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on March 1, 2014
I am a big fan of Barry Eisler. His books are interesting and well written, and I love the trove of recommended websites he always includes at the back. Plus he's very generous with his prices and the ability to loan the books on Kindle. This prequel was not, imho, as good as previous books in the John Rain series, but it was fun to see how young John got into the assassin business and watch his learning curve. By the end of the book he was up to full lethal speed. Spoiler alert: Mr. Eisler, thanks for letting the girl make it through alive in this one.
on March 12, 2014
I can count on one hand the number of living authors whose entire works I have read. Barry Eisler is one of them.
I typically read 5-10 books at any given time. I meander. John Rain novels I read from opening to close in as few sittings as possible. I devour.
This (pre-)installment of John Rain was no different.
I acknowledge some personal bias in this. Whisky, jazz, Tokyo life, martial arts traditional and modern... what's not to love? While it may be a stretch to say that we'd have a great night out together, I'd certainly be happy to share the evening's itinerary with Rain. When he's not 'working', of course.
But this concurrence of tastes is really just a wonderful piece of serendipity. It is just the icing on the cake of what really matters: that this is _really _good _writing. Tightly plotted, rhythmically paced, character-based, action driven. Prose that approaches poetry in one moment; a manual on precise, crunching violence the next.
"Sometimes there's just what you can do. And what you can't."
Graveyard of Memories is the best addition to the series in some time. Part of what makes Rain such a great modern character is an underlying sense of longing that pervades the books set several years later. Conscience may be too strong a word - its far more cerebral and far less moral than that - but the weight of decisions made and actions taken are constantly present. Sometimes at the periphery, occasionally brought to the fore over a glass of 18 year old Scotch, but always there. It is the wistfulness that tempers and gives credence to the pragmatism and paranoia that have become his daily tools for navigating life.
In Graveyard, we witness the formation of this character. We meet a younger John Rain being forged by events, grappling with fate and free will, the full implications of his actions never quite fully visible until its just too late. We see the fusion of nature and nurture that produces Rain Sr.
A bonus of a well executed prequel like Graveyard is that it offers the rare luxury of familiarity and freshness. Beyond this, however, meeting the younger less refined Rain also brings a fresh perspective and interest to the arc of the character's journey decades later. Understanding where Rain comes from breathes new life into the question - what 'can' Rain Sr do next?
Which brings me to the only problem I have with the Rain series. It takes Barry Eisler much longer to write them than it does for me to read them.
I typically read 5-10 books at any given time. I meander. John Rain novels I read from opening to close in as few sittings as possible. I devour.
This (pre-)installment of John Rain was no different.
I acknowledge some personal bias in this. Whisky, jazz, Tokyo life, martial arts traditional and modern... what's not to love? While it may be a stretch to say that we'd have a great night out together, I'd certainly be happy to share the evening's itinerary with Rain. When he's not 'working', of course.
But this concurrence of tastes is really just a wonderful piece of serendipity. It is just the icing on the cake of what really matters: that this is _really _good _writing. Tightly plotted, rhythmically paced, character-based, action driven. Prose that approaches poetry in one moment; a manual on precise, crunching violence the next.
"Sometimes there's just what you can do. And what you can't."
Graveyard of Memories is the best addition to the series in some time. Part of what makes Rain such a great modern character is an underlying sense of longing that pervades the books set several years later. Conscience may be too strong a word - its far more cerebral and far less moral than that - but the weight of decisions made and actions taken are constantly present. Sometimes at the periphery, occasionally brought to the fore over a glass of 18 year old Scotch, but always there. It is the wistfulness that tempers and gives credence to the pragmatism and paranoia that have become his daily tools for navigating life.
In Graveyard, we witness the formation of this character. We meet a younger John Rain being forged by events, grappling with fate and free will, the full implications of his actions never quite fully visible until its just too late. We see the fusion of nature and nurture that produces Rain Sr.
A bonus of a well executed prequel like Graveyard is that it offers the rare luxury of familiarity and freshness. Beyond this, however, meeting the younger less refined Rain also brings a fresh perspective and interest to the arc of the character's journey decades later. Understanding where Rain comes from breathes new life into the question - what 'can' Rain Sr do next?
Which brings me to the only problem I have with the Rain series. It takes Barry Eisler much longer to write them than it does for me to read them.
on April 11, 2014
This is a biased review. I was completely uninterested and skeptical at first, and now, I'm a fanboy. I can't get enough of John Rain.
I first heard of Barry Eisler around 2008 when I was working in Tokyo. I noticed one of the John Rain books on the desk of a colleague, picked it up, and he mentioned that he knew Barry, a CIA agent turned novelist. Interesting, but I left it at that. Until 2011, when I bought The Detachment and devoured it in a marathon reading session, including a sleepless night. I loved the character, the violence, the political philosophy, the sex, the tradecraft, the pacing ...
I've since been going through the John Rain novels systematically, and have read most of them. I'll take any of them, any day, but The Detachment remains my favourite.
I was eager to read Graveyard of Memories, to understand where it all began.
Rain and I share several interests -- me as a curious amateur hobbyist, him as a professional whose life depends on it: combat mindset, tactics, technique and gear; psychology; politics; Japanese philosophy; (Japanese) women; exploring one's identity and feeling like an outsider in what is supposed to be one's homeland; balancing urges and ethics; ... I guess that's all part of being a man.
One of the aspects that most helps me relate to Rain is his inner conflict and tension, his struggles to do the right thing in a messy world, to balance the competing desires of his head, heart, body and soul. Graveyard of Memories takes us back to the young, raw neophyte en route to becoming the contained, restrained professional. The young Rain is simpler, more naive, less complex, less self aware, less wise, less tortured than the mature man he will become, and the writing and structure reflects this.
I wish a long life to John Rain, and am looking forward to the next novel.
I first heard of Barry Eisler around 2008 when I was working in Tokyo. I noticed one of the John Rain books on the desk of a colleague, picked it up, and he mentioned that he knew Barry, a CIA agent turned novelist. Interesting, but I left it at that. Until 2011, when I bought The Detachment and devoured it in a marathon reading session, including a sleepless night. I loved the character, the violence, the political philosophy, the sex, the tradecraft, the pacing ...
I've since been going through the John Rain novels systematically, and have read most of them. I'll take any of them, any day, but The Detachment remains my favourite.
I was eager to read Graveyard of Memories, to understand where it all began.
Rain and I share several interests -- me as a curious amateur hobbyist, him as a professional whose life depends on it: combat mindset, tactics, technique and gear; psychology; politics; Japanese philosophy; (Japanese) women; exploring one's identity and feeling like an outsider in what is supposed to be one's homeland; balancing urges and ethics; ... I guess that's all part of being a man.
One of the aspects that most helps me relate to Rain is his inner conflict and tension, his struggles to do the right thing in a messy world, to balance the competing desires of his head, heart, body and soul. Graveyard of Memories takes us back to the young, raw neophyte en route to becoming the contained, restrained professional. The young Rain is simpler, more naive, less complex, less self aware, less wise, less tortured than the mature man he will become, and the writing and structure reflects this.
I wish a long life to John Rain, and am looking forward to the next novel.
on April 6, 2014
I have been a Barry Eisler fan since reading Rain Fall...
This book really brought things full circle in the most intimate way that I cannot help but begin rereading the series, hopefully in time for the release of Eisler's next book.
In the other Rain novels, you like Rain, but you cannot quite put your finger on why, and part of that lack of articulation makes you like Rain more. However, Graveyard of Memories spells out why you love Rain. He is the perfect combination of someone committed to the pursuit of expertise in his field of violence and someone who possesses such a desire for romantic intimacy. The match up of these two characteristics make for the kind of alpha male that is such a holistic (yin/yang) human being.
I am a sucker for the type of violence and martial trade craft fiction that is rooted in the description of the main charcter acquiring and then applying these repeatable skills, and Eisler delivers perfectly. Similarly, I am a sucker for characters that grapple with the intimacy of relationships, and Eisler not only delivers but delivers in a way that combines this feature of literature w/ the martial trade craft.
Like the title of this review insists, this is the kind of love story that feels so complete and devoid of cliche.
All in all, as a reader, you are taken on a journey in which you get to become more immersed in what has kept you a series regular of the Rain novels thus far.
If you have yet to read any of the Rain novels, I cannot say whether or not to start with this book or what was previously published as "Rain Fall." Either way, I presume your experience to be pleasant, and you finish excited to begin immersing yourself in the entire series of Rain story-telling that Eisler has accumulated thus far.
This book really brought things full circle in the most intimate way that I cannot help but begin rereading the series, hopefully in time for the release of Eisler's next book.
In the other Rain novels, you like Rain, but you cannot quite put your finger on why, and part of that lack of articulation makes you like Rain more. However, Graveyard of Memories spells out why you love Rain. He is the perfect combination of someone committed to the pursuit of expertise in his field of violence and someone who possesses such a desire for romantic intimacy. The match up of these two characteristics make for the kind of alpha male that is such a holistic (yin/yang) human being.
I am a sucker for the type of violence and martial trade craft fiction that is rooted in the description of the main charcter acquiring and then applying these repeatable skills, and Eisler delivers perfectly. Similarly, I am a sucker for characters that grapple with the intimacy of relationships, and Eisler not only delivers but delivers in a way that combines this feature of literature w/ the martial trade craft.
Like the title of this review insists, this is the kind of love story that feels so complete and devoid of cliche.
All in all, as a reader, you are taken on a journey in which you get to become more immersed in what has kept you a series regular of the Rain novels thus far.
If you have yet to read any of the Rain novels, I cannot say whether or not to start with this book or what was previously published as "Rain Fall." Either way, I presume your experience to be pleasant, and you finish excited to begin immersing yourself in the entire series of Rain story-telling that Eisler has accumulated thus far.
on February 22, 2014
I've read all of the John Rain novels, and if you haven't , reading them in order is a great experience. While there are numerous series of action hero series the main characters are generally the same and recently have been hunting down the same villains, most of whom are Middle Eastern, Al Qaeda types. Rain is different. Thoughtful, more intricate and a more interesting skill set makes the read a can't miss enjoyable (albeit too quick) a read.
Having some background and more context makes this a must read especially if you're already a fan. If you're not, you will be. I'm ready to pre-order the next one and I appreciate the author actually responding to my tweets which is as refreshing and kind as his work is truly great. Stop agonizing over it and just buy the book. It's assuredly worth it...and I'm not giving up any plot or character profiles. If you're in this section of mysteries and thrillers, put down Mitch Rapp for a little while and discover John Rain. You'll be glad you did.
Having some background and more context makes this a must read especially if you're already a fan. If you're not, you will be. I'm ready to pre-order the next one and I appreciate the author actually responding to my tweets which is as refreshing and kind as his work is truly great. Stop agonizing over it and just buy the book. It's assuredly worth it...and I'm not giving up any plot or character profiles. If you're in this section of mysteries and thrillers, put down Mitch Rapp for a little while and discover John Rain. You'll be glad you did.
on March 14, 2014
I'll eat some crow with this review. I thought Eisler was done in this genre. I was disappointed in Eisler's last couple efforts (and I was not alone) due to his insistence on getting on a political soapbox too often instead of doing what he does best (and better than almost anyone) which is the cloak and dagger, the counter-surveillance, the fight psychology, the hand to hand, etc.
Also, there's that pesky problem of Rain's age. He'd be 62 years old now. I still think he's got it in him for a few more "present day" novels because he takes care of himself. He would still be one of the most dangerous fictional men on the planet, but his days of physically overtaking lesser men are numbered.
Eisler solves this problem and silences his critics by pulling a Vince Flynn and writing a prequel, and he doesn't disappoint. This book has some interesting twists and turns, some Easter Eggs for those who have read the first stories, and as always is packed with nice details about the settings and the time period. Eisler also continues his welcome habit of including pictures on his website of sites discussed in the book. Really neat stuff.
I've come to recognize and tolerate the obligatory and somewhat graphic sex scenes in Eisler's work. They are very awkward. With this character, particularly at this age, I guess that is the point. It doesn't make it any easier to read. Still, that's small criticism for what I think is a strong comeback by a great character and a great writer. Looking forward to the next installment, whether it is another prequel or present day. This character simply can't die off without some sort of closure with Midori and Koichiro.
Also, there's that pesky problem of Rain's age. He'd be 62 years old now. I still think he's got it in him for a few more "present day" novels because he takes care of himself. He would still be one of the most dangerous fictional men on the planet, but his days of physically overtaking lesser men are numbered.
Eisler solves this problem and silences his critics by pulling a Vince Flynn and writing a prequel, and he doesn't disappoint. This book has some interesting twists and turns, some Easter Eggs for those who have read the first stories, and as always is packed with nice details about the settings and the time period. Eisler also continues his welcome habit of including pictures on his website of sites discussed in the book. Really neat stuff.
I've come to recognize and tolerate the obligatory and somewhat graphic sex scenes in Eisler's work. They are very awkward. With this character, particularly at this age, I guess that is the point. It doesn't make it any easier to read. Still, that's small criticism for what I think is a strong comeback by a great character and a great writer. Looking forward to the next installment, whether it is another prequel or present day. This character simply can't die off without some sort of closure with Midori and Koichiro.
on April 4, 2014
I was curious at first.... wondering how and what this "back to the beginning book" would be like and about. Since I've read and enjoyed every other John Rain Book, I had to read this one to fill in the blanks of his "literary" life. Right? Right. So I ordered the book, downloaded it, and read it. I liked the book, although the characters and names were a little tough to follow at times. But it serves it's purpose-- it brings us up to speed on how and why Rain does what be does in the other books. It lays the foundation. It let's us know he wasn't merely born taking people out one at a time. No, he did not come out of his mother's womb with a gun in 1 hand and a knife in the other. NO, he wasn't an 8 year old hit-boy!! He learned. He grew. He progressed. He improves. He became more skilled each year. Yes, over time J. Rain grew into an official and tough killing machine who was a sought after killer for hire. This books help us see who, what, where, when, how, and why it
was. It also tells us about a long lost lover he had. So sad it didn't work out. But we see that she was much too sweet (and big hearted) to have lived with a trained assassin. She was better off in the USA with her new family and life. She succeeded there quite well. Good for her. J. Rain set that success in motion. Yea!
* So I say this -- buy it, read it, enjoy it, and then read ALL the other J. Rain books if you haven't done so, yet. Or if you have, do like me and read them again! See you at the other end.
PS -- I hope the series continues for many Books to come !!
was. It also tells us about a long lost lover he had. So sad it didn't work out. But we see that she was much too sweet (and big hearted) to have lived with a trained assassin. She was better off in the USA with her new family and life. She succeeded there quite well. Good for her. J. Rain set that success in motion. Yea!
* So I say this -- buy it, read it, enjoy it, and then read ALL the other J. Rain books if you haven't done so, yet. Or if you have, do like me and read them again! See you at the other end.
PS -- I hope the series continues for many Books to come !!
on March 8, 2014
"Graveyard of memories" tells how a youg man, fresh from the killing fields of the Vietnam war, seemingly adrift in 1972 Tokyo as a delivery-boy for the CIA, will be forced to grow into the man we've come to know and love as john Rain, assassin for hire.
Told from the critical persepctive of his older self, we see young John having to learn hard lessons fast, through trial and error. Everything is there: the way he will developp his later MO (killing through seemingly natural causes), the way he comes by his rules (no women, no children, no secondary team, only "Principals" for targets), his difficult friendship with Tatsu, the policeman, making this novel a true "origin story".
Like James Bond has a Bond girl in every movie, John Rain has a Rain-girl in every novel. Eisler creates a memorable character here with Sayaka, who is an ethnic Korean (a discriminated minority in Japan at the time) and paraplegic, making her in many ways as much an outcast as John is. Their relationship is touching in the way it unfolds, both of them scarred by life and afraid to trust and love.
As always in Eisler's novels, there is a strong critic of poitical interventionism, covert or not. The fact that the novel is set 40 years in the pas does not make it any less relevant, as the past always come back to haunt the present.
Last, Barry always describes the locations of his novels with great minutiae regarding food, drinks, coffee and the best places to listen to jazz, which makes them a great alternative guidebook. Can't wait to go back to Tokyo and try the coffee shops!
Told from the critical persepctive of his older self, we see young John having to learn hard lessons fast, through trial and error. Everything is there: the way he will developp his later MO (killing through seemingly natural causes), the way he comes by his rules (no women, no children, no secondary team, only "Principals" for targets), his difficult friendship with Tatsu, the policeman, making this novel a true "origin story".
Like James Bond has a Bond girl in every movie, John Rain has a Rain-girl in every novel. Eisler creates a memorable character here with Sayaka, who is an ethnic Korean (a discriminated minority in Japan at the time) and paraplegic, making her in many ways as much an outcast as John is. Their relationship is touching in the way it unfolds, both of them scarred by life and afraid to trust and love.
As always in Eisler's novels, there is a strong critic of poitical interventionism, covert or not. The fact that the novel is set 40 years in the pas does not make it any less relevant, as the past always come back to haunt the present.
Last, Barry always describes the locations of his novels with great minutiae regarding food, drinks, coffee and the best places to listen to jazz, which makes them a great alternative guidebook. Can't wait to go back to Tokyo and try the coffee shops!
on March 24, 2014
For those who were wondering where Barry Eisler was going to go with John Rain after the last book, here is your answer. As with a number of other popular characters who have been living their lives in contemporary print for some time now (Jack Reacher etc.), it was time to fill in some of the back story. While not quite what would be termed an "origin issue" in comic book jargon, it comes pretty close.
One of the joys of reading an Eisler book is the meticulous research that he does using real world locales detailed descriptions that really bring the characters world to life, off the top of my head Alan Furst comes to mind as another of this type or author. Special kudos to Mr. Eisler for the wonderful job creating the Tokyo of 30 years ago and capturing the essence of the growing pains that it was going through being simultaneously pulled by Western progress and Eastern tradition. Mr. Eisler keeps the politics of the time contemporary and does not become as preachy as I was starting to feel in more recent efforts. Another point at which he truly excelled in this novel was the inclusion of so many of the martial arts techniques that Rain uses in the book. I read the kindle edition so the links to the videos made the reading experience that much more enjoyable for me.
Mr. Eisler has certainly opened up some broad new avenues for Rain to wander down and I really look forward to taking those trips as they come along. All in all, a very fine addition to the John rain canon.
One of the joys of reading an Eisler book is the meticulous research that he does using real world locales detailed descriptions that really bring the characters world to life, off the top of my head Alan Furst comes to mind as another of this type or author. Special kudos to Mr. Eisler for the wonderful job creating the Tokyo of 30 years ago and capturing the essence of the growing pains that it was going through being simultaneously pulled by Western progress and Eastern tradition. Mr. Eisler keeps the politics of the time contemporary and does not become as preachy as I was starting to feel in more recent efforts. Another point at which he truly excelled in this novel was the inclusion of so many of the martial arts techniques that Rain uses in the book. I read the kindle edition so the links to the videos made the reading experience that much more enjoyable for me.
Mr. Eisler has certainly opened up some broad new avenues for Rain to wander down and I really look forward to taking those trips as they come along. All in all, a very fine addition to the John rain canon.
