Book Review: One Morning Like a Bird by Andrew Miller

 

Book Review –  One Morning Like a Bird by Andrew Miller

Author:         Andrew Miller  

Publisher:    Sceptre, London. UK. 2008.

                      ISBN:           978-0-340-82514-3 

                      Pages:         37330

Life in Tokyo in the 1940’s through a young man’s eyes

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Set in Tokyo 1940, Andrew Miller tells the story of Yuji Takano who studies French at university and who one day dreams of being a writer.

Living at home with his parents we visit his life: his immediate family, relatives and friends of the family, meet the maids who take care of the house, the neighbours in the street, his part time job, go with him and friends as he goes to practice French at a traders house, riding on street cars in Tokyo (which have long disappeared), eating at street stalls and restaurants.

A historical fiction that shares the life and times of the era, the setting, details and relationships draw you in to be a part of the story.

It shares Yuji’s intimate thoughts and experiences as he journeys from teenager to a young adult.

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Book Review –  One Morning Like a Bird by Andrew Miller 

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Book Review: The Mask Carvers Son by Alyson Richman

Book Review – The Mask Carvers Son by Alyson Richman

Author:         Alyson Richman  

Publisher:     Penguin Group, New York. USA 2000.

                             ISBN:       978-0-425-26726-4 

                           Pages:       363

The art of Noh from the carver’s perspective

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Alyson Richman shares a wonderful story of a boy adopted into a family of Noh mask carvers who picks up the trade handed down by generations of the same family.

The story is based in Daigo a town three hours from Kyoto we learn about daily family life, nature, house routines (folding up futons and buck wheat pillows) and the role of each family member.

From the perspective of culture we gain first hand insights into Noh, its history, the components of a performance and the different kind of masks for each performer. The carver’s life provides a view into the world of wood and tools, how to pick wood, what types of wood is used and how to carve a mask using a range of tools.

The traditions of naming a baby after birth and the Shinto ceremony involved and the impact of Buddhist traditions on daily life to always remember and honour the dead.

An interesting story that weaves between the characters, culture, life in Kyoto, strong traditions and the secret passions of a young boy.

Book Review – The Mask Carvers Son by Alyson Richman 

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Book Review: Kill the Shogun By Dale Furutani

Book Review –  Kill the Shogun by Dale Furutani

Author:        Dale Furutani  

Publisher:    Harper Collins, New York.USA.2000.

                        ISBN:          0-688-15819-6       

                      Pages:          230

Daily life in Edo (Tokyo) in 1603

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Dale Furutani writes about Edo (modern day Tokyo) in 1603 when the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa ruled and was building Edo castle.

A historical samurai story about a ronin (a master less samurai) Kaze Matsuyama who lost his lord in the great battle of Sekigahara a major turning point in Japanese history.

We find him seeking to avenge his lord and lord’s wife’s death and to find and take care of their young daughter who has been taken away by strangers.

“Action and waiting were a natural balance, like breathing in and breathing out” p201

The story takes us along the dusty streets, wooden houses, theatres and gambling dens of the sprawling Edo where we gain insights into politics, daily life, military rule. He particularly draws us to the many special things that made Edo great, for example: street vendors, entertainers, bath houses and the people.

A very insightful look into an important historical period with an entertaining view of the people, lifestyle, relationships and loyalties.

Book Review –  Kill the Shogun by Dale Furutani

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