The Master Jeweler

by Weina Dai Randel

From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Night Angels comes the epic story of a brilliant young woman’s dangerous rise to fame in the perilous world of jewelry in 1920s Shanghai―and the power of love and friendship.

Harbin, China, 1925. Fifteen-year-old Anyu Zhang discovers a priceless Fabergé egg in the snow and returns it to the owner, Isaac Mandelburg, a fugitive and former master jeweler for Russia’s imperial palace. In gratitude, he leaves her his address in Shanghai and a promise of hospitality, forever altering her fate.

A dazzling world of jewelry shrouded in secrecy and greed awaits, when later Anyu arrives at Mandelburg’s jewelry shop as an orphan. Single minded and relentless, Anyu will stop at nothing until she masters the craft of jewelry making. But she soon finds herself entangled in a treacherous underbelly of the city, where violent gangsters stalk the streets, vicious rivals seek to exploit her, and obsessive collectors conspire to destroy the people she loves.

From snow-crowned land to diamond-sparkling showrooms to a pristine island on the brink of war, The Master Jeweler chronicles an exciting journey of a bold prodigy artisan―including her losses and triumphs―in a glamorous yet perilous world of treasure.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, China, Art, Asia, Asian Literature

351 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2025

About the author

Weina Dai Randel is the critically acclaimed, award-winning author of five novels, including The Master Jeweler (June, 2025); The Last Rose of Shanghai, a Wall Street Journal bestseller; and Night Angels, longlisted for the Massachusettes Book Awards.

Weina is the winner of the RWA RITA® Award, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist, and a two-time Goodreads Choice Award Best Historical Fiction nominee. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages, including French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Hebrew. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness and rave reviews from other publications such as RT Book Reviews, Bookbub, and Book Reporter. Her debut was also recommended by Texas Library Association’s 2017 Lariat Reading List and was a San Francisco Book Festival Honorable Mention.

Born in China, Weina came to the United States at twenty-four. She holds an MA in English from Texas Woman’s University; she has worked as the subject-matter expert for Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program and as an adjunct professor. Interviews with Weina have appeared on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas and in such publications as World Literature Today, Texas Jewish Post, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, and RT Book Reviews. Weina resides in Massachusetts with her family.

Find more about Weina and her writing career on her website: www.weinarandel.com.

From Weina: "I love to see how words form an image that transcends the banal reality or how words join together to create a morsel of wisdom that tickles your mind."

Connect with Weina on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/weinadairandel

Reviews

[Alexia · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

I truly wanted to enjoy this book, especially given my fondness for the author’s previous duology about Wu Zetian. However, when I realized I couldn't connect with it, my initial desire to finish it turned into frustration. Anyu, the main character, came across as so stupid that I found it increasingly difficult to be in her mind.

It pains me to give this rating to this book because I had high hopes. The premise is intriguing—Anyu becomes an orphan, relocates to Shanghai, and embarks on a journey to become a jewelry master. The detailed descriptions of the jewelry-making process were genuinely fascinating and well-crafted. Unfortunately, once the romantic element of the story entered the scene, my enjoyment began to fade.

Anyu develops feelings for a character who initially comes off as a mentor or even a parental figure. As she falls for him, she seemingly loses every ounce of intelligence and ambition that she had—though, to be fair, there wasn’t much intelligence to begin with. She lets go of her dreams and her sense of self, all because of a romantic infatuation. When he rejects her, she impulsively quits her job and spirals into a series of foolish decisions that make her seem tragically pathetic.
And she doesn't get any better.
The story then descends into a murder mystery that was not interesting at all and we meet more stupid characters cause apparently we didn't have enough of these.

It’s disheartening to watch a character reduce herself to someone else's needs and desires, allowing a man to become the entirety of her identity. This trope in 2025, feels outdated and frustrating.

On top of this, the writing style itself felt very flat and uninspired, making it hard for me to connect with any of the characters. It felt like the author was checking boxes on a to-do list rather than writing a story. The only one I found somewhat compelling was Confucius, who, with his blunt honesty, delivered the harsh truths that Anyu needed to hear. I appreciated that aspect of his character.

In summary, this book was a significant disappointment for me, as I truly expected to love it.

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one for a cover quote and loved it! On the remote snowy border between China and Russia, fifteen-year-old Anyu collides with a master jeweler and the priceless Fabergé egg in his care, setting into motion a chain of events that will propel her to untold heights and unimaginable dangers. Anyu remakes herself in Shanghai as a jeweler in her own right, but her success is shadowed by three men—a loving mentor, a shadowy gangster, a jealous rival—and three enemies—a secret society, a mad princess with twisted dreams of power, and the rising threat of war. Watching the clever Anyu negotiate her way through bomb-torn streets and gold-dusted workshops alike with nothing more than the skill in her fingers and a mysterious lucky diamond around her neck is a true delight—THE MASTER JEWELER is a real gem.

[Cheryl Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel took me in to the life of an artist.  It was so exciting to feel what the young Anyu was discovering as she learned that she desired to become an artisan.  The author had me feeling the weight and shape of both the tools and materials used in creating a piece of jewelry.  Even the smell of the workshop came across.  I understood the time and effort it took for each creation and even the fatigue that these caused.

“For jewelry did not simply signify value, with its gems, diamonds, or beauty; it meant much more –
it was a token of hope, a jewel of memory, and an emblem of conviction for eternity.”

It was so very beautiful to understand the deep meaning that a piece of jewelry could hold.

This novel was intriguing from Page 1 as you learn how our poor young Chinese protagonist in the deep of winter in Northern China meets a Russian Jeweler who is carrying a mysterious Fabrege Egg.  It is unbelievable where this chance meeting takes Anyu.

The story starts with the young woman at age 15.  She has a lot to learn. Anyu has unbelievable grit, gumption and tenacity which serves her well throughout her life's saga.   She finds herself dealing with many different sorts of seedy individuals …gangsters as well as greedy individuals out to make her life difficult and set on not allowing her to experience any sort of success.

This novel is heartwrenching, mysterious and exciting.

The book addresses race relations, mistreatment of those of other races as well as the differences between the have and the have nots. The story begins in 1925 and it is very sad that these prejudices still exist today.

I highly suggest this as your next historical fiction read.  It has such a very unique bend in its storyline and is definitely not your typical coming of age read.

Weina Dai Randel happens to be one of my very favorite authors.  I have great respect for her as not only is she a talented writer but she digs deep into her research.

I have enjoyed both of her WWII novels The Last Rose of Shanghai and Night Angels as well as her Empress of The Bright Moon Duology which takes place in Ancient China and is based on the life of the real woman Empress Wu Zetian.  

Thank you to Weina Dai Randel, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy of The Master Jeweler which will be released on June 24, 2025.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book so much. Anyu, is just a young girl and has lost her mother. She goes to Shanghai to find the man she found a valuable, jeweled egg for. He promised to help her if she ever needed it, and she now does badly. She loves watching how jewelry is designed and made and wants to do this herself. She sets her sights on becoming a Master Jeweler.

This story captures so much history that took place in Shanghai in the early Twentieth Century. It features war, love, and loss and how large a price both Anyu and her found Jewish Family are willing to pay to carry on the tradition of jewelry making and preserving their family. It is difficult to know who to really trust, but when you find those people you need to hold tight and fight for them forever. Beautifully told story where I learned so much about jewels, faberge eggs, conflicts, wars, betrayal, and love.

Thank you NetGalley, Weina Dai Randel, and Lake Union Publishing for a Copy of this Book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

[Madeline Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Master Jeweler is a brilliant tale of resistance and courage set against the glittering backdrop of the world of jewelry making, and all its lurking dangers. Weina Dai Randel’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling leap off every page, from Harbin to Shanghai to Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, immersing readers in a rich, evocative world as Anyu’s bravery and determination will have you cheering for her with every twist and turn. A masterful novel that sparkles with depth, heart, and unforgettable suspense.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

A historical fiction that takes readers from Harbin, China, in 1925 to Shanghai to Hong Kong in the 1950s. Anyu Zhang, our female protagonist, comes to the aid of Issac Mandelburg, a fugitive and master jeweller, one winter night. In thanks, Isaac gives Anyu his address in Shanghai and offers her hospitality should she ever visit the city. As fate would have it, Anyu soon finds herself an orphan when her mother dies. So she heads to Shanghai. While Issac's family members are unsure of the outsider, Anyu begins working in their jewelry shop. This will set her on a path of dazzling jewelry, lifelong friendships, and even love.


Weina Dai Randel is a fantastic author. If you are a lover of historical fiction, then you need to add her books to your ever-growing TBR. This is my third read of one of her titles( The Last Rose of Shanghai and Night Angels being the other two), and once I start reading them, I cannot stop. The Master Jeweler had all the elements that would also make an interesting movie. Anyu is a flawed character- she speaks without thinking and is persistent, much to the annoyance of the other characters. But she loves deeply and makes mistakes, and sometimes this costs her a lot of happiness. Sometimes my reaction was to groan and say " Oh, Anyu," but it's her story, and I had to let her live it.

Don't forget to add Weina Dai Randel to your reading list!





#TheMasterJeweler #NetGalley
Publication Date 24/06/25
Goodreads Review 01/08/25

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. Unquestionably, it is a masterpiece. Set between the 1920s and the 1940s, the
fast-paced novel follows the fortunes of the protagonist, Anyu, from a young girl sketching outside Harbin Railway Station. Her emotional roller-coaster journey takes us to Shanghai, Hong Kong and Lantau Island. The story evokes powerful emotions in the reader, including love, loss, fear, grief, relief, empathy, and elation. Vivid descriptions weave a background full of atmosphere. Overall, the plot is sad and full of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.

[Lynda Loigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From 1920’s Shanghai to 1940’s Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, this extraordinary and immersive story of an orphaned girl with a preternatural gift for crafting masterpieces left me holding my breath until the last page. When naïve young Anyu first encounters disillusioned Isaac—a stateless Jew on the run from a treacherous past—she has no way of knowing how her small act of decency will forever alter the course of her life. As Isaac’s protégé, Anu learns the secrets of his trade, all the while hoping for his confidence in her skills to evolve into something more. Blending untamed hope and bold female ambition with fascinating little-known details of war, Randel has penned a glittering tale, with writing as dazzling and as opulent as the jewels her characters strive to create.

[Cheryl Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read for book club.

[Weina]

The Master Jeweler has been out for a month. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for reading this novel.

In The Master Jeweler, I wanted to pay tribute to the life of an artist, the quiet nature of craftsmanship, and the potentially perilous association with the profession. I also wanted to explore jewelry, not only as objects of wealth and fashion, but also as symbols of memory, love and sacrifice. During my research of people in WWII Shanghai, I was also amazed to see how they survived and thrived in a war-torn city and rose to be prominent figures, so naturally, I also wanted to explore how people reinvent themselves when the odds are stacked against them, and how they become the masters of resilience and overcoming difficult moments in life.

There are two Easter Eggs in this novel. The first one is related to the Winter Egg, which shows not only Anyu as the master of jewelry-making, but also as the master of intelligence. The second is about the treasures. If you found them, please mention them in your review, but kindly discuss them with your reading group offline.

[Jo Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🎉��🎧
I’m glad to see that I’m an outlier here with my review. In theory The Master Jeweler had a lot that should have worked well for me. I’m sure it’ll be a huge success.

Sadly I found that it seemed to jump rapidly from one situation to another with no real explanation, huge lapses of time and gaps in the story., I was tempted more than once to Dnf, but I held on in the hope that the story would tie together. For over 11 hours worth of audiobook there were plenty of opportunities to fill the gaps. It also felt overly westernised.

The audio grated on me.

A disappointing outcome for me.

My thanks to Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliantly written, touching story that takes us back to the glorious and tragic days of Shanghai and other parts of China during the war.

So many distinctive characters. So much character & relationship growth. So many tears shed.

And such amazing descriptions:

They also said Hong Kong’s stories could unfold in the cracks of the steep streets slithering through slums and saloons, that Hong Kong’s love could be sought on the quiet echoes of wooden fish and the incense smoke that smelled of frankincense and pepper, that Hong Kong’s tears could be seen in the flap of fork-tailed sunbirds, the specked shells of barnacles, and the jelly-tongued limpets. Hong Kong was an island for refugees, an atoll for the faithful, a harbor for all birds of passage, ministers and mistresses, cooks and crooks, villagers and vagabonds.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen alliteration used so effectively in a novel.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC copy of this book.

[Tessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc received from the publisher. This did in no way influence my opinion on this book.

I read Randel‘s The Last Rose of Shanghai a couple of years ago and remember devouring it despite its bumpy structure. I remember being especially irritated by the overuse of new storylines despite a very intriguing story backbone, often resulting in story holes that the reader is expected to just accept.
The book description of this new book sounded intriguing enough though, and I was curious how Randel‘s writing would fare in her new book.

This book, starting from the 1920s when China was still occupied by different foreign powers, tells the story of a young Chinese girl who becomes irrevocably fascinated/obsessed with a Fabergé egg — and with the owner of the egg, Isaac Mandelburg. For some not very well explained reasons (especially since she just happens to have a talent for drawing despite having had no formal education), he takes pity on her and takes her in, introducing her to the riveting world of jewellery, with her life leading her from Harbin to Shanghai and eventually Hong Kong.

While the premise of the book wasn’t too bad, I quickly became frustrated by its approach to cultural representation. As a work by a Chinese-American author, I expected a book that felt authentic and rooted in its own perspective, but instead, the story often seemed tailored for a white Western gaze. As a reader, you quickly become stuck with a main character that leans into white fetishization and exoticism of Chinese people. The character’s traits, struggles and romantic dynamics felt somewhat catered to Asian female stereotypes—mystical, submissive, or hyper-sexualized in ways that align with how white audiences often fantasize about East Asians, reminding me of books such as The Geisha. If it wasn’t for the main character’s well explained talent in jewellery, she easily could’ve been reduced to to a collection of exoticized traits instead of a fully realized person.

As with her previous book, I do have to command Randel‘s research on the historical key points. Her writing is engrossing and you can feel her devotion to the story, especially the highlights on Jewish life in China post-Russian Revolution. However, while this storyline is valid in its own right, it strangely diluted what could have been a powerful story about Chinese women in China at that time. For historical reference, a bibliography is added at the end of the book, however you will see mostly Western sources.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for an engrossing read that is loosely based on historical events, do go for this book. However if you‘re looking for a more nuanced approach, perhaps there will be better books in the future.

[Denise Ruttan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical fiction epic about one woman's wild and adventurous life in 1920s Shanghai amid gangsters, gold and then war.

Anyu is a complicated character, often unlikable but with an unshakable belief in her own moral code. An orphan, she was raised by a single mother who had a scandalous affair with a warlord. She finds a priceless Faberge egg in a train station, where she often goes to escape and draw. She gives it back to its owner, a Russian Jew and a jeweler who is so touched by her honesty that he offers to take care of her if she ever makes it to Shanghai.

After her mother dies, she makes her way to him and finds his family, who owns a jewelry making shop fallen on hard times. Without talent as a saleswoman, she becomes enamored instead with jewelrymaking, where her true talents lie. She can create magic out of silver in a world where women can't ask for more.

The story follows her meteoric rise to fame amid war, struggles and oppression, her star-crossed love with the much older jeweler who took her in and her other tragic love affairs. The only constant through the years has been her love for her craft, which makes her rich and then turns her blind.

Anyu lives a very sad life, destined to never hold onto requited love, always hunted. But above all else it's a story of stubborn survival against all odds set against an intriguing backdrop, a time in history I'd like to know more about. We get lots of WWII history but mostly from the European side. Books like this really bring history to life. At times I found her character frustrating and shallow, but mostly I deeply admired her and her incredible life. It was never only about the jewels she made; it was also about the relationships that made her, and the kinds of love that aren't all romantic.

Some content warnings include forced abortion, loss of a child and sexual assault, along with all the trauma of life in a war zone and as a refugee. But it never felt bleak or hopeless; I always felt Anyu would survive, even if it wasn't a happy life. Maybe moments of happiness are all we can hope for. This really showed how difficult it was for women in that era to hold a successful career, and the racial divisions that made it even more difficult.

A beautiful, sweeping epic that captivated me the whole way through.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read. Thank you Weina Dai Randel for writing this incredible masterpiece. I'm eagerly anticipating her next book!!!

[TAYA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got a few minutes? You’ll be flying through this one.

Weina Dai Randel has crafted a suspenseful 1920’s plot with brilliant character development. The pacing is swift and crisp, urging you to turn page after page.

Hits on;
Loyalty.
Mental strength.
Resiliency.
Found family.
Dedication.
Faith.
Work ethic.

Travel with the FMC, Anju, as she is orphaned at 15 and traverses her way from home to Shanghai, to Hong Kong. Ultimately, she becomes a master jeweler and gets mixed up in the Shanghai underground of shady jewel dealings and secret societies.

Anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel will appreciate The Master Jeweler.

[Sydney ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

With beautiful prose, detailed historical research, and a fascinating look at intersectional history, The Master Jeweler is an excellent literary historical fiction novel that sparkles like a Fabregé egg. It’s been *so* long since I’ve read a good historical fiction novel, and this book hit all the right notes.

The first thing that stood out to me was how vividly Randel is able to portray the historical setting without it becoming too heavy-handed or preachy. I loved the subtle way the geopolitics were conveyed and how the landscapes, from wintery Harbin to bustling Shanghai to frenetic Hong Kong, were developed as if they themselves were characters. While those who aren’t familiar with the political landscape of Nationalist China may struggle to fully untangle the complex web of international politics that played out in Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s, I think Randel does an excellent job with providing just enough context to keep the reader informed. I especially loved seeing the exploration of intersectional history and solidarity between stateless Russian Jews and ethnic Chinese—this is something that is rarely discussed even in academia.

The prose is also stunning. Randel really did her research on the jewelry-making process, and I loved the dazzling visual descriptions of all of the jewelry. Like the setting, the jewelry also seems to be its own character—instead of being reduced to an object that furthers Anyu’s character growth, the jewelry is a powerful symbol that invites meditations on greed, craftsmanship, and the commodification of art for status. I really appreciated how Randel refused to shy away from exploring the commodification of art and its role in perpetuating racial and socioeconomic division.

I don’t want to spoil too much of the actual plot because the characters truly surprised me at times, but I will say that the found family in this book is just *chefs kiss*. In particular, Esther and Anyu’s relationship was so heartwarming and a fantastic example of softer and more subtle female bonding. I also loved seeing how the Mandelburgs adopted Anyu as one of their own, though I wish there was a bit more exploration of how racism affected their unusual family arrangement.

The only thing that didn’t quite sit right with me after further reflecting on the book was the flatness of some of the side characters, but I’m willing to excuse that because the book is singularly funneled through the main character, Anyu. I really grew attached to Anyu and deeply emphasized with both her personal plight and her unwavering love for her artwork, so it didn’t bother me too much that many of the side characters seemed to lack some depth and that their actions were only explored via their impact on Anyu. The romance is the main thing that suffers because of this singular focus on Anyu—it felt a bit forced and definitely a little icky if you were to view it objectively instead of subjectively through its impact on Anyu. I especially struggled with how Randel portrayed the romance (?) between Anyu and Isaac due to the age gap. I think there’s an appropriate commentary on how the lines between mentorship, paternal, and romantic love were blurred between them, but the short scene about Anyu having “daddy issues” (quoted because this is literally said in the book lol) was frustratingly played off as a moment of brevity rather than an interrogation of the impact of war and orphanage on Anyu’s psyche. I wish that moment was explored further, perhaps also through a racial lens to better flesh out how racism and white supremacism affected ethnic Chinese women in high society Shanghai. Too often, this book seems to glaze over the racial violence and politics that dominated Nationalist Shanghai, so I would have appreciated a more in-depth look at that. Unfortunately, this seems to be the trappings of the book’s genre(s)—upmarket book club/women’s fiction, especially of the historical variety, is geared towards an overwhelmingly white female readership. As a Chinese-American woman whose own family history and identity is inexorably tied up in anti-Chinese racism, Orientalism, and the Yellow Peril, I was left a tad unsatisfied by the unexplored impacts of race, gender, and class on Anyu’s story.

Objectively, I’d rate this book four stars just because the plot only really works because of Anyu’s agency, but I loved Anyu so much that my rating is caught between 4 stars (on merit/craft) and 5 stars (for emotional impact). The plot was twisty and intriguing, and I loved the sheer amount of detail and research that Randel poured in this book, but I unfortunately can’t give the book 5 stars due to the somewhat flimsy characterization of the supporting cast and the unexplored/ambiguous critique of race and class in Nationalist Shanghai. Still, The Master Jeweler is an excellent work of literary historical fiction that stands out in a market dominated by repetitive and often derivative WWII novels.

4.25/5 stars
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer S. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous historical novel about a young orphaned woman in China who fights her way to become a master jeweler in Shanghai. Novel covers 1920s and 1940s and I found myself both fascinated and wanting to read more historical fiction that takes place in China!

[ScottieDawg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book was a solid 5⭐️’s for me. The writing was rich, the characters fully realized, and the historical setting utterly immersive. However, midway through, a sudden and uncharacteristic decision disrupts the plot's momentum, undermining the narrative's integrity. From that point, supernatural and mythological elements are introduced, causing a shift from masterful historical fiction toward magical realism; straining the plausibility and weakening the emotional and thematic impact.

[sashenka 🖤 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll never be against age gap in romance. But the feelings between our FMC and Isaac (a paternal figure) were weird as fuck. But that wasn't the only issue I had with this book. The plot felt like reading a shopping list. She does that, then, she does this, and then that. And it was boring. The worse was how her motivations were explained: she was just stubborn. I think I would have enjoyed this book a little more if there was less romance. Like, 0,0000001%. Except that the writing was also uninteresting. It also looks like it needs more editing (if there's something that I hate, it's typos in French word. If you're not sure, don't mention them, that's pretty simple.)

Thanks to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Weina Dai Randel for the ARC copy.

[lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Wow. Just wow. I really was not expecting to love this as much as I did. Picked it up on a whim and am so glad I did.

Historical fiction set across China (Harbin and Shanghai) and ending in Hong Kong. I’m a sucker for a historical fiction that spans decades, and this delivered on that end. I feel like they give the best description and growth of character just because they have so much time to make it happen.

Anyu is both very flat and alive at the same time. I’m not sure how it is possible.

I love the accuracy in the descriptions of the jewelry and I feel like I can really picture the designs based on the words on the page.

The nods to different periods of Chinese history and especially what happened during World War II were well executed and brought insight to both the time period but the characters as well.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth four stars, but a pretty dreary read for me. I did enjoy the story and characters in this well written book, but it was a hard one. Anyu, the main character, well deserved good things to happen to her, but when they did, they were consistently followed by horrible happenings. She always pulled herself together and went on, but how much can one person take? In her case, as much as she was given! I did learn a lot about Shanghai and jewelry making to name a few.

[Papery Petal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Master Jeweler is an ingeniously expanded historical fiction novel, written in simple yet captivating prose.

Anyu’s journey, filled with equal parts sorrow and joy, vividly captures an artisan's life in a challenging environment. The descriptions of jewels and jewelry-making are awe-inspiring, showcasing the author's diligent research. This book definitely sparked my curiosity about famous jewels, particularly Fabergé eggs! I noticed a few unresolved plot threads, but they were a minor issue.

This was my first read by Weina Dai Randel, but l'm eager to explore her other works. If you're seeking a well-rounded historical fiction novel, this one skilfully presents the realities of war, its consequences, prejudices, and eventual acceptance.

The audiobook's narration is exceptional as well, adding an extra layer of depth to the already engaging narrative!

*Thank you so much to Brilliance Publishing and the author for sending me an advance copy of this novel.*

[Kia (hoesreadtoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After loving The Last Rose in Shanghai, I was excited for this one. The premise - a talented Chinese jeweler navigating war, heartbreak, and betrayal - had promise, and Randel’s prose is just as vivid and atmospheric as ever. But despite strong writing, the story didn’t land the way I hoped.

Anyu never quite felt emotionally grounded. Her reactions to major events were flat, and her romance with Isaac felt forced and uncomfortable. Some of her choices felt more like plot mechanics than genuine character development. She risked falling into tired tropes rather than standing as a complex lead.

Randel’s historical research does shine in places, particularly in her attention to Jewish communities living in China after the Russian Revolution. The inclusion of this lesser-known aspect of Chinese history was fascinating, though it also took space away from a more thorough exploration of Chinese women's lives during the same period.

Culturally, the story read as oddly westernized. Overall, The Master Jeweler reads like a book caught between two visions: one aiming to educate and honor overlooked histories, the other shaped by familiar Western expectations. It's beautifully written but emotionally distant, filled with rich details but lacking in cohesion. Chinese identity and history felt filtered for outside audiences, often leaning into exoticism. Real events like the Japanese invasion and historical figures like Kawashima Yoshiko were treated superficially, I wanted more heart and authenticity—and less performance.

That said, if you’re looking for an engaging read loosely based on history with rich descriptions, it might still be worth a try. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica Shoemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by Anyu’s journey and the setting of this book. There were compelling characters and relationships, beautiful descriptions (I really can’t understate this), and such smooth prose throughout. Anyu’s search for connection was relatable and moving, and there were so many touching and heart-wrenching moments.

As far as caveats go, the pacing did feel a bit uneven at times—some things happened and passed by so quickly compared to how much weight they had and the pace of the surrounding context. And a few things stretched belief. Mr. Du really never found out anything about the necklace? And some characters were just… there. They could’ve been more developed given how present they were in the book, like the family Anyu lived with. Just seeing glimpses of her relationships with them as things progressed would’ve made them feel more substantial—it felt like some of that evolution was glossed over. These didn’t eclipse my enjoyment of the book, though, and I would recommend it and am glad I read it. If anything, I think the story could be improved by being expanded upon.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Grace Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting!

This book doesn’t disappoint. It keeps you in your toes wanted to know more. I recommend to read it.
Enjoy it!

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I was originally introduced to the work of Weina Dai Randel through her Empress of Bright Moon duology, and found her writing entrancing. When I discovered that she wrote a book about Jews escaping the Holocaust by fleeing to China, and devoured that one despite not reading Holocaust fiction for the most part. I made an exception because it was about a different element of the wartime experience than I didn’t know much about, and loved The Last Rose of Shanghai. So this one caught my attention, and I’m so glad I was approved for it.

The Jewish community’s presence in Harbin, China dates back to 1898, with Jews fleeing antisemitic violence in Russia and Europe, better social status, and seeking out new economic opportunities with the development of the Chinese Eastern Railway. While I did know that there was a Jewish community in Harbin, I didn’t know much about it other than that it was there, and Harbin is an exceptionally cold city. So reading about a young girl from Harbin who finds a bag containing a Fabergé egg which enchants her and leads her to cross paths unwittingly with a master jeweler who worked for the Imperial Family before the Russian Revolution. Now a fugitive, Anyu’s interaction with Isaac Mandelburg lasts no more than a few moments, but in gratitude for returning his bag, he gives her his address in Shanghai and offers her hospitality if she ever comes to Shanghai.

Anyu can’t stop thinking about the Fabergé egg, and how beautiful it was. It wasn’t long before a tragedy leaves her with no option other than heading to Shanghai and tracking down the jeweler. All she wants is the opportunity to learn how to become a jeweler, even after being told multiple reasons why: the legacy of jewelry making was passed down from father to son for centuries, and definitely not shared with outsiders; she wasn’t part of the family; and the big one, that there weren’t female jewelry makers. She takes a job working in the failing Mandelburg jewelry store, but doesn’t have much skill at sales, and has a single-mindedness in her desire to learn how to make jewelry.

I loved the characters. Anyu is stubborn and determined, and no one can stop her if she has her mind set on something. She’s a bit dazzled when she makes it to Shanghai, because it is a much busier (and dangerous) city than she realizes. It isn’t long before she realizes that the Mandelburgs are being extorted by a local gang, and shortly we realize the depth of Anyu’s will. The Mandelburgs are the only people in the world that she has, and they become sort of a replacement family for her, with Isaac and his brother, along with Isaac’s son and daughter. His daughter, Esther, butts heads with her father over Anyu’s presence. She has learned enough of the world to be leery of strangers and even worse, coming from a country where Jews were persecuted and treated as second class citizens, she has no desire to interact with outsiders.

Anyu is such a complex character—a mixture of Chinese upbringing and having to survive by her wits and skills, she comes across as morally gray, and at times, she’s unlikable. But she is also unshakably loyal, even at risk to herself, and she’s got a lot to learn about surviving in Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s, even as war creeps closer and Shanghai is occupied by Japanese soldiers. I warmed a lot more to Anyu as the story went on, and she shows immense amounts of growth, almost as if this is a coming-of-age book set in the Gilded Age version of Shanghai. The dazzling world of jewelry turns out to be unexpectedly dangerous, and Anyu walks into this danger blindly at first, but her choice that time ends up working out well for her. She makes a lot of choices as she ages from a naïve teenager to an adult who has seen dizzying highs and staggering lows. One constant is that she always takes responsibility for her actions.

The side characters in the book feel so real, and having access to the audiobook made them feel even more real. Christine Lin narrates the book, and she does outstanding with Chinese words, the Shanghai dialect, and some solid European accents. It made the reading feel much more immersive for me, and echoes the same heavily Russian and Yiddish accented speech I’ve heard my entire life. Over time, the Mandelburgs grow to see Anyu as a family member, and it was so interesting to see the intersection of Jewish refugees with the rich culture and life of Shanghai.

We do get a view of the Chinese experience through Anyu, and especially her jewelry creating process, where she often chooses a design that is reminiscent of Chinese culture, such as an animal with symbolic meaning to Chinese people. However, there’s also a good view into what life was like as a stateless Jew in the 1930s and 1940s, feeling as if no place is safe. I felt like this one did a good job of exploring two very different cultures on the surface, and highlighting the commonalities.

Despite having the skills to make glamorous and exclusive jewelry, Anyu’s journey is not an easy one. She makes poor choices and good ones, and I mourned her difficult and ultimately bad choices, and celebrated her accomplishments with her. There is a very angsty master/apprentice relationship, with Isaac being significantly older than Anyu and trying to maintain the status quo without leading her on. Anyu has more than just this one romance, there are a total of three, but I loved seeing what each relationship brought to Anyu and helped her learn.

Ultimately, this is an outstanding book, and the audiobook is fantastic. I loved seeing all the complex interactions between the characters, and especially enjoyed how the relationship between Anyu and Esther went from adversarial and unwelcoming (on Esther’s side) to a real, solid friendship that nothing gets in the way of. I found it fascinating to get so much insight into this period in China and especially Shanghai, and even more so to the whole process of jewelry making. I’m not sure why I was surprised to learn that their devotion to the art of jewelry making had terrible effects on so many body systems. But this was a book I found to be immensely enjoyable and impressively researched.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Release date : 24 June 2025

[Riley G.]

DNF at 57% for triggering content. (nondescript details below)

This took me a while to review, partially because I was busy, but partially because I needed to separate myself from the book first.

I've really been wanting to get into more Asian fiction, because what I've read of it is generally interesting, and Asian history is something that I'd like to know more about. So, when I saw this on NetGalley, and it was available to read, I was quite excited. The cover is BEAUTIFUL, and the premise sounded rather interesting.

Well, it took some turns I wasn't expecting, and that made me, frankly, quite uncomfortable.

The first chapter started strong: it made me curious, and the prose was beautiful. The next couple of chapters, also, were interesting. After that, though...

One thing I need to mention, is that I was surprised to see that I made it past the 50% mark. It felt like I was still in the first third of the book. I still hadn't grasped what the main conflict was. I was thinking it was her learning to be a jeweler, but that came and went, as did her becoming a master jeweler. It was just so dreadfully slow. It wasn't living up to the description, at least to me.

That wasn't the main reason I DNF'ed it, however--though it was a qualm. It was some content things.

It started with the brothel scene. I was not expecting such details, especially since the MC was a teenage girl. I was able to skim that part, and it made me think twice, but I figured that might be it and I continued.

The tone only got darker after that. The MC was starting to get a bit... Annoying, and then... The whole thing with Bellefeuille is what did it for me. There was another scene that made me uncomfortable, and then a comment that very blatantly alluded to sex, and then--what did it for me--was a scene with a miscarriage, which actually turned out to be an abortion.

I don't like to read sex scenes, they make me extremely uncomfortable. But I cannot bear anything having to do with pregnancy complications. I'm a bit squeamish as it is, and have a tendency to pass out when I get the nitty gritty details on health-related things. I was close to it upon reading that, and I was actually in a funk for a couple of days after that, because I couldn't get it out of my head.

So, I just really wish there had been some kind of trigger warning, or at least something in the blurb that might hint that it wouldn't be the best read for sensitive readers. I haven't even seen any other reviews mentioning triggers, so if you're sensitive to the stuff I am, consider yourself warned. What I read of this book just wasn't doing anything good for my spirit, and that sad scene put the nail in the coffin.

***I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own honest opinion.***

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story takes us through many places in China, beginning in Harbin, where the main character Anyu grows up, and becomes orphaned. Shanghai, where Anyu finds a home, and a purpose. Entering into the world of fine jewelry making. I really loved this part of the book. The description of the jewelry that she and her mentor create are stunning, and you can really envision each individual piece. Then moves onto Hong Kong, fleeing from the Japanese soldiers and in impending takeover.
I really enjoyed Anyu’s character and her fierce determination for survival, and success. Never once giving up.
I have never read a book by this author before, but I will be picking up one in the future. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the EArc.