Books. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a Manchua princess who turned her back on her ethnicity and spied for the Japanese during the early 30's.

Spying appears to have been in the blood of Eastern Jewel. The Private Papers of Easter Jewel by Maureen Lindley is a fascinating story about the life of Eastern Jewel a Manchu princess who as an 8 year old child is betrayed by her father after she is caught spying on him and a young gir...more I received my copy of the novel from Bloomsbury USA and Walker Books. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a Manchua princess who turned her back on her ethnicity and spied for the Japanese during the early 30's.

Spying appears to have been in the blood of Eastern Jewel. The Private Papers of Easter Jewel by Maureen Lindley is a fascinating story about the life of Eastern Jewel a Manchu princess who as an 8 year old child is betrayed by her father after she is caught spying on him and a young girl having sex. Given to her uncle who resides in Japan, Eastern Jewel finds that her loyalty belongs to Japan and as a young woman spies for the Japanese against the Chinese.

Banished both from her father's home and Chinese society, Eastern Jewel lives her life through her mother's parting advice "you must be brave little daughter, and remember that the stronger the wind, the stronger the tree needs to be".

Throughout her life, Eastern Jewel is betrayed by many of the men she develops relationships with and even betrays herself. At a young age Eastern Jewel is able to appreciate her beauty and the power and appeal of sex and uses them to her advantage throughout her life. Author Lindley trained as a psychotherapist and the book is probably more of an insight into Eastern Jewel's behavior and life than it is a historical fiction.

Eastern Jewel proclaims that "In my heart I am Japanese, but I am Chinese in my stomach and love every kind of food" This sentiment is reinforced by the name of each chapter of the book that is names after food and drink. While the descriptions of Eastern Jewel's sexual appetite and adventures and not lascivious, they dominate the book.

The novel commences with a description of the items that were found in Eastern Jewels' prison cell at Peking Number One Prison. Amongst them were her private papers, a copy of a poem by Chikamatsu, am empty jar of brilliantine, a small bottle of chrysanthemum oil, a scented letter signed from a true friend, a half eaten box of dried lychees and the receipt for a black pearl purchased from the Sincere department store on Nanking Road, Shanghai. While these items may seem insignificant their symbolism and importance in Eastern Jewels' life is revealed throughout the novel.

I found this to be quite an interesting and easy fascinating read that enthralled me. I had never heard of Eastern Jewel prior to reading the book. Lindley's interest in the princess was captured when Eastern Jewel appeared momentarily on screen in Berolucci's film, The Last Emperor. Hopefully Lindley will write another novel.(less)

like · see review

Sep 21, 2009 Maltaise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Eastern Jewel was a Chinese Princess who was betrayed by her father and banished to her uncle's home in Japan. As she leaves her mother behind, Eastern Jewel is told "You must be brave, little daughter, and remember that the stronger the wind, the stronger the tree needs to be. Adopting her new country she betrays her Chinese roots, spying for Japan until her imprisonment and execution, although she believes that while In her heart she is Japanese but Chinese in her stomach.

What is ironic is th...more

like · see review

Sep 21, 2009 Aimee rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel is a novel written in flowing report/ journal style and details the life of a Chinese Princess who turned her back on her native country to serve its rival, Japan, as a spy. Based on the real-life story of Yoshiko Kawashima, Private Papers dishes up an interesting twist on traditional Asian historical fiction.

The book reads like a strange formula: Eastern Jewel is full of wit and dare, Eastern Jewel wants to seduce Boy, Eastern Jewel uses her clever charms to...more The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel is a novel written in flowing report/ journal style and details the life of a Chinese Princess who turned her back on her native country to serve its rival, Japan, as a spy. Based on the real-life story of Yoshiko Kawashima, Private Papers dishes up an interesting twist on traditional Asian historical fiction.

The book reads like a strange formula: Eastern Jewel is full of wit and dare, Eastern Jewel wants to seduce Boy, Eastern Jewel uses her clever charms to seduce Boy, Eastern Jewel loses/forgets/runs away from Boy (or sometimes, Girl). And then it happens over again. And then again. And then again. The book may read as a horny 'Ode To Sex' in some parts - Eastern Jewel is one easy seductress.

But if you can get past this glitch (and I urge you to try), it is a strongly historically-developed, absorbing, detailed read. Those who enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha for its sweetly tantalising details of historical Asian life from the female perspective will be well-rewarded. Strangely, this novel is not much about the life of a spy so much as a novel exploring the thoughts and actions of a woman who cannot sense her own path to happiness. There are some beautiful (and sometimes strange) insights and thoughts about humans and their surroundings which the author expertly weaves throughout the novel's 285 pages of seemingly autobiographical material, and allows the reader to glimpse the soul of Eastern Jewel, who otherwise appears to hold the reader at arm's length. Her style of writing insinuates elegance, but also a misunderstanding of her own emotions and instinct, which fills the second half of the novel with a stilted sort of sadness, despite the exciting life Eastern Jewel continues to lead.
It is because of the fascinating yet not entirely likable character of Eastern Jewel, and the sensations experienced reading about China, Japan and Mongolia and its unrest during the first half of the 20th century which puts The Private Papers ahead of the average attempt in this genre.
3 and 1/2 stars.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 20, 2009 Tara Chevrestt rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: women-that-really-existed-fiction, historical-fiction, arc, chinese-history-culture

This was entertaining.. I felt sorry for Eastern Jewel despite my disgust with her lifestyle choices. The author showed us many possible sides to this controversial woman. The book is written like a memoir starting with Eastern Jewel as a child who is shunned from her home, family, and country of China for spying on her father while he has relations with a concubine. All through her childhood, EJ or Yoshiko as she becomes tries hard to make people love her, but to no avail. Seems everybody has a...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 10, 2009 Elizabeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was excited when I heard about this book. I always like to read historical fiction that attempts to show an alternate take on an event that may not have been explored before. Especially when the attempt is to bring to light a womans perspective on how and why things happened as they did and give her version of the events.
I can not say I was pleased with this attempt. The premis for the novel was fascinating but the story was not. I can deal with not liking a main character but in the case of E...more

like · see review

Feb 27, 2013 Natalie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2013

Ovo je bilo zabavno čitati iako je stil pisanja krut, novinarski stil. Inspirirana na istinitim životnim događajima Yoshiko Kawashima knjiga je pisana u prvom licu kao memoar. Radnja započinje sa sudbinom male djevojčice Yoshiko od 8 godina koja je kao dijete prognana iz svoje obitelji i zemlje (Kine) i predana na odgoj u Japan kod majčine daljnje obitelji, a sve iz razloga jer je kao dijete iz dosade ''špijunirala'' svog oca kako se ''igra'' u krevetu sa svojom konkubinom.

Tužna sudbina (žensko...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2010 MAP rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: NOBODY!

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction, other-cultures

I spent most of this book just wanting it to be over so I could read the next one.

This book is given one star, not because it's the monstrosity seen in some of my other one star reviews, but because of the incredible disappointment it is, and because the author very clearly states in her forward what she wanted from this book, and because she failed so utterly at it.

Lindley says in her forward that she came across the story of Eastern Jewel, and felt that the consistent portrayal of her was that...more I spent most of this book just wanting it to be over so I could read the next one.

This book is given one star, not because it's the monstrosity seen in some of my other one star reviews, but because of the incredible disappointment it is, and because the author very clearly states in her forward what she wanted from this book, and because she failed so utterly at it.

Lindley says in her forward that she came across the story of Eastern Jewel, and felt that the consistent portrayal of her was that of one-dimensional badness, and she wanted to explore how she had gotten where she was, and some of her good points (courage, loyalty.) Despite this, Eastern Jewel is one of the most patently unlikable protagonists I have ever encountered. She never did a single thing that endeared me to her, and her every thought, every action grated on me constantly.

There are several other flaws with the book. Completely pointless things are detailed excessively, such as food, furniture, clothes, descriptions of rooms, and dreams. But where detail would have been helpful...none. For example, when Eastern Jewel moved to Japan, did they speak Chinese with her? Did she already know Japanese? How? Was there a language barrier? The same goes with her Mongolian in-laws. How did she meet her circle in Shanghai? Why would her father be willing to let her be raised in Japan? Late in the book, one character is dropped without mention for nearly SEVENTY PAGES, and then suddenly mentioned again as if this were normal.

The descriptions of dreams and food chapter names did nothing to add layers to the book, and instead only came off as -- and I hate this word and try not to use it -- incredibly pretentious. Like the author was desperately trying to be artistic and just falling flat on her face.

Her fascination with men's clothing is never explained beyond one lame line early on, and never explored later on. Her love and loyalty for Japan is never really explained either, and in fact, all of her descriptions of her early life in Japan would make me, and I suspect many others, in fact feel nothing for contempt for the culture and society if that is what I had lived through. These things are both key to what we know about the real Eastern Jewel, and yet they are so unsatisfyingly discussed in this book, it's unbelievable.

Oh, and the ending is just...I mean, really? Seriously? ARGH!

This book is almost nothing but rough sex, dreams, and descriptions of furniture and food. I'd be willing to bet if you took out everything but those 3, you'd take out maybe....60 pages?

I really want to know who the real Eastern Jewel was now; she can't have been as supremely annoying and one-dimensionally awful as portrayed in this book.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 11, 2009 Ronald Roseborough rated it 5 of 5 stars

From little known historical facts, the author creates a character to whom we are drawn with the allure of exotic locations, cultures, sex and international intrigue. A young Chinese princess, in the early twentieth century turmoil between China and Japan, is thrust from her home to the not so welcoming arms of a well to do family in Japan. Here she is educated in Japanese tradition and culture. Feeling abandoned by her Chinese family; sexually used by the men of her Japanese family; she finds s...more

like · see review

Sep 01, 2011 Elise rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book was written as if Eastern Jewel was writing a memoir. At the end, I wondered why I didn't have a feel for who Eastern Jewel was as a person. I didn't know her motivations, her abandonment issues, her attachment to Japan, or disgust for China. After reading a person's journal for 300 pages, I expect to know a little more! Why didn't Eastern Jewel get more upset about being sterilized after the abortion? Wasn't she scared of the abuse of her stepfather and stepgrandfather? She didn't see...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sent at the age of 8 to Japan after watching her father with one of his concubines, Princess Eastern Jewel of China is raised then adopted into a Japanese household. She is very curious and does not follow the traditional route that girls should so she is always in trouble. She is sexually abused by her step-grandfather then her adopted father. She learns that her beauty and sex will get her money and material goods but not the love she craves. She is married off to a Mongolian prince but runs a...more

like · see review

Jan 26, 2012 Karen S. rated it 2 of 5 stars

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel is the fictional account of a Chinese princess who becomes a spy for Japan. I enjoyed the writer's style and her descriptions both of China and Japan, their landscapes and cultural milieus.
I was less thrilled with the development of the main character. Eastern Jewel professed the need to be a free and independent woman. However, it seemed she mostly craved the freedom to be sexually active with many lovers. Some of her exploits were engaged in to elicit inform...more

like · see review

Mar 26, 2011 Lori rated it 3 of 5 stars

Very interesting historical fiction story of Eastern Jewel who never had a chance as a child, but who followed her instincts to become an officer serving the Japan she loved. Her life spanned an incredibly interesting period between 1906 and 1948 and while she knew little of the world beyond her own, world events continuously changed her life. She had so few people who actually cared for her that in the end she chose the country she believed cared for her over the people who actually loved her....more

like · see review

Feb 06, 2011 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book tells the story of a Chinese princess who rejects her traditional role and becomes a notorious figure in pre-WWII Japan. Based on a true story, the premise of this tale is really interesting. Eastern Jewel's rebellious spirit leads her to flee her arranged marriage and become a Japanese spy. However, the writer fails to make Eastern Jewel a sufficiently sympathetic protagonist, and the story falls flat.

I never felt as though I understood Eastern Jewel's motivations and desires. She's a...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 30, 2009 FicusFan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-r-c, china, fiction, lt-early-reviewers, japanese, mongols, near-past, royals, spies, thriller, war, read-2009, read-8-09

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received this book from the Librarything Early Reviewer program. It is historical fiction with a psychological bent. I liked the writing and I enjoyed the story. The main character was interesting if not always likable. Her main focus was her enjoyment, safety and needs. Too often historical fiction is little better than a romance in old clothes. This is not your typical 'long-suffering women overcomes trials with womanly virtues, and finds happiness in the end' story. People who want that typ...more I received this book from the Librarything Early Reviewer program. It is historical fiction with a psychological bent. I liked the writing and I enjoyed the story. The main character was interesting if not always likable. Her main focus was her enjoyment, safety and needs. Too often historical fiction is little better than a romance in old clothes. This is not your typical 'long-suffering women overcomes trials with womanly virtues, and finds happiness in the end' story. People who want that type of sentimentality or who object to sex, especially a women who initiates and enjoys sex with no interest in marriage will not find this a satisfactory read.

The book is fiction, but based on the true life story of the real person, Eastern Jewel (EJ). She was a Manchu Princess who was shipped off to Japan by her father when she was 8 years old. She came from a Chinese society that didn't value females, and used them without consultation. She was sent to an important family in Japan, who treated women similarly. She was told she was being sent away for bad behavior, but it is likely the Japanese man, Kawashima (her father's blood brother) asked for her. Since she was only the daughter of the 3rd concubine and one of 13 girls she was considered expendable.

EJ was enraged to be disposed of and decided that she was no longer Chinese. She became enamored of all things Japanese, though she was really treated no better there. Sex was the whole official purpose of EJ's life. Her Chinese or Japanese master expected to use her as either a bride, or a whore - in short a bargaining chip in the power plays they lived by in daily personal and political life.

EJ saw nothing wrong with sex, and enjoyed it, but wanted to be in charge of her life and enjoyment. Because of her attitude and actions she was forever removed from the possibility of the Bride option. She was deflowered by Kawashima's father at 15, after she had been adopted by the family, but never really accepted. EJ was also pimped out by Kawashiima to his cronies and those he wished to charm or sway. Later he even slept with her. At one point she becomes pregnant and is forced to abort the child or be outcast. Japan did not have the easy Chinese atmosphere of concubines and excess children. Her doctor is a quack and she survives but is unable to bear children.

EJ did not see the real downside of her life until she fell in love with a young soldier Kawashima sent to her. She thought the feeling was mutual and that they would marry. He told her she was too shameless to ever be a Japanese wife and was known for her actions by all in society. EJ's heart broke but she never thought seriously of marriage again.

She was trying to be in charge of her own life, but she also was always seeking love, acceptance, and belonging in a family. She lost her mother at 8, was not accepted by the women in the Japanese family, and eventually lost her devoted servant to age. She does form some strong female friendships but they are always transitory because they are not family; She often sacrifices or betrays them to her current needs. She doesn't lie to herself about what she does, but she is unable to make the choice to act differently.

Around 18 she was married off, against her will to a dull Mongolian prince who was far away and barely civilized. EJ was sent to the empty Mongolian plains with the endless sky and the wind and freezing cold. She betrays those who befriended her, has an affair, and then runs off.

EJ then moved back to Japan but had to hide from her family. She sold herself to rich men so they could fund her lifestyle. She eventually moves to Shanghai, and there is asked by the Japanese army to spy for them, which she agrees to do. It is during the run up to WWII when there is much intrigue and unrest. The place is full of Chinese, Japanese, White Russians, and Westerners. The Chinese are fighting each other: Nationalists and the Communists, and the Japanese are trying to expand their control in China.

Her life is an empty round of parties, events and high society, and foreign men. She often is depressed and uses opium to hide from her sadness. She has become confused, and thinks that to achieve happiness she must act like a man, since women's roles are so constrained.

As an agent she is sent to Peking and there she stays until Japan loses the war. Once the Japanese are defeated she is doubly wanted as a Japanese agent, and a Chinese traitor. She may or may not have come to a bad end once she is captured by the authorities.

Throughout the book the story focuses on EJ and her internal world. Her attempts to find a place to belong, on her terms are the prism that we see her life through. At the end she has a choice to accept her fate or use someone else to suffer her fate. The book ends before we know which course of action she picks. The reader is left to decide if EJ has grown or if she is still pursuing her 'me first' policy.

I enjoyed the writing and the settings. The characters were well done and EJ was always interesting. The story was good if a little incomplete. Some wonder why the author didn't include some of the actions scenes in EJ's life when she was actually in the field for the Japanese (called Japanese Joan of Arc) ? I would have enjoyed that as well. Still it was an enjoyable read and I would read the author again.(less)

like · see review

Sep 07, 2009 Marti rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, zzz-books-2009, world-fiction, goodreads

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel tells the story of a strong woman stuck in the wrong time. It shows that faith in a country is powerful, but not as much as faith in friends and lovers.

Eastern Jewel was born with a warrior's heart in a woman's body. She was born in China as Eastern Jewel and adopted in Japan as Yoshika. She did not fit into the society or culture she was born and later adopted into and after a fashion did not care to adjust to those mores. She took control of her life and fou...more

like · see review

Sep 06, 2009 Denise Link rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Thank you, Bloomsbury and Walker, for sending me The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel as a Goodreads First Read! I enjoyed very much the opportunity to read and review the book.

The story takes us into the life and mind of Eastern Jewel, a princess born to the most beautiful concubine of a Chinese prince in the early years the last century. Her adventure-loving nature and distinctly feminist mind lead her into so much trouble at home that her father gives her to a Japanese family, where she is ra...more

like · see review

Sep 07, 2009 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: asia, historical-fiction, china, japan, 20th-century, first-reads-09

Found this in my mailbox when we returned from Seattle this weekend and immediately began reading it--another first reads win! Am so pleased--this looks like a good one.

How disappointing! Too much sex and not enough emphasis on the 'spy' part of her story. I'm giving it three stars for the parts of the book I found interesting before it started to get just plain boring.

From the age of 14, Chinese princess Eastern Jewel uses her body and sexual favors as a way of survival. Her Chinese father give...more

like · see review

May 05, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I very nearly had this as a DNF. There was something that about the writing style that immediately turned me off. There's a lot of telling and telling and telling, despite some intermittent details that are actually almost poetic in description.

But I don't like to just be told what's what. I need to be shown to feel it, you know?

That said, there is also something entirely readable about this book. Unlike some other reviews I've read, I wasn't put off by the sexual activity that romps through the...more

like · see review

Jul 05, 2009 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Maureen Lindley's "The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel" is a novel based on the life of Eastern Jewel, a cousin of China's last emperor (Pu Yi). She is sent to live in Japan by her father and eventually becomes a spy for the Japanese army during that country's occupation of China.

Eastern Jewel is what Victorian novelists sometimes called an adventuress, stepping outside of the traditional, accepted roles for women in her culture. She cuts her hair short, wears trousers and boots, and takes lover...more

like · see review

Feb 22, 2010 Iejones rated it 4 of 5 stars

By now everyone should know I LOVE HISTORY. I also love Asian culture - Japan during the feudal era - however, as a literary feminist - I could not resister the story about Eastern Jewel - even though she was Chinese. This story based on the papers/diary of Eastern Jewel traces the life of a native Chinese princess whose life takes her to Japan, Mongolian and back to China. Impetuous, curious and rebellious Eastern Jewel daughter of a concubine, learns the price for freedom and free thinking. An...more

like · see review

Feb 24, 2010 Joanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Before reading this book I must admit that I really had no knowledge of Eastern Jewel and what her significance was to both Chinese and Japanese history. Although it is a fictional novel, it was based on facts and contained an ample amount of historical information. I always enjoy historical fiction and for some reason I find myself drawn to fiction with an Asian element even more.

The book opens in 1914 with Eastern Jewel as a Chinese princess living a life of luxury in her father's palace with...more Before reading this book I must admit that I really had no knowledge of Eastern Jewel and what her significance was to both Chinese and Japanese history. Although it is a fictional novel, it was based on facts and contained an ample amount of historical information. I always enjoy historical fiction and for some reason I find myself drawn to fiction with an Asian element even more.

The book opens in 1914 with Eastern Jewel as a Chinese princess living a life of luxury in her father's palace with her mother and his many concubines. She has never been the obedient chinese girl that all other girls from China seem to turn into. One day her father has had enough of her insolence and decides to send her away to live with her uncle in Japan. Although the lifestyle in Japan is not as pampered or grand as she has been accustomed to, she embraces her new country. As she holds a resentment in her heart for China she finds a love for Japan that allows her to do anything to help her new country.

When Eastern Jewel first moves to Japan to live with the Kawashima family, she finally realizes that she will not have much of a life ahead of her. They will fulfill their obligation by raising her until a certain age and then give her to the man of their choosing to be an obedient wife. She knows that she could never live her life this way, but follows along with the plan until she sees a chance to flee from this life forever. Upon her escape she is taken on a journey that opens up new opportunites and friends that help her gain a firmer grasp on the life that she wants to lead.

After her escape, Eastern Jewel returns to Japan and learns that she can make a lucrative income as a high price call girl. Since she has always been a sexually provocative girl she finds that this job provides the easiest money she could ever make. It is through her connections as a call girl that she is introduced to the Japanese Secret Service and becomes a spy.

I found it very sad that with all the passion that Eastern Jewel had in her heart that she only found real love twice in her life, and both times were short-lived. After her first experience of heartbreak she promised herself that she would never fall in love again. But when she did fall in love the second time she fell hard. She found herself having to choose between the love of a man and her love for Japan, and she chose Japan.

This was a very interesting and informative book and I appreciated the timeline of Eastern Jewel's life that was provided at the end of the book. I also feel that I must warn you that there were quite a few sexually graphic scenes within the book. If you find yourself enjoying Asian fiction then you also may find this book enjoyable.
(less)

like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Wellington rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book follows Eastern, Jewel aka the Eastern Mata Hari aka the Last Princess of Manchuria. I never heard of her but I'm lacking a lot in Chinese history.

Her story is sordid and tragic. She was a relative of the Last Emperor of China and was "adopted", and abused by a Japanese family. Still she managed to survive and have a colorful life.

I must make note of the writing style of the book. Listening to her ramble, I felt more like I was doing an interview (a one way interview). She come across...more

like · see review

Jul 05, 2009 Shannon rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: no one

Ugh - I had so much trouble getting through this book. I made it about halfway through my advanced copy. The descriptions are beautifully done and the book is well-written. However, the character is just simply unlikeable. At first I had sympathy for her but it became painful to read. Every few pages contains a graphic sex scene, most of which involved rough, aggressive sex bordering on BDSM. This is not something I'd choose to read (to each his/her own, no judgement, but not my thing)...but I f...more

4 likes · like · see review

title link	preview: The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
avg rating	preview: The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel Goodreads rating: 3.28 (633 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6519813-the-private-papers-of-eastern-jewel?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312063758l/6519813.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6519813-the-private-papers-of-eastern-jewel?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley[/url]

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (10)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Maureen Lindley

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Private Paper...

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (10)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Maureen Lindley

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Private Paper...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (10)