The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria

Rating:
Summary: Great storytelling!
Review: This is the seventh novel in the series, and the author seems to have become comfortable enough with her readers that she does not have to provide the copious detail that sometimes threatens to bog down other novels in the series. The plot is more intricate, and the characters interact in a realistic way (at least realistic to a 21st century reader).

One of the central plot points involves jealousy, real and imagined, of Sano's wife, Reiko, for an old lover, Wisteria. As readers, many of us have grown accustomed to the idea that Reiko is more assertive than the archetypical 17th century wife. Sano, however, acts almost henpecked throughout much of the tale, and it distracts from the story.

All in all, an excellent story, well told.

Rating:
Summary: Revenge is a Dish Best Eaten Cold
Review: This is the seventh of Laura Joh Rowland's stories about Sano Ichiro, the Shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People. It follows the events of its predecessor, 'Black Lotus,' by only three months, set in December of 1693. At this time, the repercussions of Sano's assault on the Black Lotus Temple on his relationship with his wife Reiko are still unresolved. In this unsure state, Sano finds himself facing the task of investigating a noble murder in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. There is the utmost urgency because the victim is Lord Mitsuyoshi, the Shogun's heir, and the investigation carries with it much personal risk of social disgrace.

The crime is complicated with a lack of clear evidence. There are many who could have committed the crime but at first, no one is willing to be caught up in the Shogun's thirst for vengeance. Later, all too many people see this as an opportunity to seek their own advantage with invented accusations, manufactured evidence, and bald-faced lies. All Sano really knows is that Mitsuyoshi was killed with the hairpin of a woman attendant of the courtesan, Lady Wisteria. This lady is missing, and there seems no way to track her down. Worse, Sano was once Wisteria's lover and he fears that Reiko will find out.

To make the matter as complicated as possible, Hoshina, the Chief Police Commissioner and beloved of Chamberlain Yanagisawa, chooses this case to mount his own offensive at Sano, who he perceives as a threat to his own and his lover's position. The political maneuvering that surrounds Sano's investigation threatens his completely undoing. If he cannot find the real murderer, Sano and Reiko may fall victim to the suspicions planted in the ailing Shogun's mind.

The delicate balance between Sano and Reiko is an important sub-text for the novel. She has lost much confidence since her opposition to her husband in the 'Black Lotus' affair nearly undermined his ability to solve a difficult crime. She is an unusually assertive woman for this time in Japan, and Sano needs her investigative skills. She consents, but does not know if this is an opportunity for healing or disaster. She too must deal with the almost impermeable political atmosphere of the Edo Castle as she threads her way through the case's countless false leads.

Rowland seems to have a tremendous grasp of live in Seventeenth Century Japan. However, the oppressive and sometimes chaotic appearance of the Edo social system is almost too grim, as if over-exaggerated. Justice seems to be defined as the will of whoever happens to have the upper hand at that particular time. Many of Rowland's plots depend on this device, and how Sano must overcome almost random obstacles, that often are not a direct part of the case. The author is a very fine writer, but after seven volumes of this kind of frustration, it is no wonder that Sano threatens to quit his job and flee to a saner world. For the first time reader this will be less noticeable, but regulars may find that there is a bit too much political nail biting.

Even so, this is a very enjoyable book. Certainly, Rowland is one of the few writers who put as much effort into the interrelations of her of her characters as she does in her ornate plots. Most Japanophiles will welcome the insights into Japanese life. All of this makes 'The Pillow Book' a more rewarding experience than many period mystery stories.

Rating:
Summary: Revenge is a Dish Best Eaten Cold
Review: This is the seventh of Laura Joh Rowland's stories about Sano Ichiro, the Shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People. It follows the events of its predecessor, 'Black Lotus,' by only three months, set in December of 1693. At this time, the repercussions of Sano's assault on the Black Lotus Temple on his relationship with his wife Reiko are still unresolved. In this unsure state, Sano finds himself facing the task of investigating a noble murder in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. There is the utmost urgency because the victim is Lord Mitsuyoshi, the Shogun's heir, and the investigation carries with it much personal risk of social disgrace.

The crime is complicated with a lack of clear evidence. There are many who could have committed the crime but at first, no one is willing to be caught up in the Shogun's thirst for vengeance. Later, all too many people see this as an opportunity to seek their own advantage with invented accusations, manufactured evidence, and bald-faced lies. All Sano really knows is that Mitsuyoshi was killed with the hairpin of a woman attendant of the courtesan, Lady Wisteria. This lady is missing, and there seems no way to track her down. Worse, Sano was once Wisteria's lover and he fears that Reiko will find out.

To make the matter as complicated as possible, Hoshina, the Chief Police Commissioner and beloved of Chamberlain Yanagisawa, chooses this case to mount his own offensive at Sano, who he perceives as a threat to his own and his lover's position. The political maneuvering that surrounds Sano's investigation threatens his completely undoing. If he cannot find the real murderer, Sano and Reiko may fall victim to the suspicions planted in the ailing Shogun's mind.

The delicate balance between Sano and Reiko is an important sub-text for the novel. She has lost much confidence since her opposition to her husband in the 'Black Lotus' affair nearly undermined his ability to solve a difficult crime. She is an unusually assertive woman for this time in Japan, and Sano needs her investigative skills. She consents, but does not know if this is an opportunity for healing or disaster. She too must deal with the almost impermeable political atmosphere of the Edo Castle as she threads her way through the case's countless false leads.

Rowland seems to have a tremendous grasp of live in Seventeenth Century Japan. However, the oppressive and sometimes chaotic appearance of the Edo social system is almost too grim, as if over-exaggerated. Justice seems to be defined as the will of whoever happens to have the upper hand at that particular time. Many of Rowland's plots depend on this device, and how Sano must overcome almost random obstacles, that often are not a direct part of the case. The author is a very fine writer, but after seven volumes of this kind of frustration, it is no wonder that Sano threatens to quit his job and flee to a saner world. For the first time reader this will be less noticeable, but regulars may find that there is a bit too much political nail biting.

Even so, this is a very enjoyable book. Certainly, Rowland is one of the few writers who put as much effort into the interrelations of her of her characters as she does in her ornate plots. Most Japanophiles will welcome the insights into Japanese life. All of this makes 'The Pillow Book' a more rewarding experience than many period mystery stories.

Rating:
Summary: Her best since Bundori (not counting Dragon King's Palace)
Review: With "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria," Laura Joh Rowland has achieved the high level of suspense and tension I haven't seen since her first two novels (Shinju and Bundori). Just when I thought this series was losing steam after the clunky and tepid plot of "Black Lotus," Rowland has regained the form that made this atmospheric series so enjoyable to read. Here's hoping her next novel--which I will purchase when it comes out in paperback--won't disappoint.