A Fine Piece of Jade

by Katy Phoon

A Fine Piece of Jade is a fictionalised account of the author’s mother’s experiences during the Japanese occupation of China and the rise of Communist China.The story follows Wāng Qí and Yuányuán, two girls sent from their privileged homes to a missionary school in Wuhan’s French Concession during World War II. Through war, revolution, and political oppression, the fiercely independent Wāng Qí and the ever-cheerful Yuányuán form a bond that gives them strength, though greater dangers may lie closer than they expect.

The novel explores the struggles of women in a male-dominated society, contrasting those who conform with those who fight for change. It celebrates resilience, friendship, and faith in times of loss and betrayal, while weaving Chinese mythology into a vivid portrayal of Hankou under occupation.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

Reviews

[Madeline Gautreaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Book Guild & NetGalley for access to the arc of this book in return for an honest review!

I would like to first state that I may have not had the most time and attention to pay to this book given the end of my academic semester was very busy and reading got placed on the backburner.

With that in mind, I did not enjoy this book as much as I would have hoped to. Similar to books I’ve read in the past about life in China during war, this book was raw and honest- the characters felt real, the story was gut wrenching, and the themes were ever present in today’s society.

Though this book has some great moments, it felt slow and like I was reliving the same chapters over and over again. Similarly, the discussion of the spread of catholicism and different faiths throughout China felt lackluster compared to the stories of chinese mythology intertwined into the chapters.

All in all, the two main characters show great courage in a time of youth and instability, and to me, that is the selling point of this book!!

[Hikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel which is mainly set in Japanese occupied China in the 1930s/1940s. Our heroines are in a sheltered position in that they are still at school and living within a Roman Catholic setting so the Japanese, by and large, leave them alone. Until they don't towards the end of the book and everyone goes on a journey towards (they hope) greater safety. The novel is told from several points of view so you get to see China from both the cloistered convent angle plus the rumours/counter-rumours about both the nationalists and the communists. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[the society of inkdrinkers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fine Piece of Jade by Katy Phoon is a historical fiction novel set in China in the 1940s. It is set during the Japanese occupation of China and the transition to communist China. Ah Qi and Yuanyuan are sent to a missionary school in Wuhan by their parents. The young girls become quick friends and take care of each other like sisters. What strikes me most about the novel is the courage of the girls and the strength of their friendship. They endure many tragedies and struggle to survive in turbulent times.

I recommend this novel for historical fiction readers. The novel is based on the experiences of the author’s mother. Chinese culture and everyday life is honored through detailed descriptions and characters that could step off the pages.

Thank you The Book Guild and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.