Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Author: Lisa See

Published: 2005, Random House

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 4/5

I pride myself on reading the book before seeing the movie. There have been a few exceptions in my life where I saw the movie first, either intentionally or accidentally. This was one of the accident moments where I rented a movie from the Red Box to watch. I became fascinated with the Chinese bonding ceremony of laotong (old same) and decided to research the topic. This is when I discovered the movie was based on a book. 

At the age of seven, Lily, is matched up with Snow Flower in ceremonial binding match of laotong in 19th century China. Based on their astrological signs they are kindred spirits and  must value each other before all other bonds. They suffer the agony of footbinding in an attempt to make their feet "perfect" to improve marriage prospects. They learn from a young age the female sex will suffer. They are the unwelcome sex when they are born. A father is to view his daughters as a burden by tradition even if he cherishes them. As adults they are valued in their ability to bear sons. Using the secret women writing, nu shu, Snow Flower and Lily share their joys and suffering as their fortunes in life reverse. They will suffer even in their love for each other. 

Lisa See has created a tangible and visible story using her strong sense of description in the senses. Readers will cringe in horror at the process of footbinding that would forever cripple Lily and Snow Flower from being able to walk properly. The sorrow the characters feel will seep from the pages into the cracks of their hearts where we all hide our own sufferings. Readers will recall that in life we all suffer but we persevere because we are loved. Or perhaps, we suffer even because we are loved. 

(#6 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Norwegian Wood

Norwegian Wood
Author: Haruki Murakami
Translated by: Jay Rubin
Published: 1987 (Japan), 2000 (USA) Vintage Press
Genre: Coming of Age, Young Adult
Rating: 5/5

When Haruki Murakami's latest collection of short stories "1Q84" came out this past fall I  did not even give it a second glance after skimming reviews. As a matter of fact, I didn't even bother to look up any other works by this Japanese author. Little did I know he was bestselling author worldwide. My Japanese pen pal and I share a common love: books. When I asked her what her favorite novel was the reply was "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami. My interest became piqued because I knew the author's name and went and looked it up. Finding the premises of the novel very interesting I purchased it on my kindle.

"Norwegian Wood" takes place in late 1960's Tokyo, Japan after a tragedy breaks up a trio of friends. Unable to form bonds outside their small group Toru Watanabe and his dead friend's girlfriend, Naoko, cling to each other. Unable to cope Naoko finds herself becoming mentally unhinged and seeks help in a small country sanitarium. Toru promises to wait for her but in the outside world he starts to form new bonds. He struggles to find himself in a world that before had been so heavily rooted in the companionship of one individual. Toru discovers the metamorphosis of life as he learns one can never be the same they were.

Murakami's writing is filled with such concrete, vivid, descriptions that every reader will be able to imagine the crowded subway stations, the college campus, the swanky love hotels, and the variety of bars Toru visits. His psychologically complex characters are brought to  life with simple and poetic language. Murkami's simplistic and yet forceful plot makes the characters consider how delicate the balance between humans is. Readers will be left contemplating how delicate and yet powerfully connected their life is to the other people they allow in.

I have a paperback copy of this novel now. A movie adaption was released in Japan in 2010. In May 2012 it will be released with subtitles in the USA on DVD. I am looking forward to seeing the movie as much as I am about reading the novel again someday.

(#5 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: The Queen's Governess

The Queen's Governess
Author:  Karen Harper
Published: January 2010, Putnam Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3/5

As a lover of history I often find myself wondering what life was like in the past. When it comes to Elizabeth I of England I have spent hours fantasizing what the important relationships she had in life were like. For the past 12 years of my life I have read numerous historical fiction novels based on Elizabeth I and the world she knew. One of the most vital relationships Elizabeth had was with her governess Kat Ashley.

In Karen Harper's novel, The Queen's Governess, the author explores the dynamics of Kat and her royal charge as Elizabeth grows from child to queen. Told from the point of view of Kat, Harper weaved together the tale of woman whose life is bound to the red-headed daughter of Anne Boleyn.

While this novel showcased good voice and characterization there were times I felt distracted from the moment of "now" while reading. On several occasions Harper has Kat go off into a tangent of "what this meant for the future". At these times I felt as if Harper did not trust her readers enough to piece together the "human truth" of her novel. Nevertheless, this novel will be an enjoyable read for Tudor England fans.

(#4 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Post Japan (interlude) Life: Books & Horses

I have been home a little over two weeks since I left Japan. At times I feel a sense of longing that I cannot explain. A part of me wishes I was still in Japan and another is glad I am home. Basically there are mornings I wake up and feel split in two. Although I was only in Japan three weeks I feel like I left part of my soul there. It is an odd condition I have never experienced before.

In terms of employment I now work full time at a private horse farm. Nothing fancy about the job at all but I love every minute of it. I blanket horses, clean stalls, clean tack, clean feed bins, and clean all day in general. Guess what, though? I don't care. Everything I do relates back to the care of the 10 horses that live at the stable. For the first time I feel true pride in my work outside of my writing.

Do I still think of returning to Japan? Every single day. I do not know if I will go back to live there or if I will simply return repeatedly throughout my life. I have no answers because I am waiting to see where my latest decisions will lead me.

My horse Skye seemed out of sorts when I came back. I honestly can say she was mad at me. She gave me her hind end the first week I was back. Now she seems back to her usual sweet, stubborn self which I am glad for. I call Skye my reflection at times because she and I share some of the same qualities. Perhaps this is why she was so endearing to me when I first met her.

In terms of books I have splurged on a few new ones about horses. My most recent purchases included Breeds of Empire: The "Invention of the Horse in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa, Imperial China:  The Art of the Horse in Chinese History, and The Byerley Turk: The True Story of the first Thoroughbred. I have also purchased several books about Japan and continue my endless search for books and documentaries that make any mention of the horse in Japan. I will not go into in-depth details but I have discovered several new possible writing ideas in the last few weeks. Nothing could ever make me lose my passion and desire to someday write about the equines of Japan.

All I can say for now is that I am content to be near horses everyday. Also, I am happy to have all my books back with me.

Book Review: Juliet Immortal

Juliet Immortal
Author: Stacey Jay
Published: August 2011, Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

I have an obsession with Shakespeare. My favorite play by him is Romeo and Juliet. In college I wrote a paper on how politics forced Romeo and Juliet into their final position: dead. Stacey Jay explores an alternate ending for these two tragic characters in her novel Juliet Immortal.

Juliet cannot forgive Romeo and secretly desires to destroy him. Seven hundred years of "slipping" into others bodies to protect soul mates has left Juliet's soul jaded. When she finds herself in the body of an emotionally damaged girl, Ariel, she finds herself falling in love with a boy in her borrowed body. Romeo wants Juliet to love him again. Juliet cannot ever forget or forgive that he murdered her for his own immortality. What is the lesson she missed in her bodily life?

What I enjoyed most about this novel was the angle Jay approached it from. In the play Romeo and Juliet die for love of each other. What about the greater love and lesson they forgot? I will not give any spoilers. Read the novel to find out for yourself.

(#3 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: The Girl Who Remembered Horses

The Girl Who Remembered Horses
Author: Linda Benson
Published: November 2011, Musa Publishing
Genre: Middle-grade fantasy
Rating: 5/5

I bought this novel for my kindle back around Christmas time. In my pursuit to find horse related books for my kindle I discovered The Girl Who Remembered Horses. The concept in the book that in the future humans have forgotten the bond they had with horses was a unique idea. I settled into into reading this novel while I was in Japan and found myself lost in Sahara's world.

Sahara dreams of horses. These creatures are so wild and fleeting the idea that one could be tamed, much less ridden, is a fancy that time should not be wasted on. As she is ridiculed by her clan Sahara finds herself turning more to her animals for comfort. Not until she meets Evan, a young herder from another clan, do her dreams begin to make sense. When she discovers an orphaned foal Sahara becomes determined to rear the fragile baby and prove horses are worth much more than as a food source.

One craft element I enjoyed from this novel was Benson's strong ability to create solid imagery. Her vivid descriptions will manipulate the readers mind into truly seeing the horses as they gallop across the plains. In my mind I could always see the story developing in images. Benson also has strong characterization throughout the novel and readers get to see development of secondary characters.

I highly recommend this novel to any horse lover looking for their next read. It is available as an e-book at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

(#2 for the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Horsemaster

Horsemaster

Author: Marilyn Singer

Published: 1985, Collier Books, Macmillan Publishing

Genre: Middle-grade fantasy, 179 pages

Rating: 5/5

I reread the novel Horsemaster on the plane trip from Detroit to Nagoya, Japan. This novel opened my reading world up when I was twelve into the fantasy genre. I found the battered paperback at my town library amongst the other fantasy novels dealing with dragons, enchanted swords and magicians trying to save the world. I reread the book several times and never could forget it. I bought a used copy off of amazon.com because, unfortuantly, it is no longer in publication.

This is also my first book for the 100 book challenge in 2012. I specifically chose this novel because I wanted to recall my childhood inspirations for wanting to become a writer. Emotionally, it was the right book for me to read as I embark on my journey to write about the horses in Japan.

Jessica has dreams. Dreams of a horse that is so unearthly and yet so tangible she finds herself wondering if her dreams are real. Her best friend, Jack, can't seem to stay out of trouble and she somehow gets involved even when it's not his fault. In an abandoned barn they discover a tapestry that will link them, another world, and the esscence of horses intrinsically together. The characters have depth and will become even more admired as they change through their unsuspected journey. The majesty of the horse's spirit can be found on every page as it is used to influence the tone, emotions, and decisions of the characters. Singer has created a memorable book that will be enjoyed by any horse lover who enjoys the fantasy genre. I highly recommend if you can find a copy buy it and read it.