Rating: 
Summary: Modern madness
Review: Although a number of prior reviewers loved this novel, I found it impossible to enjoy, despite an overwhelming desire to like this book. As a martial artist, I couldn't get past the silly plot. Worse yet, the characters, especially the main characters, are far too modern (and Western). Likewise, the dialog was stilted, direct, and unlikely to be spoken by even modern Japanese. If you aren't looking for historical accuracy, you may be happy with the novel.
Rating: 
Summary: The Samurai's Wife(Yanagisawa actually being honorable)
Review: Although The Samurai's Wife was not as thrilling,heart stopping, or page turning(and without as much sex,thank god)as The Cancubine's tattoo,it is most definitly extremely good reading.as are all of Ms.Rowland's books.She always seems to come up with this unpredictable or unexpected outcome.Which,in retrospect,always fits seemlessly into place with the other puzzle pieces.I have given up tying to figure out how she does it.ALONG with the main mystery she always tucks in other small ones, clues within clues.AND as an added bonus for this book she had Yanagisawa(whom we all have grown to love and hate)start to behave honorably and stand up to his inner demons and allow himself to be true to himself.We also grow to know our hero in new ways as Sano's loveand dark past collide in conflicting desires.The best and worst are brought out in all the characters,to be conqored or accepted as seen fit by thier own strength of will and charicature.The Samurai's Wife is a treat to read that will change the way the characters relate to each other,the outside world,and how they viewthemselves.
Rating:
Summary: The Samurai's Wife
Review: As a Japanophile I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were very well developed and seemed appropriate for the power struggles that must have been involved in the Imperial palace sociopoliticle environs. I visited Kyoto (Miyako) 2 years ago and was able to visualize Nijo Palace and the Imperial Palace again. The Gion district was described interestingly from a historical perspective. The main character was so likeable as a man of honor and moral strength although human. His fiesty wife was fun too. great story.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't Move Me
Review: Ever since I read Shogun I've enjoyed books set in ancient Japan. The Samauri's Wife is really good at capturing life in the Land of the Rising Sun except for one thing:A samurai would've rid himself of a wife like Reiko. Her character is totally unrealistic. The average well to do Japanese lady of this time period did not behave like this at all. Historical fiction is one thing, fantasy fiction is another. On top of this problem, the character of Reiko is annoying. Her prime function seemed to be to get in her husband's way. I found myself hoping that Sano would turn to the bald headed nun. The most compelling love story the book was between Sano's arch rival, the Shogan's second in command and his cunning new lover, Hoshino. There are more books in this series but this it for me.
Rating: 
Summary: the samurais wife
Review: excellent and compelling view of feudal japan. almost on a par with van guliks judge dee. preoccupation with reikos wanting to be a man is disruptive and annoying. rowland should find another avenue for her feminist frustrations and keep her excellent interpretation of feudal japan pure.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Japan Murder Mystery
Review: Had a slow begging but I loved this book. If you like mystery books, and are interested in Japanese History this is for you. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!!!
Rating:
Summary: Exciting reading
Review: I enjoyed this book. It held my attention and I could hardly put it down.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Sano Ichiro Series
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was the best of the Sano Ichiro books I have read so far (I can't wait to read "The Perfumed Sleeve"). It was really enrapturing, and this is just a little bit better than "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria".
The characters in this one were really interesting, at times you almost want to root for the suspects, such as: Lady Jokyoden. Besides from the fact that it was good, it was informative.The culture is really well researched.
Some people may think it's a little over the top, with all the "events", but things like this probably happened in 1600's Japan. It's dramatic but believable and this plot was cool, because it incorporated the imperial family. Who didn't even govern the country, but were just considered living gods.
If you've read the other ones you have to read this, it's the best.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Sano Ichiro Series
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was the best of the Sano Ichiro books I have read so far (I can't wait to read "The Perfumed Sleeve"). It was really enrapturing, and this is just a little bit better than "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria".
The characters in this one were really interesting, at times you almost want to root for the suspects, such as: Lady Jokyoden. Besides from the fact that it was good, it was informative.The culture is really well researched.
Some people may think it's a little over the top, with all the "events", but things like this probably happened in 1600's Japan. It's dramatic but believable and this plot was cool, because it incorporated the imperial family. Who didn't even govern the country, but were just considered living gods.
If you've read the other ones you have to read this, it's the best.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Sano Ichiro Series
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was the best of the Sano Ichiro books I have read so far (I can't wait to read "The Perfumed Sleeve"). It was really enrapturing, and this is just a little bit better than "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria".
The characters in this one were really interesting, at times you almost want to root for the suspects, such as: Lady Jokyoden. Besides from the fact that it was good, it was informative.The culture is really well researched.
Some people may think it's a little over the top, with all the "events", but things like this probably happened in 1600's Japan. It's dramatic but believable and this plot was cool, because it incorporated the imperial family. Who didn't even govern the country, but were just considered living gods.
If you've read the other ones you have to read this, it's the best.
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