About those Amazon reviewers . . .

[I. J. Parker]

they will surprise you! I liked this one well enough to share. Clearly, the reviewer is sufficiently familiar with the historical background to know what he/she is talking about.



Eleventh-century stress, December 12, 2009
By Patto (Vermont) - See all my reviews

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This is a delightful series, and the latest book, THE CONVICT'S SWORD, more than upholds the high standard of the Akitada mysteries. The book paints a fascinating picture of government politics, marital arrangements and crime in eleventh-century Japan.

Akitada is safely settled in an office job in the Ministry of Justice. Previously he'd conducted a dangerous investigation on Sadoshima, where a convict called Haseo saved Akitada's life at the cost of his own. As Haseo was dying, he begged Akitada to clear his name and help his distressed family.

Buried in paperwork by a boss who hates him, Akitada is in no position to run around investigating. But his boss flees the capital when rumors of a smallpox epidemic start circulating. Akitada is now free to investigate Haseo's case - as well as that of his retainer Toro. Toro has been falsely accused of murdering a street singer.

Akitada is an engaging character. Although trained in the way of the sword as befits his class, he's not the greatest fighter. And although he married for love, he's not always the best husband and father. A victim of eleventh-century stress, Akitada is often exhausted and irritable. But he has the main strength we look for in a hero - absolute determination to get to the bottom of injustice.

I've read the classics of early Japanese literature, and it seems to me that I.J Parker captures the attitudes and customs of the Heian period quite nicely. I never feel I'm following the actions of modern characters in costume, as is the case with certain other writers of this genre.

THE CONVICT'S SWORD is enjoyable on its own, but I'd recommend reading the entire series in order, if possible.

[I. J. Parker]

Yes, it is. Thanks, Eric.

[Eric Christopherson]

Geez, I don't know anyone (except my wife and her family, who are Japananese) who's read early Japanese lit. So that's a nice compliment.

[I. J. Parker]

See the next to last paragraph, John? Very few of my readers have read the early Japanese classics.

[John Dishon]

It's a good review, but how is it clear the reviewer "is sufficiently familiar with the historical background to know what he/she is talking about"? It's mostly plot summary.