Customer Reviews

The Buddha Kiss (OME)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book! It was tough at the beginning (getting used to the Japanese character names and organizing who is who) but once I got that figured out it was terrific. I have read only one other book based in Japan and ironically my husband was reading it ("Memoirs of a Geisha") at the same time I was ready this one. Wow, are they different! This is a great thriller with twists, turns and a story line that is new and fresh. It also gives you a look into current day Japan from the point of view of a "foreigner". The dialogue is so good and really made me feel like I was there and getting a real flavor for how the Japanese communicate with each other. I can't wait to read "Silent Thunder" and "Samarai Boogie" both of which I understand use the Mori private eye character again.

Tasker takes the reader to the heart of Japanese society known to few foreigners. From the inner sanctums of Shinto lore to the sleazy bath houses, one reads about the entire spectrum of modern day Japan through two wonderful and memorable characters, Mori and Mitchell. The perfect New-York to Tokyo plane book.

I was a bit confused for the first couple of chapters of this galloping mystery, but then I realized that the principal characters were confused, too. There are three main proponents: Richard Mitchell, semi-novice financier from Yorkshire who has relocated to Tokyo to seek his fortune, Kazuo Mori, hard-boiled private detective (or "economic and social researcher"), who takes on a case involing the mysterious death of and old friend's daughter, and Tamura, assistant manager of one of the most important branches of one of Japan's most important banks, who wakes to find himself in a love hotel with the corpse of an attractive young woman. There are several memorable nemesises, too: Yazawa, the financial whiz-kid who drives Mitchell on with his unpredictable style, Ono, founder and godhead of a new cult, who seems to be behind the deaths of several of his female followers, and "Snowbird," a warped but very professional yakuza. As the several threads begin to draw closer together, and as you begin to discern what the real threats are, you'll find yourself staying up late to finish the book. Tasker is himself an English financier resident in Japan, and he writes with authoritative knowledge of both those worlds, so the story resonates with verisimilitude. Nor was I distracted by the "foreignness" of the world the author, and the characters, so ably move in.

Having lived in Japan for several years, I think this book captures marvelously the humor and confusion that results when Westerners and Japanese try to psyche one another out. Added to that, it's a gripping and fast-paced thriller that is constantly surprising the reader with a new plot twist. This is modern Japan at its wickedest and wittiest.

I was a bit confused for the first couple of chapters of this galloping mystery, but then I realized that the principal characters were confused, too. There are three main proponents: Richard Mitchell, semi-novice financier from Yorkshire who has relocated to Tokyo to seek his fortune, Kazuo Mori, hard-boiled private detective (or "economic and social researcher"), who takes on a case involing the mysterious death of and old friend?s daughter, and Tamura, assistant manager of one of the most important branches of one of Japan?s most important banks, who wakes to find himself in a love hotel with the corpse of an attractive young woman... As the several threads begin to draw closer together, and as you begin to discern what the real threats are, you?ll find yourself staying up late to finish the book...

I started this book in the bookstore and couldn't put it down! Even though I don't usually buy fiction in hardcover, I had to take this one home. Indulge yourself--you won't be disappointed! I'm anxiously awaiting Mr. Tasker's next book.

just didn't do it for me. I barely got thru chapter 1 before I ran to half price books. Glad I didn't buy it new.

I usually love things Japaneese but this novel was nothing to get excited about. It was too occidental in its sensibilities unlike the outstanding "Memoires of a Geisha" . There was no Japaneese vocabulary as in "Shogun". Exciting but "Rising Sun" was perhaps better, And there was only one example of kinky sex which is ubiquitous in "Mizu Shobai".