Customer Reviews

Island of Exiles (Sugawara Akitada Mysteries, No. 5)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed all the previous books of the Akitada series, but this one in particular really shines. Parker's prose became more and more crisp and concise, action swift, intrigue intricate. Previously I always thought of Robert Van Gulik when reading them, but now I would venture to say that I like the authors voice more. Actually, there's a embedded story about stolen silver bars for which Parker credits Van Gulik himself.
"The Island of Exiles" finds the likable hero in pretty severe circumstances, but with some good luck and quick thinking he's able once again to avoid a certain death. Moreover, it shows Akitada as a man not invincible to his own lapses of judgment and all-too human failings. Definitely a page-turner.
I missed the lively adventures of Tora and Genba, as well as Seimei's Confucius quotes, but otherwise the "spirit" of the series is all there. Domo-arigato gozaimasu, I.J.-san.

I have read all of the "Sugawara Akita" mysteries/thrillers. They always strike me as a tiny bit excessive in some respects (the thriller respect, mostly) but still irresistible. This volume is no different; or, if it is different it is even better. The historical authenticity is very strong, perhaps more so than usual, and the characters are appealing. If you love feudal Japan, don't miss this one.

I've developed a voracious appetite for Parker's Sugawara novels that's unlike anything I've experienced for a long time, and if it didn't carry with it an unwarranted diminution of her previous titles, I'd call "Island of Exiles" her best work yet. There are scenes in this novel reminiscent of Tolkien, as raw and gritty a dramatization of a man's reduction to an animalistic state as I can remember.

This one vaults Sugawara entirely out of his familial and official milieus to do some undercover work - *seriously* undercover - and the departure is both harrowing and exhilarating. Akitada's extramarital fling in this one detracts somewhat from his character's sense of integrity, but in Sugawara's cultural/historical context it's certainly not an implausible nor even unusual occurrence. Presumably his lapse will feed into later character evolution? At any rate, the plot, which begins with a horrific, dreamlike ordeal, builds gradually into an absolute rip-snorter that is thoroughly engrossing. I lost countless hours zooming in on Sadoshima Island via Google Earth while reading this novel, and have added it to my list of must-visit Japanese locales for future vacations. The novel feels so real that I half expect to find the temples and horrific mines Parker describes when I get there. Actually, I was floored when I saw the posted images of the real-world Choukoku Temple at Hase - the image of Shunsai's monastery that Parker had painted in my head previously was virtually identical to them.

Once again, the wait for her next is going to be as excruciating as it was for this one. Amazon is indicating the hardcover version of "Island" is set for release in a couple of weeks - very odd that the paperbacks were published beforehand.

I highly recommend Parker's novels for historical fiction fanatics, Japanophiles in particular. Reading the Sugawara novels in order is not essential but on the whole probably more enjoyable, as there are numerous references within them to prior cases. Enjoy!

This is another in a series set in 11th C. Japan (Heian era), featuring Sugawara Akitada.

Sugawara, descendant of a once illustrious family that suffered after the exile of an ancestor, is currently acting governor of a distant province, Echigo (for an official, tantamount to being exiled himself), struggling to do his duty with little funds and support and hoping to some day return to the capital, despite political enemies working against him. He is becoming known for his ability to solve sensitive crimes, however, and two mysterious officials visit, ordering him to investigate the murder of the exiled Second Prince (brother of the Emperor--found guilty of plotting treason) on the island of Sado.

Akitada undertakes a dangerous mission disguised as a prisoner exiled to the island. He has to deal with cruel, corrupt police officials, the weak governor whose son is accused of poisoning the Second Prince, a powerful local lord who is the descendant of an Exile and possible treasonous plots against the Emperor. The historical detail is strong, the aspects of life and culture in the period interesting, the adventure and action exciting, the mystery suitably involved and intriguing. A good over-all read. It is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this tale.

When I read a novel based in an historical setting I expect to learn something of the society and history of the period. This novel only presented a superficial picture of Japan, and little or nothing of the Heian Period. I also found the informal conversations between people of distinctly different social classes unbelievable. By changing the names of the characters in the novel this story could be set almost anywhere.

Found book and series very entertaining and somewhat educational.
Good read. Will look for more from this author

An excellent, enjoyable, and engaging read, this book draws you into the world of 11th century Japan. Sugawara Akitada, a minor government official, is recruited to solve the murder of an exiled prince. The rich characterizations and descriptions are like a window into the past, opening up a new world for western readers. The plot twists and turns and drives the story to the last page. After finishing this last night, I'm looking for the others.

In Island of Exiles, our hero, "Akitada, must undergo a dangerous mission for the Emperor. He does so without the aid of Genbo and Seimei, whose wonderful wise sayings I missed. There is plenty of suspense and danger -- I don't want to reveal the plot, but the ending has some surprises that I had not expected.

Parker's insight into feudal Japan is on a par with Van Gulik's Chinese "Judge Dee" series. I'm delighted that she has kept her characters much the same and stayed true to the era by keeping them believable (unlike L. Rowland, who stepped into the 20th century when she made the hero's wife a female Japanese detective -- I don't think so...)

Another exceptional mystery by this author. Details of old Japan make you think you're really there! Can't wait to start the next book in the series.

This is a very good historical mystery set in ancient Japan. It's part of a series, but I think I've read only one of the four novels leading up to this one. I enjoyed the mystery a lot: was the exiled, imprisoned prince poisoned? I especially liked the prison scenes, in which investigator Akitada poses as a prisoner. His doing so creates a very dangerous situation. And, in fact, it turns out that he cannot leave prison or rescue himself . . . at which point his assistant enters the picture. If I were rating this book on mystery alone, I would give it five stars: it's very satisfying. However, historical mysteries are really more than mysteries: they are, at the same time, depictions of what life was like during that historical period. In this regard, "Island of Exiles" is disappointing. It creates no vivid picture, the way van Gulik's mysteries or Saylor's create. And, much of the action is plodding.