What I'm reading

Since I was a teenager, I have had a thing for Japan.  I think it started with an enjoyment of Manga and Anime, then blossomed into an interest in Japanese history, culture and society.  At university I chose to write my dissertation on an element of the Japanese cultural psyche.  I had posters on my wall of manga characters, regularly watched Japanese samurai films and ate at my favourite Japanese restaurant whenever I could afford to.

For my 21^st birthday I was given a trip to Japan.  The best birthday present I have ever had.  The trip cemented my love of this part of the planet and made my interest in its culture and history even greater.  It just so happens that my brother-in-law (ooh it’s still funny calling him that!) has the same love for Japanese history, specifically feudal Japan, so we bought him this book one Christmas.  He has since claimed it is the best book he has ever read and lent it to me promising that I would enjoy it too.

I am about three quarters of the way through and thoroughly enjoying it.  It is a work of fiction, but includes well researched glimpses into what it was like to live in Japan in the Elizabethan times.  If you are at all interested in Japanese history, samurais or even just a good old fashioned adventure story, you may find something you like in this book.