The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
A Novel
By Maureen Lindley
September 2009
$14.00
304 pp
5.5 x 8.25 in
Paperback
By Maureen Lindley
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.“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 Read full review.
“Capitalizing on the tremendous success of Asian-centric authors like Amy Tan and Lisa See, Lindley chronicles the life story of a Chinese princess turned Japanese spy…basing this novel on the true-life experiences of Yoshiko Kawashima, the author elevates a fascinating bit player to the main stage by reimagining the twists and turns of her extraordinary life.”—Booklist
