The Commoner: A Novel
by John Burnham Schwartz
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.22 You Save: $23.73 (95%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Commoner: A Novel
Book Review: Disappointingly FLAT...
Summary: 1 Stars
I agree with Japan Reader. I have been trying to complete this book for two months and I am one who can read a book in 3 days if I love it. I have read many novels based on Asian culture- this book never rises off the page. There seems to be a very contrived attempt to make the writing seem very "Japanese": poetic, sparse, elegant. I found that due to this, not one of the characters comes to life or breathes humanity. I am struggling to connect with anyone or even care about any of them. I know the real story well as I did live in Japan for a few years, but this version is so dull and tepid. I'll be lucky if I can finish it and I'll only do it out of duty.Book Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a beautifully written, almost lyrical book that stunningly captures the cadence of Japanese language and life. Rarely have I seen an author so perfectly portray his female Japanese characters; unlike one of the other reviewers, I believe that this book is indeed the perfect heir to the legacy of Arthur Golden's work. I have read and re-read "The Commoner", and have passed it along to friends, who were as moved by it as I was.
After living in Asia for years, and having read countless books on Asian subjects or by Asian authors, this one is at the top of my list. I couldn't recommend it more highly. It is a masterpiece.
Book Review: Lovely and enlightening book
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a grand book in every sense. The writing was elegant and yet understated. It never got bogged down. As a reader, I appreciate all of these things. I learned so much from this book, so many Japanese customs and traditions of which I was unaware.
I did not realize until after I finished the book that it was based on the current Empress of Japan. I found a great TIME magazine article from 1959, entitled "The Girl from Outside" which gave a lot of background about this "commoner" and the marriage.
I was sorry to have this book end because this kind of writing is so rare. I would heartily recommend it.
Book Review: The Common
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike the Japan Reader I'm not getting caught up in the minute details. This book is amazing in it's insight into a world we would not have seen otherwise. It gives a very good idea of the difficulties of a monarchy in todays society. I hope every Japanese woman reads this book, and realizes that trying to do whats good for your country is not aways realistic in it's ability for success. What needs to change is the backward stringency of that ancient monarcy, or perhaps they should pursue unintelligent women with no aspirations in life to marry into the royal family.
I loved the book and could not put it down.
Book Review: Memories of Japan
Summary: 5 Stars
I am about to finish this fine book. It is easy reading and compelling. Having lived in Japan for over 13 years, it brings back memories of many things. One time, at a sea side hotel, I was at a conference where the Emperor came to greet us. I stood a few yards from Him and His Wife. It was quite an experience. I also was there when the old man died, quite a mourning time and funeral. This author has caught the scene well, the Englsih teacher, which I also did, the culture, rules and struggles of being a family from the Sun. Many thanks, I am passing this along in my family. Peace Koshin Bob Hanson