Cloud of Sparrows

Cloud of Sparrows is a study of the contradictory nature of the Samurai in a time when their world was inexorably moving forward. They are ruthless killers, incited to decapitate a foe over insulting words, but are also moved to tears by the nuance of a gesture, or a perceived boon found in what was not said, or not done to spare feelings and perception of a reputation. This brutal beauty is reflected on an individual as well as a cultural level, and it is into this passionate, yet rigidly structured society that Lord Genji ushers in foreign Christian missionaries, who become a catalyst for the events of the story.

Genji himself is a huge juxtaposition of ideas, welcoming the outsiders but at the same time not taking their religion show more seriously, even as he plans to assist them in setting up a mission location, he seems more fascinated and amused by a new toy, more interested in how it is unsettling his rivals than in their purpose for being there. He is the more forward thinking of the Great Lords, but also has difficulty letting go of some traditions and ingrained ideas, even as he recognizes they are outdated, and sometimes downright ridiculous. Coupled with the difficulties of navigating political waters, he also carries the burden of prescient visions, which often make no sense, but sometimes are all too clear.

Genji and Heiko, Matthew and Emily, Shigeru and even Genji’s loyal warriors and servants are all excellent characters who are tested to their limits throughout the course of the story. We learn the history of how the Americans came to be in Japan and see the Samurai way of life beginning to crumble under the press of time and traditions that cannot be sustained as the world moves in. It is by turns beautiful and violent, poignant and humorous, sensitive and senseless, and it was exactly what I wanted on my visit to this culture and time period. show less

Giving great insight into the period in Japanese history when the outside world seriously began to impose on the culture, religion, attitudes and isolation of the country. Late 19th century. Samurai, Shoguns and Lords were trying to continue centuries of tradition while encountering the "modern" guns, ships, religions or westerners. I read James Clavell's Japanese series many years ago and this book has much the same drama and intensity they did.

Feudal Japan is being compelled to give up their isolationism and entreat with powerful foreigners (in this case, mid-19th century US). This is blood story of ancient blood feuds amidst encroaching foreign intervention.

Like most Japanese novels, the prose seems very stilted, just like the abrupt dialog of a Kurasawa movie. The audio book version additionally was read rather matter-of-factly, adding strange humor to passages where limbs and heads are being struck off the bodies in graphic detail. The Japanese characters seemed a little too pragmatic when dealing with the foreigners, especially considering their transition from a isolationist nation.

The book does occasionally give us some historical information regarding battles that show more occurred hundreds of years earlier, when great warlords consolidated power in epic battles. Hard feelings still resonated generations later through descendants of the participants.

The characters were interesting, but not terribly likeable. Which is just as good, as Matsuoka has a George RR Martin streak in him. show less

I nearly put down this book before finishing the second chapter. A ninja-geisha spy who falls in love with her quarry, a zealous and lecherous priest, a pure and ignorant young girl, and a gifted, attractive and progressive samurai lord: all these together almost made one-too-many stereotypes.Rewards await those ready to struggle through a seemingly predictable opening, however. None of these things are quite what they seem (except the priest, but there's a surprise there, too), and the subtle changes in the characters are more satisfying than the large ones. There is a severe kind of beauty in the contrast between story lines. Simple moments are filled with great passion, and horror is presented with the utmost calm and clarity.I swung show more between irritation and admiration throughout the book. Some parts were too heavy-handed, while others only became clear after serious consideration. I spent more time wishing the characters were real than believing that they could be.While I wouldn't read it again, I'm glad I didn't drop it, either. show less

I probably would have passed on this book if I had seen it in a bookshop, but have really enjoyed it. The characters were well written and provided interesting contrasts / conflicts. I look forward to the next book.

Matsuoka writes an incredible historical fiction of pre-Meiji Restoration in Japan, where various warlords clash over differences made at Sekigahara centuries ago. Lord Genji is a complex character, and his comrades are all fun to follow. The dialogue is impeccable, and serves as a strong representation of 19th Century Japanese culture as Westerners begin to force their entry into local society.

This historical novel is set in 19th century Japan as an expiring samurai culture is clashing with arriving foreigners. I hadn't known that samurais had lasted even this late, so was interested to learn a little about this very different society and its ways. A small group of missionaries becomes involved with one of the reigning nobles, who is contending for position against the Shogun's security chief. One of the young missionaries is a 18 year old female--I wonder where this is leading.