Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
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Monday, February 15, 2010
Book Review - All About Particles by Naoko Chino reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com - Self Study Japanese
Book Review –
All About Particles - by Naoko Chino
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Author: Naoko Chino
Publisher: Kodansha, Tokyo, Japan.
Published: 1991.
ISBN: 0-87011-954-0
Pages: 127.
Rating: 4/5
A handy Japanese particles reference
All About Particles is another great book by Naoko Chino that allows non native speakers to self study Japanese. In this book sixty nine particles are classified and broken down into some two hundred usages. Each entry is classified by order of frequency, by meaning and by gender (those phrases used by men and those by women). What level does it fit into for a language learner? It would be helpful for JLPT level 3 studying for level 2 .Not recommended for beginners. To give you an idea of a sample entry, a typical entry starts with the particle, a grammar explanation, an example sentence in full Japanese script. Then the same sentence in romaji followed by the meaning of the sentence in English. So each particle gets a five point dissection. The book assumes you know the particles already, that is you have learned them in class and the book is really a reference for your prior study.
Pros
The book is a great size and lightweight that can easily slip into a coat pocket or bag. Finding your way around the book is easy with a clear table of contents and index (that is in romaji). A stand out point is that sample sentences are in full Japanese script, (kanji, hiragana and katakana). So you can practice your reading, learn new words and see the particle in context. There is a good range of sentences that you can start memorizing and using straight away which will help you to start talking in sentences quickly and get the particle usage correct. Sentence topics show real Japanese culture and typical conversations and cover the weather, work, hobbies and dreams. As particles have more than one meaning the book shows how to use the same particle in a range of ways. As a self study learner if you mine the book from cover to cover you will gain a range of new nouns, verbs, adjectives, set phrases and kanji as a bonus.
Cons
As mentioned the book does assume a prior knowledge of particles, sentences, grammar and knowledge. There is no guide on how to best use the book so you have to make up your own. There is no CD but the sentences are ripe for you to record yourself and practice. As a learner you have to do all the work based on your own study plan and goals. No CD or exercises so unable to give five stars.
Summary
A handy reference to particles for the intermediate student in a logical format that helps you to see particles in context that can aid a better understanding and usage. Provides a range of sentences that cover a range of topics.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Rating: 4/5 ****
All About Particles - Naoko Chino - Self Study Japanese
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Book review - A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Sentence Patterns - Self Study Japanese
Book Review – A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Sentence Patterns
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Author: Naoko Chino
Publisher: Kodansha, Tokyo, Japan.
Published: 2000.
ISBN: 4-7700-2608-0
Pages: 309.
Rating: 4/5
Tags: Naoko Chino, Japanese sentence patterns, studying Japaneseself study japanese, japanese grammar, japanese reference book, book review japanese language, japanesecustomer.com
Concise, structured & practical
This book is primarily a sentence dictionary for native English speakers learning Japanese and is aimed at the JLPT level 4 and 3 student. It is based on a formula approach that aims to get students on completing the book to be able to speak in a range of situations using the patterns used which is an important and useful skill in gaining competence and confidence.
Sentences appear as entries & are written as they appear in full Japanese script with an English equivalent, so students get the full benefit of being able to see, and read sentences as they normally appear without the aid of romaji.
Positives
The reader gets a lot of useful side benefits while studying, for example, throughout the book a wide range of Japanese names are provided male, female and family names which allows the student a cultural insight. The content is excellent and well balanced and shows a wide range of situations in which polite, informal sentences used by male and female speakers and those between adults and children. The use of single sentences, question and answer, descriptions, conversations and a variety of locations provide a wide scope for the student to learn and understand the use of different patterns. The cultural insights the book provides are clearly its strongest points.
The book will help with reading skill; add new vocabulary, including verbs, adjectives and phrases used in everyday speech. From a grammar perspective the sentences show the correct usage and application of common particles. The book can be used as a stand alone guide or in combination with a course of study as a reference book.
Could be improved
The book starts out by showing three basic sentence patterns, noun sentences, adjective sentences and verb sentences patterns but quickly jumps into a structure that is not clearly explained and that mixes forms and patterns together. The grammar can be followed but the goal and direction are not clear.
A number of conjugation tables are given at the end of the book for verbs and adjectives but how to best use them is not explained. Unfortunately, from the student’s perspective, the book falls short on how to gain maximum advantage. For example: the student is left wondering how to best learn the sentences (i.e., read them allowed, cover and guess endings or memorize and repeat aloud?), how to best review them, how to practice them, how the sentences fit into the English grammar patterns already known and where does the student go after the book has been studied.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Summary
Japanese study self study books are hard to find so this book is a useful reference and provides important cultural insights into sentence structure and usage by sharing a range of situations by gender. However, the student will have to devise their own study plan on how to best use the book for their own study goals.
Rating: 4/5 ****
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Motorcycle Japan blog - Book review - A Diplomat in Japan
Book Review – A Diplomat in Japan
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Author: Sir Ernest Satow
Publisher: ICG MUSE, Tokyo, JAPAN. First published 1921
ISBN: 4-925080-28-8
Pages: 424.
Rating: 5/5
An armchair view of Japan in 1862
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Ernest Satow first arrived in Japan on September 8, 1862 aboard a steamship bound from Shanghai, China. Over the next twenty years he saw first hand the events of the period and recorded them in his diary. All in all he spent over twenty years in Japan and this time is covered by this book.The period in question covers the period 1862 to 1882. Spread over thirty six page turning chapters, a glossary of Japanese words and an index of people, places and events he shares his studies and life in Japan.
Satow documents the day of his arrival, his life in Yokohama, how he studied Japanese, the physical conditions of the country and the people, the political conditions, the relationships with other foreign embassies, daily life and the meetings with the government. All are mixed into a narrative that puts you there in the room as he talks with officials, Shoguns and Emperors as he translates and interprets treaties, documents and conversations to allow Great Britain to trade with Japan.
Highlights include his first visit to Osaka, the bombing of Kagoshima, meeting with the Shogun, the Emperor and the negotiation of reparations for murdered foreigners. The book is best read with a map handy so you can follow his steps as he travels throughout the mainland by palanquin, horse and steamer.
For the current Japanese language student he details how he started learning the language, discusses his teachers, the resources he had available, the techniques he used and the joy he gained living and speaking the language.
For the traveler, the book will surely light a spark that yearns for seeing the places he visited. To see for yourself the places, experience the lifestyle (food, baths, sake, etc) and to visit the temples and to meet the people, cities and places mentioned.
For the businessmen, Satows book details some of the first business negotiations foreigners had with the Japanese government and the practical duties of implementing trading.
The only weakness the book has is that it ends too soon.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Rating: 5/5 *****
A Diplomat in Japan - Sir Ernest Satow
See Japan by motorcycle at Motorcycle Japan
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Author: Sir Ernest Satow
Publisher: ICG MUSE, Tokyo, JAPAN. First published 1921
ISBN: 4-925080-28-8
Pages: 424.
Rating: 5/5
An armchair view of Japan in 1862
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Ernest Satow first arrived in Japan on September 8, 1862 aboard a steamship bound from Shanghai, China. Over the next twenty years he saw first hand the events of the period and recorded them in his diary. All in all he spent over twenty years in Japan and this time is covered by this book.The period in question covers the period 1862 to 1882. Spread over thirty six page turning chapters, a glossary of Japanese words and an index of people, places and events he shares his studies and life in Japan.
Satow documents the day of his arrival, his life in Yokohama, how he studied Japanese, the physical conditions of the country and the people, the political conditions, the relationships with other foreign embassies, daily life and the meetings with the government. All are mixed into a narrative that puts you there in the room as he talks with officials, Shoguns and Emperors as he translates and interprets treaties, documents and conversations to allow Great Britain to trade with Japan.
Highlights include his first visit to Osaka, the bombing of Kagoshima, meeting with the Shogun, the Emperor and the negotiation of reparations for murdered foreigners. The book is best read with a map handy so you can follow his steps as he travels throughout the mainland by palanquin, horse and steamer.
For the current Japanese language student he details how he started learning the language, discusses his teachers, the resources he had available, the techniques he used and the joy he gained living and speaking the language.
For the traveler, the book will surely light a spark that yearns for seeing the places he visited. To see for yourself the places, experience the lifestyle (food, baths, sake, etc) and to visit the temples and to meet the people, cities and places mentioned.
For the businessmen, Satows book details some of the first business negotiations foreigners had with the Japanese government and the practical duties of implementing trading.
The only weakness the book has is that it ends too soon.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Rating: 5/5 *****
A Diplomat in Japan - Sir Ernest Satow
See Japan by motorcycle at Motorcycle Japan
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Book Review - Who's who of Japan - 100 historical personages - reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Book Review – Illustrated - Who’s who of Japan
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Publisher: JTB, 1999, 8th Edition.Translated by Dick Belcher
ISBN: 4-533-00798-8
Pages: 191.
Spread out over four distinct historical time periods, this pocket book covers ancient times, middle ages, pre-modern and the modern age. Focused on detailing the impact of one hundred figures that shaped Japan it details ninety five men and five women. Women pre-dominately played a key role in ancient times as the lives of Himiko, Sei Shonagan, Murasaki Shikibu reveal.
Each person profiled has their own page which shows an illustration, details who they were, what they did, where they lived and their legacy which makes it easy to visit a location in Japan and to visit the same locations & learn more. A rear glossary provides more information about the time periods each person lived in. A historical table also details the sequence of historical affairs and how they unfolded. An index of family names allows the reader to find a particular person quickly and a detailed index covers all parts of the book.
As you read this book you will get a brief insight into each person through their profile and the time period in which they lived. Profiles cover wives, mother’s, writers, poets, military leaders, religious leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, sportsman, politicians, fishermen, rich, poor, criminals & story tellers.
The book is easy to read, light and informative with many illustrations that help convey the main themes. Easily read in a few hours, you will find it hard to put down once you start. Moving through time periods & different locations it is easy to become absorbed and taken away. The profiles really help you to imagine and understand the historical progression of Japan over 1500 years.
What I liked best about this book was it allowed you to quickly get up to speed with key periods, people and events.
Some stand out profiles include Ono no Kamachi, a poet and beauty of the Heian period who resided in Kyoto & whose life is shrouded in mystery. Kinokuniya Bunzaemon an entrepreneur from the 17th century who made a fortune shipping mandarin oranges to Tokyo for New Years Day celebrations and investing in timber when all the houses were made of wood. Nezumi Kozo was a thief who robbed only the rich, dressed in black & eluded capture by striking at night and escaping by roof jumping.
Overall, this small book leaves a big impression and introduces Japanese historical figures in an informative way with illustrations and stories about their lives.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Book Review - Complete guide to Japanese verbs
Book Review – Complete Japanese Verb Guide
Publisher: Hiroo Japanese Centre, Tokyo.Japan.
Published by: Charles Tuttle, 1999 (13 edition)
ISBN: 0-8048-1564-X, Pages, 352
Dimensions: 13cm wide, 18cm high, 2cm deep, Weight 339 grams
A reference guide to 600 Japanese verbs
The book is split into five sections, 1. Acknowledgements, 2. An Introduction, 3.A guide to Japanese verbs, 4. A list of compounds and 5. A list of Suru verbs
A number of sections that relate to verb groupings, an explanation of verb forms, polite language, transitive and intransitive and a key to symbols and abbreviations are provided.
The book is a stand alone guide to Japanese verbs that explores 600 verbs in great detail. Each verb is given one page. The verb is then shown in a range of various forms including the present form, masu form, imperative, te form, conditional, presumptive, volitional, potential, passive, causative, causative passive and the affirmative and negative contexts for each form. What group it is in 1, 2 or 3 and whether it is transitive or intransitive. The different meanings for the verb are then shown in practical sentences (in romaji and English). The sentence examples provide a range of everyday phrases that are very useful and a wide range of new vocabulary is presented throughout the book.
The content presented is excellent but unfortunately from a self study perspective, no guide is given on how to best use the book and in this respect the book is but a reference.
The book doesn’t provide the Japanese name for each verb form presented, making it hard for you to ask a teacher or study partner for any help you may need. Romaji is used throughout the book which is good for pronunciation but the kanji is missing for each form and sentences examples. The books biggest weakness is when it provides a verb with four different kanji and the reader has no way to discover which form of the verb is being used in the example sentences.
From a students perspective the book is good to gain the context of verbs through practical examples and the various forms. Added to this are the chance to gain new vocabulary as you read each page and drill the different verb forms.
The book is a reference for verbs but unfortunately is not a complete guide.
Rating: ****
Copyright, JapaneseCustomer.com, all rights reserved
Complete Japanese Verb Guide
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Motorcycle Japan - Book Review:" Living Japanese Style" reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Book Review
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Title: Living Japanese Style - Illustrated
Author: & Publisher: Japan Travel Bureau, Tokyo, Japan.18th edition, 2000
Translated by: Dick Belcher
ISBN: 978-4533013503, Pages, 191
Author: & Publisher: Japan Travel Bureau, Tokyo, Japan.18th edition, 2000
Translated by: Dick Belcher
ISBN: 978-4533013503, Pages, 191
A pocket sized guide to Japanese living
The book is designed for two main audiences, first time visitors and new residents who want to learn quickly and simply the many interesting aspects of daily life in Japan. It also provides helpful tips and advice for a variety of social situations you may find yourself in. Split into four main sections, the book looks at 1. Living in Japan, 2, Enjoying Japan, 3.Understanding Japan and 4. Insights into Japanese culture, (self expression, physique, body language and etiquette).
It is well layed out and covers 54 situations. Written in English, it is an introduction to living in Japan and is handy enough to easily carry when you travel (pocket sized, 14.5cm by 14.8cm).For those readers also studying Japanese the index is provides all words written in romaji displayed in the full Japanese script.
The book is designed for two main audiences, first time visitors and new residents who want to learn quickly and simply the many interesting aspects of daily life in Japan. It also provides helpful tips and advice for a variety of social situations you may find yourself in. Split into four main sections, the book looks at 1. Living in Japan, 2, Enjoying Japan, 3.Understanding Japan and 4. Insights into Japanese culture, (self expression, physique, body language and etiquette).
It is well layed out and covers 54 situations. Written in English, it is an introduction to living in Japan and is handy enough to easily carry when you travel (pocket sized, 14.5cm by 14.8cm).For those readers also studying Japanese the index is provides all words written in romaji displayed in the full Japanese script.
For those visiting for the first time, the following sections will be of interest; Visiting a Japanese home, watching sumo and baseball, etiquette, eating out, driving and how to take a Japanese bath. New residents will find the sections, putting out the rubbish, getting on with the Japanese, exchanging gifts, attending a wedding, business, self expression and singing karaoke helpful.
As you read you will encounter a range of practical tips, For example: Using the public bath- “You may encounter a few surreptitious stares, but this is perfectly natural. Simply ignore them”, p62. Simple explanations and illustrations detail situations so that you know what to expect and how to behaviour when you encounter them. Japanese culture is very different to western culture so tips that help you understand what to expect and how to participate are what makes this book stand out.
A wonderful gift for the first time traveler, study abroad student or new resident to Japan.
Rating: *****As you read you will encounter a range of practical tips, For example: Using the public bath- “You may encounter a few surreptitious stares, but this is perfectly natural. Simply ignore them”, p62. Simple explanations and illustrations detail situations so that you know what to expect and how to behaviour when you encounter them. Japanese culture is very different to western culture so tips that help you understand what to expect and how to participate are what makes this book stand out.
A wonderful gift for the first time traveler, study abroad student or new resident to Japan.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
See the real Japan at Motorcycle Japan
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Book Review: English Grammar for students of Japanese - The study guide for those learning Japanese
Book Review
Title: English Grammar for students of Japanese - The study guide for those learning Japanese
Author: Mutsuko Endo Hudson
Publisher: The Olivia & Hill Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, 1994
ISBN: 978-0934-0341-66, Pages, 204
A good guide for brushing up on English grammar before studying Japanese
People studying Japanese as native English speakers need good resources and this book is a useful guide for those wanting to brush up on English grammar before starting to study Japanese in more detail. It has clear and easy to understand examples of English grammar. Native speakers often learn a language without formal grammar study but need it when the learn a second language and that’s where this book comes in handy.
The book is split into four main sections. An introduction, Grammar points – 45 key topics dissected, an answer section for the end of chapter revision exercises and an index.
From a learning perspective the book is split into two sections. Section one is a review of key grammar points for native English speakers in technical grammar terms and section two is a comparison of English grammar to similar Japanese grammar structures.
It should be noted that the books emphasis is on English grammar and not Japanese grammar. The book shines on its review of English grammar. The Japanese grammar section as it relates to similar English structures is a bit disappointing in that Japanese grammar structures are not as fully explained as the English grammar. If they were this book would be worthy of five stars.
The following Japanese sections were very helpful. Starting with, “To the student” a how to guide for studying Japanese by the author, Section 11, What is an Adverb ( was clearly set out, and had good examples), and Section 15, What are Prefixes and Suffixes (stood out to me as the most practical section of the book )
Even though the Japanese section is lacking I still feel that this is a good guide for native English speakers in that it shares known English grammar structures and posits them against similar Japanese grammar structures.
This book would be of most benefit to those about to embarking on a detailed study of Japanese in either a full time course or a study abroad program.
JapaneseCustomer.com, June 2nd, 2009
Title: English Grammar for students of Japanese - The study guide for those learning Japanese
Author: Mutsuko Endo Hudson
Publisher: The Olivia & Hill Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, 1994
ISBN: 978-0934-0341-66, Pages, 204
A good guide for brushing up on English grammar before studying Japanese
People studying Japanese as native English speakers need good resources and this book is a useful guide for those wanting to brush up on English grammar before starting to study Japanese in more detail. It has clear and easy to understand examples of English grammar. Native speakers often learn a language without formal grammar study but need it when the learn a second language and that’s where this book comes in handy.
The book is split into four main sections. An introduction, Grammar points – 45 key topics dissected, an answer section for the end of chapter revision exercises and an index.
From a learning perspective the book is split into two sections. Section one is a review of key grammar points for native English speakers in technical grammar terms and section two is a comparison of English grammar to similar Japanese grammar structures.
It should be noted that the books emphasis is on English grammar and not Japanese grammar. The book shines on its review of English grammar. The Japanese grammar section as it relates to similar English structures is a bit disappointing in that Japanese grammar structures are not as fully explained as the English grammar. If they were this book would be worthy of five stars.
The following Japanese sections were very helpful. Starting with, “To the student” a how to guide for studying Japanese by the author, Section 11, What is an Adverb ( was clearly set out, and had good examples), and Section 15, What are Prefixes and Suffixes (stood out to me as the most practical section of the book )
Even though the Japanese section is lacking I still feel that this is a good guide for native English speakers in that it shares known English grammar structures and posits them against similar Japanese grammar structures.
This book would be of most benefit to those about to embarking on a detailed study of Japanese in either a full time course or a study abroad program.
JapaneseCustomer.com, June 2nd, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Motorcycle Japan: Book review - Motorcycle Japan
Reviews
Motorcycle Japan: A Rider's Guide
" A handy guide that helps you pull together all the basics for riding in Japan"
" I have been looking for a book to help me plan a bike trip to Japan"
" The videos are great as they give you a real feel of what to expect.The packing video was excellent"
" ..trip guides are very detailed and helpful as it is hard to know what to take and pack for each season of riding"
" Always wanted to go to Japan and now that I have retired the wife and I want to ride a Goldwing around Japan. This guide helps us as "baby boomers" understand the culture, language and process for trip planning"
" There are no books on bike travel in Japan making this a rare find!"
"Peter is a rider and writes like a rider, clear, simple and to the point. The trip guides share how to save money and get the most out of riding in Japan"
" 8 days in Hokkaido, 2 people leaving from Tokyo for only 79,000 yen total, all accommodation, gasoline, food and expenses..that's just amazing!"
"The Hokkaido guide looks fantastic and I can't wait to ride the roads in summer"
"The thing I liked the best were the bilingual route guides showing you the Japanese and the English together. I don't speak Japanese so they were really practical"
Motorcycle Japan: A Rider's Diary
* 11 chapters
* 247 pages
* 22 videos
* Over 400 URL's
Buy a copy at Bike Japan
Learn more about Japan at Study Abroad Japan
Motorcycle Japan: A Rider's Guide
" A handy guide that helps you pull together all the basics for riding in Japan"
" I have been looking for a book to help me plan a bike trip to Japan"
" The videos are great as they give you a real feel of what to expect.The packing video was excellent"
" ..trip guides are very detailed and helpful as it is hard to know what to take and pack for each season of riding"
" Always wanted to go to Japan and now that I have retired the wife and I want to ride a Goldwing around Japan. This guide helps us as "baby boomers" understand the culture, language and process for trip planning"
" There are no books on bike travel in Japan making this a rare find!"
"Peter is a rider and writes like a rider, clear, simple and to the point. The trip guides share how to save money and get the most out of riding in Japan"
" 8 days in Hokkaido, 2 people leaving from Tokyo for only 79,000 yen total, all accommodation, gasoline, food and expenses..that's just amazing!"
"The Hokkaido guide looks fantastic and I can't wait to ride the roads in summer"
"The thing I liked the best were the bilingual route guides showing you the Japanese and the English together. I don't speak Japanese so they were really practical"
Motorcycle Japan: A Rider's Diary
* 11 chapters
* 247 pages
* 22 videos
* Over 400 URL's
Buy a copy at Bike Japan
Learn more about Japan at Study Abroad Japan
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Book Review: The Bamboo Sword & Other Samurai Tales by Shuhei Fujisawa reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Title: The Bamboo Sword & Other Samurai Tales
Author: Shuhei Fujisawa translated by Gavin Frew
Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: Kodansha International, Tokyo (First Edition 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-4-7700-3005-4
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Book - The Bamboo Sword: And Other Samurai Tales
A collection of entertaining historical based stories
March 4th, 2009
The Bamboo Sword is a collection of eight stories set in the early seventeenth century in Japan known as the Edo period (1603-1867). Author Shuhei Fujisawa, 1927 - 1997, best known for his historical fiction inspired dramas including The Hidden Blade (2001), and The Twilight Samurai (2002). Stories focus on the daily lives of regular people and detail their experiences.
Story titles include The Bamboo Sword, A Passing Shower, All For a Melon, Kozuru, Shina the Samurai, Out of Luck, Runaway Stallion and Dancing Hands. Each story leaves the reader with a moral or a lesson to be learned as a result of the personalities and events that unfold.
For Example: Kozuru, a woman's name, stood out based on the story and human drama involved. The story shares how a young girl runs away from an arranged marriage & lives with a quarreling couple. Over time the young girl's presence changes the couple. The girls past catches up with her but everyone is influenced in someway.
Fujisawa puts the reader in the front seat of history by describing the scene, setting and characters in such detail that you could close your eyes and imagine you were actually there. He allows you to identify with each character by describing their backgrounds and personalities.
If you like historical settings, particularly samurai dramas you will enjoy the accuracy of daily life in the Edo Period that provides insights into regular people's daily lives.
Entertaining, informative and historical insights.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Book - The Bamboo Sword: And Other Samurai Tales
Learn more about study in Japan at Study Abroad Japan
Author: Shuhei Fujisawa translated by Gavin Frew
Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: Kodansha International, Tokyo (First Edition 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-4-7700-3005-4
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Book - The Bamboo Sword: And Other Samurai Tales
A collection of entertaining historical based stories
March 4th, 2009
The Bamboo Sword is a collection of eight stories set in the early seventeenth century in Japan known as the Edo period (1603-1867). Author Shuhei Fujisawa, 1927 - 1997, best known for his historical fiction inspired dramas including The Hidden Blade (2001), and The Twilight Samurai (2002). Stories focus on the daily lives of regular people and detail their experiences.
Story titles include The Bamboo Sword, A Passing Shower, All For a Melon, Kozuru, Shina the Samurai, Out of Luck, Runaway Stallion and Dancing Hands. Each story leaves the reader with a moral or a lesson to be learned as a result of the personalities and events that unfold.
For Example: Kozuru, a woman's name, stood out based on the story and human drama involved. The story shares how a young girl runs away from an arranged marriage & lives with a quarreling couple. Over time the young girl's presence changes the couple. The girls past catches up with her but everyone is influenced in someway.
Fujisawa puts the reader in the front seat of history by describing the scene, setting and characters in such detail that you could close your eyes and imagine you were actually there. He allows you to identify with each character by describing their backgrounds and personalities.
If you like historical settings, particularly samurai dramas you will enjoy the accuracy of daily life in the Edo Period that provides insights into regular people's daily lives.
Entertaining, informative and historical insights.
Reviewed by JapaneseCustomer.com
Copyright, 2009, All Rights Reserved
Book - The Bamboo Sword: And Other Samurai Tales
Learn more about study in Japan at Study Abroad Japan
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