My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for an advance copy to read and review.

There is much to commend Weina Dai Randel’s latest foray into historical fiction. She demonstrates a depth of research into China before and during the Second World War that results in a very believable context for the main players. The contrasts between northern Chinese society, on the Russian border, and that of cosmopolitan Shanghai, is fascinating. She provides glimpses into the tensions between Jewish emigres who escaped the Bolshevik revolution, the Chinese gangsters who ruled the streets on behalf of important men, the British and French who distrusted each other but thought themselves above the rest. Then there are the class distinctions within Chinese society itself, which meant, for the poor, much tolerance of abuse for the sake of survival.

Anyu lives hand to mouth in a windowless flat with her mother in Harbin, in northern China. She and her mother are outcasts. Her warlord father had never acknowledged them. Her only pleasure is drawing in front of the train station. When she returns a lost object to a ‘foreigner’ in a great hurry to flee the city, he thanks her by giving her his address and his silk handkerchief, promising to help her if she ever needs him. The foreigner is Isaac Mandelburg, a Russian jeweller and a member of the secret Master Jewellers Guild, on the run from the Bolsheviks; the object is a Faberge egg entrusted to him by the last empress.

That time comes very quickly as her mother dies in a Japanese bombing, and Anya decides to make her way to has to find a way to survive. After a very long and arduous train trip to Shanghai, she locates Isaac at his struggling workshop in the Jewish sector.

And so Anyu’s adventures begin, and ‘adventures’ is exactly the right word for what happens to her when she the Mandelburgs reluctantly take her in. Soon she wears down Isaac, who wants his shiftless son to succeed him, and in a matter of months she has become a master jeweller whose unique designs from Chinese mythology win her awards and prestige and revive the House of Mandelburg’s flagging fortunes. They also place her and the Mandelburg family in the sites of various evil people and organizations.

There is so much happening, so many time jumps, and so many characters who jump sides that there’s no effective way to summarize what happens to Anyu. It seems as though she repeats the ‘rags to riches’ process multiple times over the course of the barely 20 years, from 1925 to just after the war, that are covered. I would have preferred fewer abrupt and seemingly random changes, and more of Anya’s emotional response to them. She is meant to be stoic and independent, but she survives enormous losses, time after time, without real effect. Some of the situations she gets in and out of are just implausible. Both the characters she loves and those she hates seem to pop in and out of her life in various locations and at various times.

The historical basis of these difficult years of many threats, especially from the Japanese, is superbly covered, and I don’t regret reading the book, but it didn’t work for me.

This sweeping tale begins in 1925. Fifteen-year-old Anya Zhang is living in Harbin, China, with her mother. When she finds an irreplaceable Fabergé egg in the snow, she does the right thing, returning it to its owner, jeweler Isaac Mandelburg, who was frantically searching for it before his train's departure to Shanghai. Issac and his family were seeking refuge from the growing antisemitism in Russia, where he had crafted jewelry for the Imperial Family. Issac gives Anya his address, inviting her to visit him. She is soon orphaned and decides to travel to Shanghai, hoping Issac will take her in. Inspired by the beauty of the Fabergé egg, Anya is determined to learn from Issac how to design jewelry. As the years pass, the Mandelburgs become Anya's new family, and her talent in designing jewelry grows. Around them, the streets of Shanghai are filled with gangs, treacherous thieves, and violence. And as war looms near, Japanese soldiers occupy the city. Anya's engrossing journey, filled with triumphs and tragedy, continues.

The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel is a transportive reading experience that is much more than a coming-of-age story of Anya, who starts as a naive, impulsive girl and evolves into a woman trying to survive. It also explores the plight of a Jewish family living in China, the art of jewelry making, and the political atmosphere leading to World War II. All fascinating.

4.25 stars.

In this book, we follow Anyu, a young Chinese woman who moves from Harbin to Shanghai in the 1920s where she is taken in by a Jewish family and trains to be a master jeweler.

This was a really interesting read that touches on race relations, the Japanese invasion of China, and the place of women in society. Anyu makes for a compelling main character and we watch her grow and mature throughout the decades.

A recommended read for fans of Lisa See and Fabergé eggs.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately The Master Jeweler was a disappointment for me. I went in expecting an epic story about Anyu becoming a jeweler in Shanghai and instead got a story that takes place in multiple countries, over multiple decades, and never really felt fully formed.

The dialogue also felt very stiff and while sometimes it said what language the characters were speaking to who, it never really worked for me. The best part was about the jewelry itself but I never really connected with the characters and the writing style didn't work for me either.

Book Review: The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel, and it was quite the captivating read. Set in 1920s China, the story follows Anyu Zhang, a determined young woman whose life changes forever when she discovers a priceless Fabergé egg buried in snow. Returning it to its owner, Isaac Mandelburg—a fugitive and former master jeweler from Russia’s imperial court—sets Anyu on a path that leads her to Shanghai’s dazzling but dangerous jewelry world.

From orphaned newcomer to skilled artisan, Anyu’s relentless pursuit of mastery draws her into a world filled with beauty and peril alike: lavish showrooms contrast sharply with gangsters lurking in the streets, ruthless competitors, and obsessive collectors threatening those she cares about. The novel takes you on a journey from the snowy landscapes of Harbin to the glittering heart of Shanghai, and finally to an island shadowed by the threat of war. Along the way, you witness Anyu’s resilience, losses, and triumphs in a richly woven tale about ambition, friendship, and the true value hidden within exquisite jewels.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it’s stunning and perfectly captures the book’s elegance. Beyond that, the writing is excellent: detailed without ever being overwhelming, and paced so well that I found myself completely immersed. The characters are vivid and memorable, especially Anyu, whose passion and determination really shine through.

What struck me most was how beautifully the book explores the deep meaning behind jewelry—not just as objects of wealth or fashion, but as symbols of memory, love, and sacrifice. I gained a newfound appreciation for the craft of jewelry making and even learned quite a bit about Fabergé eggs along the way. This story truly tugged at my heartstrings with its heartfelt moments and complex relationships.

All in all, The Master Jeweler is a richly told story blending history, craftsmanship, and emotion. I’m giving it four stars because while it was an engrossing and beautifully written tale, there were moments I wished for a bit more depth in some supporting characters. That said, if you enjoy historical fiction with a unique angle and emotional weight, this one is definitely worth picking up!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

In 'The Master Jeweler' Weina Day Randel casts a brilliant light on an overlooked corner of history, weaving a sweeping tale of resilience, artistry, and survival. Set against the backdrop of 1920s-1930s China, the novel follows Anyu Zhang, a young orphan who rises from poverty in Harbin to apprentice under Isaac Mandelberg, a former Faberge jeweler living in exile among the Russian Jewish community in Shanghai.

What unfolds is more than a coming-of-age story - it's a glittering epic about craftsmanship and identity. Randel renders the world of high jewelry with exquisite attention to detail: the cut of a sapphire, the discipline of the workshop, and the emotional charge hidden within each design. Through Anyu's eyes, readers glimpse the intensity of an artist's transformation - not just of raw materials, but of herself.

The novel's strength lies in its emotional scope. Anyu's relationship with Mandelberg and his children - especially his volatile daughter - anchors the narrative, balancing the politics of exile, war, and ambition with intimate questions of loyalty and belonging. The looming threat of the Japanese invasion adds a slow-burning tension, reminding us how fragile beauty can be in a world on the brink of destruction.

Though a few supporting characters fade into the periphery, and some plot threads resolve a bit abruptly, these are small blemishes on an otherwise vivid and memorable portrait. With its unique setting and fiercely determined heroine, 'The Master Jeweler' shines with originality.

Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn or Lisa See, this novel is a gem worth discovering.

This was such a beautiful book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and grateful for the publisher and NetGalley for bestowing it to me. The writing was absolutely magnificent and I found the plot engaging, however I occasionally questioned the logical reasoning behind some of the protagonist’s actions.
Still, I highly recommend it to readers.

From the synopsis, The Master Jeweler promised a sweeping historical tale — an orphan girl in 1920s China, a fateful encounter with a Fabergé egg, and her transformation into a renowned jewellery artist. I was intrigued. But unfortunately, the book did not live up to its potential.

This book could have been a layered exploration of artistry, war, and selfhood. Instead, it felt like a story shaped to fit Western fantasies of the “Orient” more than a meaningful tale grounded in East Asian history and identity.

Anya is a disadvantaged young girl in 1920s China. One cold winter day she finds a Fabergé egg and returns it to its owner, Isaac, who is so relieved he asks her to contact him if she needed anything. She is offered a job at a jewelry store where she learns the art of selling under Isaac's daughter, Esther, who gives her three rules. Her quick mind, curiosity and keen eye led her to mastering metalworking, crafting hinges, working with filigree and gemstones, and learning how to label jewelry. As she ages, she racks up life experiences. Meanwhile, crimes take place, including assault and murder. Hong Kong is attacked and life takes unexpected turns.

My favourite aspect about the novel are the fascinating craftmanship details (as a crafter myself) and the pursuit and loss of dreams. What is somewhat lacking is the reasoning and logic behind decisions and events. As time went on, the gaps were not detailed enough for my liking. However, I really liked the writing and unique storyline. The mystery element was compelling and the setting unusual. There is a balance of dark and light themes and the value of family is highlighted. There is something raw and special about this novel. Well worth reading.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the free eARC and Brilliance Audio for the free ALC! All opinions are my own.

This historical fiction novel follows the main character, Anyu, from her childhood in Harbin, China and beyond, as circumstance forces her to forge her own path in the world. As the title suggests, she discovers her passion and talent for jewelry-making along the way. Her journey takes place against the backdrop of geopolitics in the 1930s and 1940s, as Japan pushes it way further and further into China.

I'd definitely recommend this to historical fiction lovers who may not have read much about this time period in this part of the world. I cared about Anyu and those close to her, and I was invested in her story. At times I found the historical exposition a little heavy handed and not as nicely woven into the story as in other parts of the book, but I still enjoyed reading it and learning about Anyu's world. There was also plenty of suspense and drama as the plot unfolded!

I listened to a pretty large portion of this on audio thanks to the fact that I had an ALC available too. It was narrated by Christine Lin, who did a great job!

While I enjoyed the premise of the story and learning about Shanghai’s history, I found myself very frustrated by the lack of clear motivation from the main characters. It was unclear to me what really motivated Anya to peruse being a jeweler and what caused Issac to train her. There were simple justifications, but the character development was lacking.

I also felt the dialogue was very stilted throughout. Overall I would recommend for the historical aspect, but the writing could be more refined.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy.

I really wanted to like this book, and while I warmed to Anju at the beginning ..... her manner etc waned considerably by halfway though so did not finish.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel is a third person-POV historical set in China in the early twentieth century. Anyu is an orphan who doesn’t have many prospects for her future. When she finds a Faberge egg and returns it to its keeper, Isaac, she begins her journey towards becoming a master jeweler while the threat of the Japanese Occupation looms in the distance.

There are brief depictions of sexual assault that hint to not only how normalized it was in the world for young women to be touched without their consent but how young these girls were. There is also a scene that is, in my opinion, a depiction of sexual assault but is also used to show the messiness of Anyu’s inner feelings. Anyu was drunk at the time which means she cannot consent but she was also stinging from rejection and revenge was on her mind when she believes she consented. If we were to ask Anyu, I’m not entirely sure what label she would give that event and I think moments like this are complex because the POV character might not be able to give a clear cut answer even if we, the readers, can say it’s assault without a shadow of a doubt. I appreciate things like this because this is a very real experience that survivors of assault do go through.

Anyu has several love interests with no clear ‘love of her life.’ Issac and Confucious could both be the loves of her life but for very different reasons. Isaac is older than her by twenty-five years and she falls for him when she’s a teenager while Confucious is about her age. Of the two, I did appreciate her relationship with Isaac the most and that largely has to do with how responsible Isaac is with their feelings. I am not opposed to an age gap romance, I have known people who are in very happy relationships with people ten or more years older than them. It does happen. But Isaac is also Anyu’s mentor and he started teaching her when she was in her teens and he was already a father of two children older than her, which does make it more complicated when she confesses. If she’d been thirty, maybe things would have been different.

I really liked the threading in of the Faberge eggs as they are a personal point of interest for me and the mentions of blending Eastern and Western traditions within Anyu’s designs. There’s also several mentions of the history of Jewish people in Russia and the complex relationship that foreigners had in China at the time as they were coming out of the Opium War and World War I had just ended. There’s a lot of cool stuff going on in regards to jewelry and the art world at the time. It hit on a lot of interests for me and I really enjoyed all the worldbuilding and the details that went int it.

Content warning for depictions of sexual assault and mass murder

I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction set around the time of the Japanese Occupation and readers interested in jewelry

📕 Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ 📕

Title: The Master Jeweler
Author: Weina Dai Randel
Publisher: Lake Union
Format: 📖
Review: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Pub Date: June 24, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Weina Day Randel book and I was very intrigued by the story of a historical fiction time period I don’t typically read. Anyu a 15 year old girl who discovers a Fabragè egg and returns it to her owner. He turns out to be a Russian Jewish Master jeweler who is on his way to Shanghai and tells her that she can always come there if she needs help. Anyu makes her way to Shanghai after escaping military conflict in her city of Harbin near Russias border. She makes her way to the man who’s egg she found and chases her dream to become a Master Jeweler after being mesmerized by the Fabragè egg.

We are taken on a 20 year journey through Shanghai, to Hong Kong, with the backdrop of WWII and how racially divided both these locations are, while also being attacked by the Japanese.

If you are looking for a historical fiction book that will transport you to China, and is a quick read, I highly recommend this book for you!

Likes
💍Anyu’s stubbornness and her determination to become a master jeweler

💍The discussions on how jewelry is not only made but what was happening during the 20’s-40’s with jewelry making.

💍Learning about different parts of Asia and how WWII was perceived during this time period in these locations.

❓QOTD: if you like historical fiction/ what is your favorite historical fiction backdrop/location/time-period

#ARCreview#bookreview #fiction#historicalfiction#booksaboutjewlery

The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel is a moving and well-written historical novel. It follows Anyu, a Chinese orphan who finds a Fabergé egg and meets a Russian jeweler, changing her life forever. She moves to Shanghai, learns the jewelry trade, and fights to succeed, even as she faces heartbreak, betrayal, and war.

Anyu is a strong and determined character who never gives up, no matter how hard life gets. I loved learning about jewelry making and the history of Shanghai, though parts of the story, especially the ending, felt a bit rushed.

Overall, it’s a powerful read about survival and finding your place in a changing world. Four stars from me.

I received a free advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. This review is my honest opinion.

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.

Another amazing book from Weina Dai Randel. She brought Shanghai in the 1920s to life for me and I really felt for the main character Anyu. What an engrossing story, full of sadness but also resilience in the world of jewelry making and one orphan's determination to make it as a master jeweler. Look forward to more books from this author!

I flew through this book which is always a good sign. Anyu, a Chinese orphan, is taken in by some emigre Russian Jews in Shanghai after she helps retrieve a faberge egg. We see Anyu fight to be taken on as a jeweller, learn the trade and receive success along the way (as well as some serious heartbreak and betrayal). In the background to begin with, the Japanese start to become more prominent, particularly after the entrance of the Princess then later in Hong Kong when they take over the island. If I have a criticism, it is that the ending feels a little rushed compared to the rest of the novel. A fascinating read. Recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What you truly treasure in life speaks volumes of who you really are.

The bitter cold of Harbin, China in 1925 sets the stage for an abrupt meeting of Anyu Zhang. She's but fifteen years old and living with her mother who tries to scavenge for scraps. It's their lot in life ever since Anyu's birth right has been denied by her father.

Anyu has been sketching the area near the train station when her eyes come across something shiny in the snow. She grabs it and deposits it into her pocket. That's when she observes a man being pursued. Anyu follows him and later learns his story. He's Isaac Mandelbrg, a master jeweler who worked for the Russian imperial palace. That shiny object is a Faberge egg. Anyu returns the egg to the distraught man. He tells Anyu to visit him in his shop if she is ever in Shanghai. His words will forever change who Anyu is and who Anyu will become.

Weina Dai Randel creates a showcase of historical happenings in 1925 and extending into the 1940's. Randel's research into this era along with the craft of jewelry making is remarkable. Her characters are richly hewn and completely indepth. We'll follow Anyu from being a young naive teenager to becoming an admired and sought after master jeweler. The arc of life is notched with Anyu's own faulty decisions while trying to survive on the streets of Shanghai where crime visits on a daily basis and the Japanese are infiltrating Chinese daily life. Street gangsters threaten and secret societies are in jeopardy. Anyu vows that she will survive.

The Master Jeweler is quite the read. Randel masterfully tells the story of the very complicated Anyu. Anyu initiates her own life choices, and at the same time, is at the receiving end of decisions made by others. Randel stitches threads of the changing times with war with Japan on the horizon. The cruelties are brutal and the realities are sharp-ended.

My only concern was in regard to the ending chapters that seemed to speed by in a nano second. The weight of this novel was more focused prior to this. The historical Japanese invasion deserved more depth than was given. In the scheme of things. It was so impactful in regard to Anyu. There is also a fringe charaacter who reappears in such an unlikely manner. But, hey, the bulk of the novel is superb.......and that is its sparkling gem.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to the talented Weina Dai Randel for the opportunity.

Thr blurb was amazing so I immediately wanted to read it. The plot was really great and there weren’t any issues with the pace of the book which I really liked. All the characters are likeable and stay truthful to their believes and morals. I really enjoyed this book