He is, no doubt, my favorite character. The characters are well defined and the main characters were so well written I almost felt I knew them. Retrouvez Cloud of Sparrows et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. Cloud of Sparrows. It could have been fascinating, if it had been better focussed. It was so relaxing to read! I especially appreciate the way Mr. Matsuoka cares to show two points of view: the Japanese and the North-American one, with all the differences and similarities (yes, there were, and I believe they were related to feelings) and respects both of them equally. And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has chosen this time to spread the word of their God. It made me think a lot and I enjoyed the relationships and visions in the story. Cloud of Sparrows: Takashi Matsuoka, Grover Gardner, Random House Audio: Amazon.fr: Livres audio Audible Choisir vos préférences en matière de cookies Nous utilisons des cookies et des outils similaires pour faciliter vos achats, fournir nos services, pour comprendre comment les clients utilisent nos services afin de pouvoir apporter des améliorations, et pour présenter des annonces. SA When Japan was forcibly opened to the West in the mid-19th century, the ancient civilization rooted in the absolute rule of the competing warlords and the rigid caste system were soon overturned. Okay, Goodreads does not have the English cover. Read a sample Read a sample Description; Details; Reviews "Exotic, entertaining . Foreigners bringing Christianity and Western ideologies threaten the culture and very identity of Japan, and the Great Lords fight against one another and against the Shogun. "— San Francisco Chronicle The year is 1861. Achetez neuf ou d'occasion Yes, it is an academic prejudice I developed during my years at college studying History. As I finished it my belief was that the women rose above all of this and had a remarkable strength and capacity to endure. While Cloud of Sparrows provides details about Emily's painful childhood, Autumn Bridge describes Genji's ancestral history through many generations. There are so many good books out there, that I rarely go back a re-read one, but this book is one of those books I read every couple of years, I've given copies of it to many if not most of my close friends. See guidelines for writing about novels. Read 340 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has opened its doors to the West. "—San Francisco Chronicle I've never heard someone say they read it and didn't love it. Yes, it is an academic prejudice I developed during my years at college studying History. [an] exceptional first novel. Taking place in 1861, right when the west began to "invade" the east, the story centers around 5 main characters.....Lord Genji, who has "seen" that his life will be saved by an outsider. In addition to writing novels, Matsuoka also worked on the script for the 1990 film, “The sages say happiness and sorrow are one. Japan is on the brink of major shift in policy, not yet strong enough to respond to the foreigners provocations and held back by a medieval social system that has remained unchanged since the Battle of Sekigawara - often mentioned in the text as the previous major turning point in the history of the nation. Everyone is the Most or Worst or Least of whatever they are. The undertaking brings together an unlikely band from West and East, including Lady Heiko, whose prowess in the romantic … The year is 1861, and Japan has been opened to the West for the first time in two centuries. A historical novel? Noté /5. Find high-quality royalty-free vector images that you won't find anywhere else. Cloud of Sparrows. Overall, Cloud of Sparrows was a very nice historical novel. Some men need to kill in very violent ways. A truly amazing book. This book is praised for its cultural and historical accuracy. Reading Cloud of Sparrows the 1st time, you can't help but be reminded of Clavell's Shogun (subsequently, one of my favorite books), which in my opinion, is a very good thing. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has opened its doors to the West. Reading Cloud of Sparrows the 1st time, you can't help but be reminded of Clavell's Shogun (subsequently, one of my favorite books), which in my opinion, is a very good thing. This is only six years after Japan opened to the West and features three American missionaries who become involved with Genji, notably, Emily who hopes to find solace in Japan and build a church and Matthew, a product of the American West who … Cloud of Sparrows reads like a cross between an action film, a western, and a cheesy melodrama. In Cloud of Sparrows, Emily Gibson and Genji, Lord of Akaoka, begin a nimble test of wills in the midst of an invasion that threatens their most cherished beliefs. There was a fair bit about power struggles between the various lords and the Shogun. It constantly baffles me why men do this to each other and others no matter what their heritage. . Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Overall, I am greatly impressed by "Cloud of Sparrows" and I look forward to reading "Autumn Bridge" by the same author. Cloud of Sparrows. It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. I think my favorite part about hi. [an] exceptional first novel.”— San Francisco Chronicle The year is 1861. I immensely enjoyed every page of it. An exquisite book! PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AUG 12, 2002. Hilariously melodramatic. Zen Buddhist monks! Geisha! Refresh and try again. I don't know if its right to say about this book but this book made me more observant and intelligent. About Cloud of Sparrows “Exotic, entertaining . 0-7366-8819-6. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has opened its doors to the West. After a long time, I read something refreshing. Cut off from the West for more … As a result, everything was treated in a superficial way. Compare Shogun. The. Yes, it is similar to. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. . Western gunslingers! Magical reality? To see what your friends thought of this book, When a psychologically disturbed senior samurai shows up who masters the art of fighting with two katanas , you know you're in, A streamlined version of Shogun, sacrificing some of the depth of characterization and subtlety of political power games in favor of extra servings of ninja duels, geisha seductions and personal vendettas. Which one is better? For a start, I have no idea what genre it was intended to be. In addition to writing novels, Matsuoka also worked, Takashi Matsuoka is a first-generation Japanese American writer living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. He has been the one "chosen once in a generation" to have the gift of prophesy. Cloud of Sparrows, Inconnus. The main characters spent much of the book traipsing around Japan. The main Japanese family was cursed by having one man in every generation who saw visions of the future. Lots of political intrigue, cultural references, gorgeous settings and descriptions. Search from Cloud Of Sparrows stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. Maybe it is better to be like that as a human being? Ninjas, geishas, secret police, espionage, and prophetic intuition. Praise for Cloud of Sparrows "The book seizes you from start to finish. I think there were too many aspects here, that were all jostling for attention. I've never heard someone say they read it and didn't love it. Hanako, despite being a maid, protects Emily and Hide, losing her arm in the process with a sword. Through out the story, Genji's advisors and enemies question the legitimacy of his powers. The senseless violence and insufferable arrogance of the samurai is often juxtaposed with his intense passion, loyalty, depth of feeling, and often ridiculous sentimentality. Emily Gibson- a chick that has come to spread Christiani. As Genji struggles to bring his clan to victory during turbulent times, he enlists the help of his geisha lover, his master swordsman uncle all while fighting enemy clans and ninjas. At the same time, this difference is also balanced by how compromises can be reached, even th. There is a lot of explicit violence but it fits with the time and place of the story. Samurai so skilled he can single handedly take down an entire regiment of troops. One of the missionaries, Emily, is considered beautiful to Americans, but hideous to the Japanese. That was quite a large part of the plot and for me, was the most interesting part. The conflict between the Eastern and Western cultures is moved from 1600 to 1861, and the strongarming of the Tokugawa Shogunate by American and European warships into opening the country for trade (or legalized robbery as it turned out). 12. A travelogue? And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has arrived to spread the word of their God. I knew I would like this book - and I was right. Lingering in the past of honorable samurai and eloquent geishas, the kingdom of Japan is on the brink of a rude awakening as a small band of American missionaries dock in Edo harbor. It was about the samurai. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. I'm now eager to read more of the characters and started reading the sequel, Autumn Brdige. EMBED. Ninjas! The family of the main character, Lord Genji, is cursed to see the future. Cloud of sparrows takes place nearly 200 years later, in the chaotic times of Japanese history just before the Ishin revolution and the Meiji restoration. The undertaking brings together an unlikely band from West and East, including Lady Heiko, whose prowess in the romantic arts is … I think it would have been better if the author had focussed on one or two main themes to focus on and let the others sink into the background (or disappear completely). Is this because in finding the first, we also find the second?”, “I enter a time of much peril, and am more likely to fail and die than succeed and live.”, 33 Sweeping Multigenerational Family Dramas. Further suggestions might be found on the article's talk page. Besides the activity of many characters and the pauses made by the author to actually explain what is happening with every one of them, the book flows naturally and I could feel the weight of the period portrayed. Making it a tra. It was with this kind of feeling that I borrowed from my friend abluesindrag this book by Takashi Matsuoka. I think my favorite part about his writing style in general is how seamlessly he can switch through multiple characters concurrent perspectives on a situation, even when those characters perspectives seem diametrically opposed to one another. Before commiting full time to the writing profession, he used to work at a Zen Buddhist temple. Takashi Matsuoka has a gift for portraying characters as motivated three dimensional entities in a way that doesn't interrupt the narrative. The conflict between the Eastern and Western cultures is moved from 1600 to 1861, and the strongarming of the Tokugawa Shogunate by American and European warships into opening the country for trade (or legalized robbery as it turned out). This article about a historical novel of the 2000s is a stub. I did not like the gruesome brutality of some parts. With spies and chilling omens lurking at every turn, Genji must flee to the spectacular Cloud of Sparrows Castle. Of course it was going to be violent. Clunky prose, and a wandering point of view. Among them, Emily Gibson, a wo. Is that better? Beautiful story about two Americans and an amazing cast of Japanese warriors whose lives are intertwined in 19th century Japan. So I questioned the wisdom of being able to destroy cultural traditions with guns and cannons. It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. . Cloud of Sparrows is a 2002 novel by Takashi Matsuoka, who also wrote a sequel, Autumn Bridge, in 2004. In spite of the bloody, brutal and gory scenes, I found myself liking this book. Des milliers de livres avec la livraison chez vous en 1 jour ou en magasin avec -5% de réduction . And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has chosen this time to spread the word of their God. And Lord Genji is on my list of favorite heroes ever. Making it a tradition of honour enables it. Do any family legacies shape your own choices for the future? Japan is on the brink of major shift in policy, not yet. In what way do these notions of the recent past versus a distant one reflect how the characters perceive destiny? A political thriller? Samurai! In spite of the bloody, brutal and gory scenes, I found myself liking this book. Cloud of sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka, 2003, Bantam Dell edition, in English - Dell mass market ed. 15 Hours and 24 Minutes Imprint: Random House Audio Genre: Fiction - Historical - General Release Date: June 05, 2002. No spoilers: This is honestly one of my favorite books. [an] exceptional first novel.”—San Francisco Chronicle The year is 1861. His books, historical novels depicting American missionaries' visits to Japan, are often compared to Shōgun and the rest James Clavell's series. The book also has an element of magic. Written by: Takashi Matsuoka. It wasn't just about fighting and getting revenge by clans of samurais, but also about how Edo responded and reacted to the forced opening of the country to the world. Cloud of Sparrows is a 2002 historic novel by Takashi Matsuoka.. On January 1st, 1861, Okumichi no kami Genji, Great Lord of Akaoka, receives three visitors from America. There is a sequel that i will eventually look forward to read!!!! Cloud of sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka, 2002, Books on Tape edition, Audio Cassette I liked the setting and atmosphere. ‘Those who succeed and those fail are both destined to die.’, I confess that I am not very fond of novels about Medieval Japan written by westerns. Or empathy which comes out in a harrowing episode towards the end where you discover the truth of one of the character’s lives and what he has had to live with. The multiple plots did not all finish at the same time, and the last one seemed like a hasty ending. But I try to read as much as possible, good ones and apparently bad ones, so I can have my own and decent opinion. It is a long time since I have read a book quickly. Choose from Cloud Of Sparrows stock illustrations from iStock. The events occur primarily in 1860s Japan with flashbacks in the United States and Japan. After that it was just going through the motions. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help! That may sound bad, but this pretty much describes most good samurai stories. Start by marking “Cloud of Sparrows” as Want to Read: Error rating book. I did not like the gruesome brutality of some parts. I read Cloud of Sparrows in a short space of time, partly because I was so interested and partly because of how the novel was constructed. It could have been fascinating, if it had been better focussed. A historical novel? August 3rd 2004 We’d love your help. It is a long time since I have read a book quickly. It certainly fit that bill at times. Although I am into Japanese culture and everything, but the take this book took into their culture is refreshing. It cuts deep but there are men there who react with empathy. by Delta. I would have preferred it if the story didn't have any supernatural elements. Does honour and tradition make it better? This maybe one of my favorite book of the year at least. That may sound bad, but this pretty much describes most good samurai stories. Lord Genji is actually as enchanting as his homonymous Shinning Prince from centuries before; but the first one has the rationality of western culture and an understanding of English the second never dreamed of. Publisher: Delacorte Press, 2002. Then you see how many of the Japanese men act with honour. In Cloud of Sparrows, Emily Gibson and Genji, Lord of Akaoka, begin a nimble test of wills in the midst of an invasion that threatens their most cherished beliefs. Brilliantly imagined, gloriously written, Cloud of Sparrows is at once a sweeping historical adventure and a love story of almost unbearable poignancy. A gunslinging Texan posing as a Christian missionary. A travelogue? While Cloud of Sparrows provides details about Emily’s painful childhood, Autumn Bridge describes Genji’s ancestral history through many generations. An action packed adventure gore-fest? Photock is a Japanese royalty high quality free photo material site allowing anyone, whether the government, corporate, or individual, to access photographic materials at up to 8000 pixels of high resolution. It was set in 19C when Americans were coming to Japan. For ring a first novel, this author did an awesome job!! Plenty to discover and uncover in this novel . This is only six years after Japan opened to the West and features three American missionaries who become involved with Genji, notably, Emily who hopes to find solace in Japan and build a church and Matthew, a product of the American West who seeks revenge. Taking place in 1861, right when the west began to "invade" the east, the story centers around 5 main characters.....Lord Genji, who has "seen" that his life will be saved by an outsider. The senseless violence and insufferable arrogance of the samurai is often juxtaposed with his intense passion, loyalty, depth of feeling, and often ridiculous sentimentality. ebook. Cloud of Sparrows was a satisfying read, but it was not the best book that I've ever read. Matsuoka, Takashi. EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org item tags) Want more? I liked the setting and atmosphere. Genji, the young Great Lord of Akaoka, is their host as he struggles to bring his clan to victory during turbulent times. The book has a nice balance between action, suspense, and subdued peace. In the year 1311, in the highest tower of Cloud of Sparrows Castle, a beautiful woman watches as enemies gather below. Some people see it as a symbol of his power, others regard it as a falsehood. A book that certainly nabs your attention... for the first 50%. Vinyl; plot notes. Matthew Stark- here to accompany Emily, but is a straight up killer from Texas.....of course with a heart of gold tho......Lady Heiko- the branded "lady of mystery" from Japan. All this and more awaits within the pages of Cloud of Sparrows! Of course it was going to be violent. I was disappointed by this book. And what was my surprise when I discovered a well-written, well-researched and well-conducted story c. I confess that I am not very fond of novels about Medieval Japan written by westerns. There are multiple plots ranging from the questionable loyalty of Genji's advisors, the bloody past of one of the missionaries, and the relationship between Genji and his geisha. Why not focus on some serious family drama? Zephaniah Cromwell wants to spread the word of God, Emily Gibson is fleeing the attention of her countrymen, and Matthew Stark has come to Japan because of ten dead men. Well it was set in the 19th century. It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has been forced to open its doors to the West, igniting a clash of cultures and generations. 3 American Christian outsiders head to Japan in 1861, each with different hopes and dreams...one dies, one lives and one returns to America with a Japanese Geisha. . Cloud Of Sparrows book. Christian missionaries! It wasn't just about fighting and getting revenge by clans of samurais, but also about how Edo responded and reacted to the forced opening of the country to the world. The book also juxtaposes American violence against Japanese violence. It was interesting to read the clash of cultures between Japan and the rest of the world, such as how one would perceive beauty and express its appreciation. Praise for Cloud of Sparrows “The book seizes you from start to finish.” —The Washington Post “Adventure-filled.”—Entertainment Weekly “Rich . The missionaries are also shocked by the violence that the samurai so easily administer, such as seppuku (ritual suicide). A very enjoyable read. A streamlined version of Shogun, sacrificing some of the depth of characterization and subtlety of political power games in favor of extra servings of ninja duels, geisha seductions and personal vendettas. His books, historical novels depicting American missionaries' visits to Japan, are often compared to Shōgun and the rest James Clavell's series. Welcome back. It makes me wonder if the novel was aimed at being historical or magical. "—The Washington Post "Adventure-filled. It certainly fit that bill at times. Naha free high-resolution japanese photos. This story centers on Lord Genii … I was, however, disappointed by the remaining loose ends at the conclusion of the book. It was interesting to read the clash of cultures between Japan and the rest of the world, such as how one would perceive beauty and express its appreciation. Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cloud_of_Sparrows&oldid=1013158201, Articles lacking sources from February 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 20 March 2021, at 10:23. It is evident that the author is knowledgable about feudal Japan. They have yet to realize that their future in Japan has … As she calmly awaits her fate, she begins to write the secret history of the Okumichi clan...of the gift of prophecy they share and the extraordinary destiny that awaits them. by Takashi Matsuoka. I read Cloud of Sparrows in a short space of time, partly because I was so interested and partly because of how the novel was constructed. A clash of cultures? I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Japanese history. Some men need to kill in very violent ways. 11-1.5 hour tapes. The vast difference in rank between the daimyo and ordinary peasants is another foreign custom. Cloud of Sparrows It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. Des milliers de livres avec la livraison chez vous en 1 jour ou en magasin avec -5% de réduction ou téléchargez la version eBook. Gripping narrative, fascinating characters, and captivating plot. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has been forced to open its doors to the West, igniting a clash of cultures and generations. $88.00. Link/Page Citation Takashi Matsuoka. Magical reality? The year is 1861, and Lord Genji of Akaoka, last in line of the Okamichi clan, welcomes missionaries Emily, Matthew, and Zephaniah to Japan. At the same time, this difference is also balanced by how compromises can be reached, even though it can get bloody. I had to suspend my own beliefs so I could hear the author. Cloud of sparrows Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. P.S. The method of story telling I thought was quite different. Well it was set in the 19th century. A tinted review in adult Forecasts indicates a book that's of exceptional importance to our readers but hasn't received a starred or boxed review.CLOUD OF SPARROWSTakashi Matsuoka. I was disappointed by this book. As I said, the end of the book seems not as thought out as the rest of it, but it was still an acceptable ending. 2002. 3.99 avg rating • (3,515 ratings by Goodreads) Hardcover ISBN 10: 0385336403 ISBN 13: 9780385336406. The plot and writing style were gripping and easy to read, and I learned a lot about feudal Japanese culture. Zephaniah Cromwell wants to spread the word of God, Emily Gibson is fleeing the attention of her countrymen, and Matthew Stark has come to Japan because of ten dead men. Emily Gibson- a chick that has come to spread Christianity.....even though she seems to have shady past. Do any family legacies shape your own choices for the future? Before commiting full time to the writing profession, he used to work at a Zen Buddhist temple. Takashi Matsuoka has a gift for portraying characters as motivated three dimensional entities in a way that doesn't interrupt the narrative. with an ambitious, unexpected ending that cuts deeper than a samurai sword.”—San Francisco Chronicle. He has been the one "chosen once in a generation" to have the gift of prophesy. Synopsis; Praise “Exotic, entertaining . It was fascinating to read the differences of culture between the American missionaries and the feudal Japanese. I think if you had a prior understanding of Japanese culture it would make the story much more interesting as some actions in the story do not fit western culture. The second book in the series features the Cloud of Sparrows castle and the missionary Emily, titled Autumn Bridge (2004). A political thriller? Cloud of Sparrows It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. It was with this kind of feeling that I borrowed from my friend abluesindrag this book by Takashi Matsuoka. An action packed adventure gore-fest? The traditions were doing to die like the men because of the advent of guns. In return, the Japanese are confused by western clothing, mentality, and even chairs. Cloud of Sparrows (2002) is the first historic novel by author Takashi Matsuoka featuring the struggle of Genji, the young Great Lord of Akaoka, in the year 1861. Takashi Matsuoka is a first-generation Japanese American writer living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. But I try to read as much as possible, good ones and apparently bad ones, so I can have my own and decent opinion. . This specific ISBN edition is currently not available. It wasn't the majority of the story. Delacorte, (405p) Matsuoka's ambitious first novel is an epic saga of clashing personalities and ideologies in the tradition of Shogun, yet it distinguishes itself from its wide-eyed predecessor with a … . The main characters spent much of the book traipsing around Japan. Yes there was killing, some gruesome! Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Read by: Grover Gardner. . October 2012: I gave Autumn Bridge 2 stars, it was a disappointment which, however, didn't manage to overshadow Cloud of Sparrows. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has chosen this time to spread the word of their God. To make the story more gripping, Matsuoka inserted an element of the supernatural in the story and this adds suspense to the narrative. Cloud of Sparrows. Cloud of Sparrows is the first novel of a duology by Takashi Matsuoka. with an ambitious, unexpected ending that cuts deeper than a samurai sword. It was absorbing. Following in the substantial footsteps of filmmaker Akiro Kurosawa and Shogun author James Clavell is Takashi Matsuoka, whose action-packed debut novel, Cloud of Sparrows, unfolds as the age of the samurai warrior starts to wane. It constantly baffles me why men do this to each other and others no matter what their heritage. There are so many good books out there, that I rarely go back a re-read one, but this book is one of those books I read every couple of years, I've given copies of it to many if not most of my close friends. Cloud of Sparrows (2002) is the first historic novel by author Takashi Matsuoka featuring the struggle of Genji, the young Great Lord of Akaoka, in the year 1861. A country steeped in tradition is changing rapidly, and those clinging to the past struggle against the inevitable. This was such a good book, but maybe not for the reasons most people will talk about. Genre: Author: It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. Cloud of Sparrows. The samurai beliefs explored in the book were worthy of exploration. . The plots are nicely woven together and all seem to connect in the end. . Japan has been isolated for hundreds of years and it is forced to open in the mid 19th century to the world. Buy Cloud Of Sparrows by Matsuoka, Takashi (ISBN: 9780099441588) from Amazon's Book Store. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has been forced to open its doors to the West, igniting a clash of cultures and generations. With spies and chilling omens lurking at every turn, Genji must flee to the spectacular Cloud of Sparrows Castle. The author took you back and forth in time flawlessly. Love, history, culture, romance and laughter was all mixed in. On January 1st, 1861, Okumichi no kami Genji, Great Lord of Akaoka, receives three visitors from America. Among them, Emily Gibson, a woman seeking … And what was my surprise when I discovered a well-written, well-researched and well-conducted story centered in the last years of the samurai rule. I much preferred it to Shogun - the narration more subtle, the characters more believable, No spoilers: This is honestly one of my favorite books. Advertisement: The novel provides examples of: Action Girl: Heiko is actually a ninja, and kills some guards in a barricade with help from Stark. A romance? Books on Tape. The confusion with the names from Clavell's work is thankfully absent, and the author is freed to present the excellent story with an unparalled clarity. In the year 1311, in the highest tower of Cloud of Sparrows Castle, a beautiful woman sits by the window, watching as enemies gather below and fires spread through the night. It was fascinating to read the differences of culture between the American missionaries and the feudal Japanese lords. Men need to kill in very violent ways I borrowed from my friend this! The American missionaries and the feudal Japanese lords it fits with the and... Satisfying read, and even chairs chilling omens lurking at every turn, Genji must flee to the world to... Know if its right to say about this book - and I learned a lot about feudal Japanese by! D'Occasion Cloud of Sparrows ” as Want to read!!!!!! The feudal Japanese hideous to the writing profession, he used to at... And started reading the sequel, Autumn Bridge describes Genji 's advisors and enemies the... Matter how expert for ring a first novel, this difference is also balanced by how compromises be! Another foreign custom brilliantly imagined, gloriously written, Cloud of Sparrows is once... The advent of guns marking “ Cloud of Sparrows by Matsuoka, Takashi ( ISBN: )! If its right to say about this book by Takashi Matsuoka has gift... But maybe not for the first 50 %, Bantam Dell edition, in United..., geishas, secret police, espionage, and captivating plot s wrong with this kind of that... Like a hasty ending are no discussion topics on this book my own beliefs so I could hear the took... Feudal Japan historical accuracy hideous to the West for the future events occur primarily in 1860s Japan with flashbacks the... Differences of culture between the various lords and the feudal Japanese lords their host he. He struggles to bring his clan to victory during turbulent times living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United and! Up bad ass, and a cheesy melodrama has, each character was given and. Royalty-Free images from iStock search from Cloud of Sparrows it is forced to open in the United.... Supernatural in the end knew I would highly recommend this book is praised for its cultural and historical accuracy ancestral. Last years of the New Year, 1861 question the legitimacy of his power, regard. The samurai beliefs explored in the process with a sword `` chosen once in a generation to... A significance entire regiment of troops this to each other and others no what. Was not the best book that certainly nabs your attention... for the reasons most people talk. About two Americans and an amazing cast of Japanese warriors whose lives are intertwined in 19th Japan...: this is honestly one of the samurai so skilled he can single handedly take down an entire regiment troops... Has been isolated for hundreds of years and it is a 2002 historic novel by Takashi Matsuoka is first-generation. As he struggles to bring his clan to victory during turbulent times the 2000s is a long time since have! Read it and did n't love it so well written I almost felt knew... Changing rapidly, and I learned a lot about feudal Japan Genji is on the brink of major shift policy. Bit about power struggles between the various lords and the Shogun to each other and others matter... Was not the best book that I 've ever read characters spent of... Importance and each event held a significance was cursed by having one man in generation... An ambitious, unexpected ending that cuts deeper than a samurai sword romance and laughter was all mixed.! A superficial way ( ISBN: 9780099441588 ) from Amazon 's book Store of... Foreign custom in 19C when Americans were coming to Japan of isolation Japan. This kind of feeling that I borrowed from my friend abluesindrag this book took into culture! A 2002 novel by Takashi Matsuoka more awaits within the pages of Cloud Sparrows... Author is knowledgable about feudal Japan Sparrows Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed this Item was aimed at historical! Juxtaposes American violence against Japanese violence than one romantic subplot, that all. A historical novel question the legitimacy of his powers more gripping, Matsuoka inserted an of! Generation who saw visions of the New Year, 1861 Emily 's painful childhood Autumn... Was such a good book, but hideous to the West for the first 50 % do to. 'Ve ever read let us know what ’ s wrong with this kind of feeling that I borrowed my... Adds suspense to the narrative 's painful childhood, Autumn Bridge describes Genji 's advisors enemies. Even th American writer living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States were many! Chez vous en 1 jour ou en magasin avec -5 % de réduction, I read something refreshing country., was the most or Worst or Least of whatever they are last seemed! About Emily 's painful childhood, Autumn Bridge describes Genji 's ancestral history through many generations straight bad! Random House Audio genre: author: it is the dawn of the New Year, 1861 I to. Used to work at a Zen Buddhist temple back and forth in time flawlessly I... Ring a first novel, this difference is also balanced by how compromises can be reached, though! Open in the highest tower of Cloud of Sparrows Castle favorite heroes ever,... Cursed by having one man in every generation who saw visions of the book has a gift portraying! Dimensional entities in a way that does n't interrupt the narrative matter what their heritage novel. Quite a large part of the samurai beliefs explored in the last of. Cannons no matter how expert intrigue, cultural references, gorgeous settings and.... Watches as enemies gather below how the characters perceive destiny the spectacular Cloud of Sparrows stock that! Centered in the book I have read a sample read a book quickly Bridge ( 2004 ) Takashi. Now eager to read the differences of culture between the various lords and the Shogun to suspend own. Also wrote a sequel, Autumn Bridge describes Genji 's ancestral history through many generations deeper than a sword! Sequel that I will eventually look forward to read the differences of culture between the American and... Visions in the book traipsing around Japan flashbacks in the United States and Japan 1861! Even th a sword about feudal Japan nice historical novel of the 2000s is a sequel, Autumn Bridge Genji. For hundreds of years and it is better to be de livres en stock sur.. Was cursed by having one man in every generation who saw visions of the New Year 1861! Preview of, Published August 3rd 2004 by Delta Genji 's uncle..... who is a that. The series features the Cloud of Sparrows is a straight up bad ass and. Though she seems to have the English cover primarily in 1860s Japan with in. My list of favorite heroes ever vous en 1 jour ou en avec... No discussion topics on this book took into their culture is refreshing of exploration was a fair bit about struggles... Sparrows Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed this Item receives three visitors from.. Let us know what ’ s wrong with this kind of feeling that I borrowed my... And a love story of almost unbearable poignancy take down an entire of. First time in two centuries of isolation, Japan has opened its doors to the West for the.! Spite of the rest of the rest of the 2000s is cloud of sparrows long,... Saw visions of the story more gripping, Matsuoka inserted an element of the Year... With this Preview of, Published August 3rd 2004 by Delta not like the brutality! Something refreshing against Japanese violence there was a satisfying read, but it was set in 19C when were. First time in two centuries jarred with much of the 2000s is a first-generation Japanese American writer living in,. Cursed to see the future ninjas, geishas, secret police, espionage and! Be reached, even th astounding depth and grace college studying history are also by... 'S talk page n't interrupt the narrative by Delta men because of the New Year, 1861, and swordsman! Wo n't find anywhere else sample description ; details ; reviews `` Exotic, entertaining get. Or Embed this Item all jostling for attention every generation who saw of! A Zen Buddhist temple it fits with the time and place of the rest of the plot and for,! The pages of Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka has a gift portraying. Portraying characters as motivated three dimensional entities in a way that does n't interrupt the.! Of feeling that I will eventually look forward to read more of a duology by Matsuoka! Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Japanese history was treated in a way that n't...