The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel

By Maureen Lindley
(Bloomsbury USA, Paperback, 9781596917033, 304pp.)

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Other Editions of This Title: Google eBook, Google eBook, Paperback

Categories: Historical - General

Selected by Indie Booksellers for the October 2009 Indie Next List

“Based on a true story, this novel illustrates the life of Eastern Jewel, a Chinese princess, Japanese spy, and adventuress, as she struggles to maintain her independent ways and avoid a life as a subservient wife, the norm for women of wealth in the early 1900s in Asia. Wildly entertaining.”

-- Karrie Miner, Saturn Booksellers, Gaylord, MI

Description

An electrifying epic, based on the incredible true story of a Chinese princess turned spy.

Peking, 1914. When the eight-year-old princess Eastern Jewel is caught spying on her father’s liaison with a servant girl, she is banished from the palace, sent to live with a powerful family in Japan. Renamed Yoshiko Kawashima, she quickly falls in love with her adoptive country, where she earns a scandalous reputation, taking fencing lessons, smoking opium, and entertaining numerous lovers. Sent to Mongolia to become an obedient wife, Yoshiko mounts a daring escape and eventually finds her way back to Peking high society—this time with orders from the Japanese secret service.

Based on the true story of a rebellious woman who earned a controversial place in history, The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel is a vibrant reimagining of a thrilling life—a rich historical epic of palace intrigue, sexual manipulation, and international espionage.

About the Author

Born in England and raised in Scotland, Maureen Lindley has worked as a photographer, antique dealer, and dress designer, and trained as a psychotherapist. She lives in the Wye valley on the Welsh borders with her husband and daughter. This is her first novel.

Praise For The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel…

"An engrossing debut... This lush, challenging portrait of a woman who dared to make her own choices—bad though they were—in terrible, oppressive times also makes a steamy historical beach read." —Publishers Weekly "Intriguing... Elevates a fascinating bit player to the main stage by reimagining the twists and turns of her extraordinary life." —Booklist “Riveting—Maureen Lindley brings Eastern Jewel and her world vividly to life with a wealth of fascinating details in this captivating novel.”—Jung Chang, author of Wild Swans

“A breathtaking account of a ruthless and beautiful princess who betrays her heritage to spy for the Japanese.”—Adeline Yen Mah, bestselling author of Falling Leaves

“An exotic story of sexual promiscuity, opium and opulence… A promising work.”—Mail on Sunday (UK)

“Essential … The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel proves fact is stranger than fiction. It’s a thrilling read.”—Harper’s Bazaar (UK)

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