52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comments from the translator, January 10, 2007
This review is from: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls (Paperback)
My name is Geoff Sant and I am the translator of this novel.
A previous commenter mistakenly claimed that "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" is manga; he has confused this novel with the manga "Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls." Rather, "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" is a translation of the novel by Yamada Futaro, which has been the direct basis of endless manga and movies, including "Basilisk," "Shinobi," and "The Ninja Scrolls." The influence of "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" extends far beyond its immediate derivations, however. "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" was the forerunner and inspiration for much of modern Japanese fantasy -- Yamada Futaro could be described as the granddaddy of Japanese fantasy.
Briefly, the novel tells the story of two clans of supernatural ninjas forced to fight each other by the ruler of Japan. Meanwhile, a young man and woman from the opposing clans have fallen in love and wish to put an end to the conflict.
Yamada Futaro's writing style is distinct from both Western fantasy authors -- and is even distinct from the novel's manga adaptations. Yamada Futaro based his ninja wars upon Japanese history, and quotes real historical documents about ninjas, warfare, and even poetry. Yamada Futaro -- who had attended medical school -- also uses physics and biology to "explain" the ninjas' supernatural powers. These explanations are fascinating, and go far beyond the simplistic "bitten by a radioactive spider" explanations that one finds in the West.
Yamada Futaro explores complex themes, such as: Does one blindly obey leaders or challenge them? What is the purpose of war? Is homogeneity dangerous? He explores these issues so subtly that the casual reader may miss them, too focused upon supernatural ninja battles. I suspect that every reader will have his or her favorite ninja -- perhaps the moss-covered master assassin Amayo, or the wild-haired Mino Nenki, who uses his hair to wield weapons or to swing through trees. I will say no more here, and leave the surprises to you.
To sum up, Yamada Futaro's style is unique -- it can not be accurately captured even by the manga adaptations of it. I can only hope that I have captured his spirit. This is the first Japanese fantasy novel Del Rey has published in English. If you would like to see more Japanese fantasy novels translated, please support their effort.
RECENT BOOK REVIEWS
"Book of the Week"; "fast-moving entertainment... fresh and contemporary" -- The Gline (website interested in Japanese fantasy)
"Del Rey's translation ... is handled quite well... The prose comes at you in ... bursts and with a direct manner, much like the action" -- Anime on DVD (website)
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing story and great translation, January 26, 2007
This review is from: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls (Paperback)
I like supernatural novels, and "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls" is the best fantasy novel I have ever read. Frankly, I'm always cautious about reading translated books, because so many of them twist the meaning and style of the original version. Because I can read a little Japanese, I checked this translation against the original as I read it. I was incredibly impressed -- the translation is accurate, while also being smooth, beautifully written, and an authentic description of medieval Japan.
Before reading this book, I watched the movie ("Shinobi") and was touched by the story. Reading the book, however, was an even more powerful experience. By the end, I was hanging onto every word, and my heart was thumping with excitement. This is a great story and a great translation! It is a must-read book for everybody who enjoys fantasy novels or Japanese literature. Those of us who enjoy fantasy are lucky to have a translator like this, and even more lucky to have such an amazing novel available in English. I promise you that this novel will hit you emotionally, and leave you dreaming of ninja battles and lost love.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
wow, April 10, 2010
This review is from: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls (Paperback)
AMAZING BOOK! this book was so incredibly exciting! so much action and intrigue. the abilities of the ninjas are so out of this world and fun. the violence is extreme and the emotions of the characters are written very well! the end is sooooo sad but what do you expect from "the japanese romeo and juliet"? the descriptions and dialogue make some pretty amazing imagery in the imagination. it will leave you wishing more of futaro yamadas books came in english! read it if you ever liked ninjas, war, torn love stories, and/or ancient japan.
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