Customer Reviews

The Eye of Jade (Mei Wang Mysteries)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This first book in the Mei Wang mystery series is not as quaint as we've come to expect from China-based mysteries such as the Judge Dee series by Robert van Gulik. Most of the historical references in "The Eye of Jade" are to Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution during his last decade in power (1966 - 1976). Countless Chinese citizens (especially those with an education) were sent to labor camps, while ancient buildings, artifacts, books, and paintings were destroyed by the rampaging Red Guards.

Mei Wang, the detective-heroine of this new series spent part of her youth in a labor camp, along with her mother, sister, and father. Her father was never released, and one of the mysteries in this multi-layered book concerns his fate.

The author, herself spent years in a labor camp along with her parents, so readers can assume that parts of "The Eye of Jade" were taken from real life. That makes this mystery even more interesting, since all of the previous Middle Kingdom mysteries I'd read were written by non-Chinese authors.

Modern Beijing may surprise Westerners who haven't visited the post-Mao People's Republic of China. This book is packed with telling details. Opium dens have been replaced by karaoke bars, and nouveau riche Beijingers are lining up for a turn at the mike, and for ballroom dancing lessons. The ancient treasures destroyed during the Cultural Revolution have been replaced by Venetian chandeliers, imported Italian marble, and top-of-the-line German appliances. Although the heroine, Mei Wang tools around in a little red Mitsubishi, her wealthy sister is chauffered between TV appearances and beauty salon appointments in a Mercedes.

Mei Wang bases much of her detective work on `guânxi,' i.e. social networking--a central concept in Chinese society. Relatives or people who owe her a favor get her into the places she needs to go in order to locate a stolen jade seal--a rare artifact from the ancient Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.). Woven into her search is the story of her family, most especially the relationship between Beijing's first female detective and her ailing mother.

There is also a great deal of social commentary on contemporary China. Those who believe that Communism still controls the economy might be a bit shocked at the very capitalistic behavior of the characters in this book. China may give lip service to universal health care, but only the rich (and the military) can get treatment in a decent, modern hospital.

I am definitely going to look for the second Mei Wang mystery, "Paper Butterfly." For those of us who like our mysteries with a strong dash of foreign culture, this is a great new series.

I've listened to Paper Butterfly and Eye of the Jade now, and quite simply, what's not to like about Diane Wei Liang?! Her cast of characters is varied and engaging. Mei is an imperfect but thoroughly beloved heroine. Mei's relationship with her assistant was a little unformed, but hopefully will evolve through the series. Wei Liang is crafty with plot, and reveals the past in bits and pieces. Her writing / tone is refreshing. Wei Liang weaves in guan-xi, filial duty and personal heartbreak, with a light, deft hand. I loved hearing about Chinese rock, about Mei's bicycle road trip, her little Mitsubishi and so on - a little window into a life in Beijing. Mei's formidable mother is a tougher nut to crack! All in all, satisfying to the last word ;-)