This is an interesting novel of four Japanese sisters in the years preceding and during the beginning of World War 2. Their way of life is threatened as they move into modern times.

RELEASE NOTES:

Brought to me by Amusedbythis while on her California trip. It looks wonderful and I look forward to it.

This story reminded me of 12th Century Japanese panels which look deceptively simple, but upon close examination reveal great quality, depth, and complexity. This is a very slow moving, quiet study of an extended family composed of four Japanese sisters, their husbands, lovers, and children. These women and their families are bound by the rigidity of social mores and of traditions, most especially seen by Tsuruko, whom the book covers the least but who, along with her husband, Tatsuo, wield the treatest power over the lives of the younger sisters, strictly because she is the oldest.

Sachiko, the second in line, is the greatest focus of the book and my favorite. Suchiko seemed to carry the worries of the family with her everywhere. She wanted everyone to be happy and fulfilled, but also wanted the family to maintain their former important standing in society, which they had enjoyed some years earlier before the death of their father. Unfortunately, Sachiko often fails to take into account, or even recognize, the family's failing social position, the differing personalities of the sisters, and their divergent wishes and needs.

Sachiko's husband, Teinsuke, tries to walk the tightrope of fulfilling the wishes of the 'main house,' the desires of the three sisters (including his wife), and his own good sense. He's an honorable and good intentioned man.

Yukiko is the quiet one, whose continuing unmarried status is of great worry to all and a burden to both herself and her younger sister, Taeko, who cannot, by tradition, marry until Yukiko does. Yukiko follows the will of the main house, but picks her battles and, if necessary, manipulates her own course when possible. She'd frankly be happy to remain single forever, raising the children of her sisters, because it would allow her to choose her own path rather than being the pawn of a husband.

Taeko is by far the least sympathetic character. She's the spoiled and very head strong youngest child who uses subterfuge and manipulates everyone she can to get her way. She's also the most societially and politically aware of the sisters and uses her knowledge to try to ease her way. She's clearly a fish out of water. She should have been American in the 30s and 40s, not Japanese in a family looking back not forward.

The story often moved so slowly that it bogged down and threatened to lose my interest, but then would pick up again and immerse me in the Japanese scenery, the impending wars, and the intrigues of this family.

RELEASE NOTES:

On it's way back to Amusedbythis. Thanks, so much, for lending this book to me. Review above.

Arrived home safely. Thanks!

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