The Boy With the Jade

by Charles Bush

A young aristocrat's quest for identity amid love, loss, and betrayal in 18th-century China. In the opulent world of 18th-century China, where wealth and power reign supreme, The Boy with the Jade unveils the poignant tale of Baoyu, heir to the illustrious Jia family. Born with a jade pendant in his mouth—a symbol of his destiny—Baoyu's life is one of luxury laced with darkness.

Amidst his family's splendor, Baoyu navigates complex relationships. He shares a deep, intellectual connection with his cousin Daiyu and engages in intense liaisons with Amber, his main maid. Yet, these bonds are marred by mistreatment, deception, and overwhelming societal pressures.

Baoyu's life spirals after a severe beating from his father, Amber's death, and Daiyu's illness. His spirit breaks, plunging him into despair and leading to the loss of his jade pendant. Fate deals another blow when he's duped into marrying Baochai on the day Daiyu dies. Seeking enlightenment, Baoyu turns to Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, finding guidance from mystical mentors who help him reclaim his jade and hope.

With expectations to excel at the Imperial Examination and continue his lineage, Baoyu is trapped by tradition. Craving freedom, he makes a bold escape, embarking on a transformative journey.

Drawing inspiration from Hong Lou Meng, Bush's novel weaves a rich narrative of love, grief, and self-discovery. The Boy with the Jade explores the intricate human quest for meaning, transcending both time and culture.

Genres: Historical Fiction

262 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Jannelies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? I finished this book weeks ago, but kept pondering about how to write a review that would do justice at this incredible powerful work – but also at the great reviews I’ve read about this book here on GR. I’m not nearly as eloquent as I would like to be and I know I never will be so I decided to just start writing.

I cannot express enough my admiration and deep respect for the author for his retelling of this ancient story. I’ve read books from Pearl S. Buck and others who wrote about life in China but they did not exactly prepare me for this stunning work.

To me it felt like Baoyu, Dayiu, Baochai and especially Grandmother came to life from the first page on and sometimes I cringed reading how life must have been for people in general in those days. Not only for the poor people who had to slave away all their life for next to nothing but indeed also for the very rich, because they were bound by numerous traditions which left them no freedom at all.

It was a real revelation and of course I looked up more information about this story – I even tried to read part of the original The Red Chamber but it was too much for me. Maybe I should try later when my life is less complicated.

I’m very happy I was granted this review copy by History Through Fiction and Netgalley.

[History Through Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the publisher of The Boy with the Jade, we are honored to bring Charles Bush’s breathtaking debut novel to readers.

Set against the splendor and strictures of 18th-century China, this deeply moving coming-of-age story follows Baoyu, the gifted heir of the prestigious Jia family. Born with a jade pendant in his mouth, Baoyu is marked for greatness—but the path he must walk is anything but easy. Through love and loss, betrayal and self-discovery, Baoyu’s story becomes a profound exploration of identity, grief, and the courage it takes to break free from the expectations of family and tradition.

Inspired by Hong Lou Meng, Bush’s novel is a masterful reimagining that blends historical richness with emotional depth. Baoyu’s transformation—from a privileged but conflicted youth to a spiritually awakened and self-possessed young man—fills us with deep pride by the final page. His journey is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring search for meaning.

Charles Bush has crafted a timeless, evocative debut, and we are so proud to stand behind this extraordinary novel.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HTF Publishing for this ARC of The Boy with the Jade by Charles Bush. I honestly don’t even know why I requested this one, as I had never read anything by this author before but wow, I was absolutely blown away.

From the very first page, I was hooked and ended up reading it straight through in one sitting. The characters are layered and complex, each one carrying a depth that makes them feel real and unforgettable. Bush has a gift for weaving together historical detail with emotional storytelling, creating a world that feels both distant in time and yet strikingly relevant in its themes of duty, tradition, and personal freedom.

As someone who has a secret love for the classics and historical fiction, this book gave me everything I crave in a story rich cultural atmosphere, a compelling central character, and the kind of prose that feels timeless. The writing carried the elegance of a classic novel, while still being accessible and emotionally charged.

What impressed me most was how immersive the story felt. Every moment, every conversation, every image was vivid and purposeful. It’s rare to find a book that balances historical detail with such intimate character development, but The Boy with the Jade delivers both in spades.

This was a beautiful, powerful read that reminded me exactly why I love historical fiction so much. Charles Bush is an author I’ll absolutely be watching from now on, and this novel will stick with me for a long time.

[Jillian Forsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some context, I had never read nor heard of Baoyu or the Dream of the Red Chamber when I started your book. When I finished it and your author’s note, I felt an immediate pull to the past.

Charles Bush has taken the classic story of DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER and turned it into a free-flowing, natural thing that felt more like a river than a book. An accomplished, precise work that reminds the reader that the choices we make are not ours alone, and the life we often wish we had is one decision away. THE BOY AND THE JADE reads like a classic, woven into a deeply researched culture that immediately pulls one in. The life of Baoyu and his fateful decisions illustrate us all, reminding us that no matter what we are born to, it is the paths we choose that matter most. Once I put this book down, I could not stand being away from it for long. This is a novel I will never forget.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the declining years of the Qing Dynasty in 18th Century China, a boy was born with a jade pendant in his mouth. The jade would portend happiness that would wane, a result of tragedy and loss.

Baoyu was born into the privileged Jia clan, a noble family living in a sprawling family compound in the center of Beijing. He lived with his doting Grandmother, visited regularly with his mother in her separate courtyard but avoided his rigid, authoritarian father who displayed “harshness when leniency was an alternative.”

Baoyu’s idyllic life was enhanced by the arrival of first cousin Daiyu, a thin waif who came to live at the mansion. She taught herself to write poetry, was gifted in painting and engaged in Zen conversations. She tended toward melancholy. Daiyu and Baoyu became inseparable, that is, until first cousin Baochai arrived. Baochai was beautiful, even tempered and obedient, gracious to both masters and servants. Daiyu appeared to be arrogant and was a bundle of nervous energy. “Each girl shared half of my name…Baoyu, Daiyu, Baochai…I saw a triangle with me at the apex…while Daiyu and I were soulmates, I also felt a pull toward Baochai.” Baoyu knew that aristocratic families liked to marry first cousins to each other. Would Grandmother arrange for Baoyu to marry Daiyu?

Secrets did not exist in the Jia mansion. “Servants surrounded us every moment of our lives…watching and listening…” When Baoyu formed his own independent household on his 14th birthday, Grandmother gifted him with her junior maid, Amber. Amber would become his chief maid. “No rule prohibited Jia masters from consorting…with their servants…Daiyu knew the rules…As long as my other partners (such as Amber) were mere servants, it didn’t matter.”

As a spoiled, pampered young man, Baoyu was unable to “man up” and prevent the repercussions of innocently sharing a candy. Unspeakable tragedy occurred when he returned home tearfully, wearing the red shirt belonging to another. His jade pendant was missing. Deception…a veil covered face…Baoyu, duped into an unwanted arranged marriage.

Worldly possessions were fleeting. Anyone, at any time, could fall from grace. The dilemma: uphold societal expectations in deference to Grandmother (Her Old Ladyship), parents and wife, or follow the path to enlightenment and personal fulfillment. How timely the mystical presence of a barefoot Buddhist monk wearing a moth eaten maroon robe and a lame Taoist priest with a head full of long, tangled hair. They had discovered the lost jade pendant! “There was an alternative to always obeying my family dictates…to seek peace of mind…that became the purpose of my life…”.”He who has attained the Way makes no show of it. He who makes a show of it has not attained the Way.”

An excellent historical fiction read of 18th Century Chinese society during the Qing Dynasty.

Thank you Colin Mustful @ History Through Fiction (HTF Publishing) for the Print ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HTF Publishing for this eCopy to review

Charles Bush reimagines Dream of the Red Chamber through the eyes of Baoyu, a privileged heir navigating love, loss, and spiritual awakening in 18th-century China.

🏯 Plot Summary
Baoyu is born into the aristocratic Jia family, marked from birth by a jade pendant found in his mouth, a symbol of destiny and burden. His early life is steeped in luxury, but also in emotional complexity. He shares a soul-deep bond with his cousin Daiyu and a passionate relationship with his maid Amber. Yet, these connections are strained by societal expectations and personal failings.

After a brutal beating from his father, Amber’s tragic death, and Daiyu’s decline, Baoyu spirals into despair. His jade pendant is lost, and he’s tricked into marrying Baochai on the day Daiyu dies. Seeking meaning beyond the rigid confines of his upbringing, Baoyu turns to Taoist and Buddhist mentors who guide him toward spiritual clarity. Ultimately, he rejects the path laid out for him: Imperial exams, family duty to chooses a life of reflection and freedom.

📜 What Worked
Historical Immersion: Bush’s depiction of Qing Dynasty China is rich and evocative. The customs, family dynamics, and philosophical undercurrents are well-researched and immersive.

Spiritual Themes: Baoyu’s journey toward enlightenment is thoughtfully rendered. His internal conflict between duty and desire adds emotional depth.

Literary Tribute: For readers familiar with Dream of the Red Chamber, this novel offers a focused, character-driven lens on a sprawling classic.

🤔 What Fell Short
Pacing and Structure: The first half felt slow and indulgent, with Baoyu portrayed as a spoiled, passive character. His transformation, while meaningful, arrives late and somewhat abruptly.

Emotional Distance: Despite the dramatic events of betrayal, death, spiritual rebirth, I often felt detached from Baoyu’s pain.

Romantic Dynamics: The relationships, especially with Amber and Daiyu, felt uneven. Their emotional weight didn’t always match their narrative importance.

🌓 Final Thoughts
The Boy with the Jade is a thoughtful, beautifully written novel that offers a window into a fascinating time and culture.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

I found this to be a really interesting and enjoyable read, despite some of its lacking in fine details. Based off of characters within the classic Chinese novel "Hong Lou Meng," the focus in this novel by Bush is Baoyu, the young boy and heir of the Jia Mansion, an aristocratic household.
The story follows Baoyu from boyhood, where he avoids his critical and unkind father at all costs, and instead lives within his loving and doting grandmother's commune on the property grounds. There also comes to live his first cousin, Daiyu, whom he develops an intensely close bond and dreams one day of their arranged marriage.
The story gives the picture and understanding of what life was like for the privileged of 18th century Beijing, however as the saying goes, richness does not buy happiness. The hierarchy of position within the family and household is also clear, as well as the fate of women in this culture. Life for those born into servitude is also explored via the storytelling. I found it all rather intriguing.
This is the coming of age tale of Baoyu, his mistreatment and the deception he faces within his family, and how he ultimately decides to take control of his own life.
The story does not tread lightly on Baoyu's transition through puberty and as he follows general accepted customs of fraternizing with the servants while holding out for his family to arrange what they feel is a suitable marriage for him. Some of these things made me dislike Baoyu, as he seemed very self-centered in many of his relationships, but his love for some of the women in the novel does end up feeling true and helps to change the course of his life.
There is little dialogue in this novel and that does take away from the intimacy of the story and the characters, and makes it read with an outsider looking-in perspective, but it was still a captivating and interesting read for me that I would recommend.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I much enjoyed this retelling of a classic 18th-century Chinese tale (Dream of the Red Chamber). It featured an aristocratic youth reared in a privileged household. Baoyu, the family's male heir, is expected to be diligent in his studies so that he can take the classic examination required for advancement and prestige in Imperial China. He is also expected to marry well and produce heirs. He struggles with both these expectations, having sexual adventures with women who are not deemed appropriate and fearing that his true love may not be the one his family selects for him. His relationship with his father is troubled, so he also resists studying for the all-important exams that will enable him to bring honor to his family. The story follows his rising and falling fortunes and his growth as a reflective young man. It is a compelling story, well-told in this rendition. Readers will learn a lot about life in an 18th-century patrilineal Chinese aristocratic family. It is a light read, but the story will stay with you. I enjoyed this and recommend it.

[Elizabeth Skelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells a fascinating story and readers are quickly drawn in without having to know a thing about life in 18th century China. Mr. Bush has woven an engrossing tale about an aristocratic young man facing familial expectations of him, and his own personal quest for his future. In several occasions, Baoyu is caught between rocks and hard places, and even at the end, I was left asking, "Are you sure?" It is a universal theme that concerns each of us.
The author is a gifted writer whose prose is poetic and interesting to read. I found all of my senses awakened - I could smell the fragrance in the gardens and the waste piles in the prison cells, I could feel the smooth satiny sheets and comforters, I could see the enormous complex spread out over the landscape; I could hear the chaos of guards pushing hordes of people and horses stomping. And I could taste the yummy dumplings and buns. I love the book and I am going to read it again because I was not ready to let go when it ended.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this novel inspired by the 18th century Chinese classic novel ‘Hong Lou Meng’ (‘Dream of the Red Chamber’) written by Cao Xueqin and Gao E. A huge and complex novel with many characters, Bush has traced the main thread following the life of a boy, Baoyu. According to his doting grandmother, Baoyu was born with a jade pendant in his mouth, which would protect him from harm and guarantee him happiness, health and success.

Bayou was born into a wealthy aristocratic family in Beijing and, as a child, lacked for nothing, except the regard of a strict and distant father. He was indeed happy and healthy during his childhood, indulged by his mother and grandmother, waited on by a host of servants and surrounded by a bustling extended family. However, as he reached his teens he suffered loss and the death of loved ones, sinking into a melancholy that severely impaired his health. This tale is one of his coming of age and his spiritual quest to find his own identity and way in life.

The descriptions of life in 18th century (Qing Dynasty) China are immersive and rich in detail. The opulence of Baoyu’s family compound, with no expense spared, contrasts vividly with the hovels and poverty of the common people, although Baoyu’s sheltered existence prevented him for seeing this as a boy. Baoyu’s demanding father expected him to be a diligent student and excel in the demanding Imperial Examination (with a pass rate of less than 2%), required to hold an official appointment and also to bring honour to his family. The descriptions of the examination process itself and the primitive and cramped conditions under which the students were expected to sit it, was well researched and fascinating. Overall, a compelling and beautifully written tale. 4.5★

With thanks to HTF publishing via Netgalley for a copy to read

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I’ve struggled to review—not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because it lingered with me long after I finished. Normally I write reviews within a few days, but this story unsettled me in the best ways and stayed with me for weeks.

I know very little about classic Chinese literature, so I found myself pausing often to explore ideas and historical aspects—not only within Bush’s novel but also in The Dream of the Red Chamber, which was completely new to me. At times I even set the book aside to get my bearings before continuing the journey.

With that said, this is a beautifully written, vivid story that drew me in and offered something vastly different in tone, setting, and cultural reference points than anything I’ve read before. I haven’t read the original text that inspired this novel, so I can’t speak to those connections, but I can say that I truly enjoyed the experience.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very different sort of book for me. Set in eighteenth century China we follow the life of Baoyu, who is born into a wealthy family, but there are expectations and a strange father to overcome. In some ways, Baoyu is fortunate, but he does have some trials, especially when his lovers die and he is tricked into marrying the wrong girl. It is a very circumscribed life as he tries to meet his filial obligations but remain true to himself. I enjoyed this book because it took me to a very unusual place and time, where the practices and the rules were vastly different to today. The examination part was also interesting, both for what was covered and the way it was run. Thanks to NetGalley and HTF Publishing for an opportunity to read this book.

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and HTF Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy of "The Boy with the Jade" by Charles Bush. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

The book swept me into a whirlwind of emotions, like a rollercoaster ride through Baoyu's tumultuous life. I felt a deep resonance with his struggles, the heart-wrenching love triangle, the betrayals that cut like a knife, and the relentless tragedies that befell him. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a glimmer of hope as Baoyu sought solace in philosophy, trying to find meaning in the madness. The themes of love, loss, and the unrelenting search for self-discovery struck a chord in my soul, leaving me pondering the intricacies of human existence long after I closed the final chapter.

[Jane Dietzel-cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, The Boy with the Jade drew me in with its vivid, assured voice, carrying me deep into the opulent yet suffocating world of 18th-century China. Baoyu’s struggle to balance Confucian duty with his growing interest is Buddhism is rendered with nuance, making his search for spiritual freedom as compelling as the novel’s lush drama (with a capital D!) and romantic entanglements. This is a story that lingers, offering both emotional resonance and timeless questions about identity, obligation, and the nature of fulfillment. Congratulations, Charles Bush!

[R Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a frustrating book. The first part was like reading about a thoroughly spoilt child. The second became an apology for the lifestyle of a Buddhist monk. While it is good to read of someone learning from life, for someone who disagrees with Buddhist doctrine the book was not as enjoyable as I had hoped. Certain ideas have great value, such as the discontent with materialistic lifestyles but to withdraw entirely from your society including your obligations to care for immediate family is not, in my opinion the way forward

[Lester Schlesinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look into upper class 18th century China as told through a young boy who experiences desire, love and heartbreak in the context of family drama. I learned a lot about the workings of society in terms of duty and relations with royalty. A really good read that keeps you wondering what will happen next.

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read inspired by the 18th Century classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber ‘Hong Lou Meng’.
A different kind of read for me but the experience was great.

With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher HTF Publishing for the ARC.

[Stephanie Neher · Rating 4 out of 5]

An immersive and beautiful historical fiction, the likes of which I haven't read in a long time! The characters are realistic and simply leap off the page. This is an era of history I actually haven't read very much about, but this was illuminating and enriching. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books about China and I’ve always really enjoyed them, and this one was no different. Set in the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty, it takes you on a journey through Baoyu’s life. I found myself fully immersed in the story, going through all the different emotions with him, and I could picture the location perfectly. The writing was inspired by the novel Dream of the Red Chamber, so if you enjoy historical fiction I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and HTF Publishing for letting me read and review this book.