This rousing tale of adventure and romance opens on New Year's Day,
1861, as a strange trio of Westerners arrive in Japan. The Rev
Zephaniah Cromwell is there to spread Christianity among a people
he believes to be heathens. His teenage fiancee Emily Gibson
accompanies him with somewhat different ideas, while the American
gunslinger Matthew Stark is happy to pose as a missionary for his
own nefarious ends. The three are startled to find that Japan has a
richness of pride and culture previously unsuspected, but that
doesn't deflect the Rev Cromwell from his blinkered vision or his
mission. He is angry that the Chinese have already been subverted
by a brand of Christianity he dislikes, and he is determined that
the same thing will not happen to the Japanese. As a backdrop to
all this, various Japanese nobles are vying for power behind the
throne of an infant Shogun, and insanity, brutality and plotting
are everywhere. Matsuoka, born in Japan but raised in the US,
subtly unfolds a story that can be read on various levels,
revealing the similarities and differences between two cultures
without taking the side of either. Some of the Japanese characters
come to see their insularity has cost the nation dearly, while a
couple of the Westerners find the Japanese approach to life and
death has much to teach them. The novel is epic in its scope, the
clash of cultures and conflicting ambitions of the characters
especially well drawn. Matsuoka's writing is smooth and graphic,
painting word pictures that quicken the pulse. An immensely
worthwhile first novel. (Kirkus UK)
Warrior clans nursing ancient grudges. Western missionaries
brandishing pistols. Beautiful geishas who are deadly ninjas. 1861
- after two centuries of isolation Japan has been forced to open
its doors. Now new influences are tearing apart the old order.
Japan is as unprepared for outsiders as missionaries are for
samurai assassins, executions and honour killings. Genji's life is
at risk. He plans his escape to the Cloud of Sparrows but the road
is long and there are many places along the way for brutal samurai
to attack -The demons of the past, the treachery of the present, an
uncertain future are about to collide in the most terrifying ways.
General
Imprint: |
Arrow Books Ltd
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Release date: |
February 2004 |
Authors: |
Takashi Matsuoka
|
Dimensions: |
178 x 110 x 33mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Mass Market
|
Pages: |
544 |
Edition: |
Open market ed |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-09-944158-8 |
Categories: |
Books >
Fiction >
Genre fiction >
Adventure / thriller >
General
|
LSN: |
0-09-944158-6 |
Barcode: |
9780099441588 |
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