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A review by chrissykinz
The Master Jeweler: A Novel by Weina Dai Randel

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5


I went into this book completely blind, I've never read a book by this author previously and am not a huge historical fiction reader but i saw the cover and was like why not. Set in early to mid twentieth century China this book follows our main character Anyu, a young girl from Harbin has a chance encounter with a jeweler at a train station. This accidental meeting leads to Anyu leaving her life in Harbin behind and move to Shanghai to live with the jeweler and his family. 
Anyu's story to me is about sense of self, grief and survival. As you read the book you find that Anyu's life is anything but easy but she still perseveres. She is determined and stubborn which does lead to some bad decisions but at the heart of it she tries to be a good person. I particularly enjoyed her friendship with Esther, the jewelry makers daughter and of course Confucius.
The writing is great, i found this book to be a real page turner and flew through the book. The plot is heavy and there are a lot of sad moments so readers be aware. The author has done a great at job of describing the setting and making you feel as if you are in there with the characters. 
All in a great read and i am really happy i read this book. 

Thank you to  NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
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