Cover of Blossoms and Shadows by Lian Hearn

Hachette Australia
9780733626500
$34.99
Paperback - C Format
October 2010
496 pages
Fantasy

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Blossoms and Shadows

Lian Hearn

From the author of the phenomenal and bestselling TALES OF THE OTORI series comes a new stand-alone historical novel set in 19th century Japan.

This is the story of the birth of modern Japan, told by Tsuru, a young woman who breaks every stereotype of the Japanese lady. We meet her on the day of her sister s wedding, and soon realise that she will not accept the same domestic role that her sister is about to take on. Instead, Tsuru is ready to embrace the new world, defend her beliefs, look for love, and follow her career as a doctor working alongside her husband on the battlefields.

In the mid 1860s Japan was in the grip of a revolution almost as tumultuous as the French Revolution 100 years earlier, yet we in the West know very little about it. This book lets readers feel they are there among the revolutionaries, guided by the engaging character of Tsuru. By the end of the first chapter readers will feel they know her, and want to fight with her as she battles against the conventions of the day and falls into a forbidden love.

About the Author

Lian Hearn studied modern languages at Oxford University and worked as a film critic and arts editor in London before settling in Australia. A lifelong interest in Japan led to the study of the Japanese language and many trips to Japan. This fascination culminated in Lian writing 'Across the Nightingale Floor' which was the first in the internationally acclaimed Tales of the Otori series. 'Grass for His Pillow', 'Brilliance of the Moon', 'The Harsh Cry of the Heron' and 'Heaven's Net is Wide' follow. This remarkable series has sold into 36 territories and has sales approaching four million copies. For more information you can visit the author's website http://www.lianhearn.com.

Other titles by Lian Hearn

Staff Review

I found this utterly fascinating, especially after reading David Mitchell’s latest novel regarding 18th century Japan and her limited trade with the Dutch through the island Dejima, I was chuffed when the island was mentioned in this novel as well. This not only highlights the political, it portrays terrible class divisions and the nonexistent rights of women. Following the central fictional players, in particular Tsuru, a young woman who rails at the confines of her status, you ride the waves of war, observing the terrible sacrifice ordinary people pay for “Human Rights”, glibly accepted by those who follow. Thankfully Hearn has included a list of characters both fictional and historical, otherwise I would have been lost. A very satisfying read.

4 ½ Stars – Ann, Timeless Books, Angaston SA

Lian Hearn is a master storyteller and yet again she has us enthralled with a tale of Japan. But this time we find a monumental retelling of an amazing true story; a tumultuous revolution that set Japan on a path from its feudal beginnings, towards the modern society it is today. We walk alongside Lian’s characters and live their dreams, successes and failures, all the while coming to appreciate the enormity of the changes that took place in Japan’s history. Blossoms and Shadows is a wonderful story, made all the more so by our knowledge that so much of what we are reading actually happened.

Lian Hearn takes her meticulous research and brings Japanese history to life with characters who will steal your heart. In the same way that Hilary Mantel brought the Tudor court to life with her booker winning novel Wolf Hall, Lian Hearn shines a spotlight on the Japanese revolution and the growing influence of Western powers on 19th century Japanese politics and society. Be swept away by the tide of change, and immerse yourself in an unknown place and time…

Louise Sherwin-Stark, Hodder Sales & Marketing Director