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.

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.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

I liked the premise and the structure of the book a lot. Overall, a very solid historical fiction book, though it at times felt a bit over the top in how many tragedies happened to the one of the main characters.