The Commoner: A Novel
by John Burnham Schwartz
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Book Reviews of The Commoner: A Novel
Book Review: Based on a true story
Summary: 5 Stars
I just learned of this book's release and, after reading the synopsis (haven't gotten my hands on the actual book yet), wanted to let other readers know that the premise of the novel is based on fact, though that's not mentioned in the Amazon information. This modern historical element may be as fascinating to others as it is to me. Empress Michiko of Japan married the current Emperor in the Fifties and suffered a similar breakdown that led to her "losing her voice" for an extended period of time. This story was widely reported in Japan and the Empress (Princess Michiko at the time) was (and remains) a very popular figure with Japanese public who regard her as one of "their own" - someone not from established nobility. Rather like Princess Diana, really. This novelization is definitely going on my must-read list!Book Review: Beautifully written.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz is one of the mose beautifully written novels I've read in some time. Haruko, the main narrator of this story is such a rich and lovely character that it is hard to accept the fact that the cruelty she talks about happened.....it is base on fact.
Terrific characters richly illustrated by Schwartz add to the novel. I'm also amazed at the level of detail provided to the reader about the comings and goings of the royal court. The Crown Prince, the Empress or Haruko, and even some of the secondary figures make the characterization so readable. It says volumes about Schwartz's research.
The Commoner is a book you'll want to read soon. It is destined to become an icon in its own right.
I highly recommend The Commoner.
Peace
Book Review: Hard to put down
Summary: 4 Stars
A most fascinating look inside the Japaneses Imperial household.
The book starts by engaging you with scenes among the population during the final years of WWII.
You will then find a book of fiction that parallels the actual recent and sad happenings among the Imperial family. The author does an extraordinary job of painting a picture, in words, of the surroundings within and outside the Palace. He successfully includes the Imperial household, with all its intrigue and bureaucracy, along with the fascinating recent history.
Finally, the engaging story of star-crossed lovers makes it so engaging that it is hard to put down.
(You come away wondering if a similar book could be written about Princess Di and her relationship with the British Monarchy.)
Book Review: Commoner is Too Common
Summary: 2 Stars
This book could have been...
so much more interesting. What a fascinating story idea for most of America who knows nothing of the intricacies of Japanese life and customs.
Instead we get: the prince of Japan marries a strong willed commoner who plays a mean game of tennis. A gal like that, you expect would be able to withstand the shrill little lady in waiting. But no, right from the start Haruko, the feisty commoner now princess, cowers and capitulates with annoying frequency. The prince is a simp who never speaks up for his wife. The characters had no character.
And that is how it goes from start to finish. The little flourish at the end about the next generation's princess is too little too late.
Book Review: As moving as it is close to what really happened
Summary: 5 Stars
I had no intention of buying any book like this...one that was reviewed as showing the life of the royals in Japan. These types of books always fall way short of showing real Japanese culture. I did not want to read another stereotypical view of Japanese life.
I was surprised and moved to find a book that had come close to giving us the flavor of Japanese culture.
Even if I did not know the story of the real Empress Michiko (in the book, Haruko) this would still be a good, moving story for anyone, but especially so for someone trying to understand the Japanese way. The characters are real and sympathetic. Bravo, Mr. Schwartz...from me..a 34 year long resident of Japan.