Library Director’s Notebook            July, 2011 Like many others who use the...

Thu, 06/30/2011 - 7:48pm -- KChin

      

         Library Director’s Notebook
            July, 2011

Like many others who use the library, I often find I have great luck selecting books from the special displays or the annotated lists compiled by library staff. The topics vary greatly and often change month to month.  I’m always certain to find books to enjoy no matter what the topic or genre.

One library display I’ve had great luck with is the collection of mysteries in series.  I guess since I first devoured the Nancy Drew books back in elementary school, I’ve been a sucker for a good mystery.  I also really love historical novels.  It therefore goes without saying that I am really, really happy when I find a well written historical mystery!

The Masuda Affair written by I.J. Parker is an historical mystery set in Eleventh century Japan. This is a remote period of time that most readers would not likely be very familiar with; therefore I was quite fascinated with the details regarding the setting, the social mores,  the ambitions, the psychology, and the politics of that time and place.  The writer, I.J. Parker is a student of the period, which is evident from her comfortable familiarity with both the important and the mundane aspects of the period and place.

Sugawara Akitada is a member of the minor aristocracy in Eleventh century Japan who also concerns himself with government affairs and the solving of mysteries.  As the novel begins, Akitada, heavy-hearted and depressed since the death of his five year old son, Yori, is unable to concentrate on anything but his grief.  Akitada is slacking off on his job, letting his property fall into disrepair, mismanaging his servants,  and becoming estranged from his wife who is also quietly grieving.  His life is literally falling to pieces around him.

Coming home late one night during a storm, he stumbles across a lost child who is ragged, frightened, and obviously the victim of abuse.  A mystery surrounds the boy. As  Akitada tries to solve it, finding himself emotionally drawn to the little boy, he is pulled deeper and deeper into a vile plot concerning the child, his mother, and a local family of politically connected landowners.  In fact, Akitada’s own personal reputation, job, and freedom are put on the line as he doggedly persists in his investigation.

Meanwhile, Akitada’s young, tempestuous, but loyal servant Tora has his own troubles, trying to establish a secret household with his new young wife.  Tora has kept his marriage a secret from his master because he does not want to disturb Akitada in his grief.  But when Tora’s beautiful wife Hanae is kidnapped by a lecherous, wealthy man, Tora must choose between his loyalty to his master and his need to find and fight for his wife.

The story lines are quite engaging and interesting, each crossing over the other many times like silken threads in an elaborate Asian tapestry.  The Japanese love of beautiful landscapes, family honor and affection, peaceful contemplation, and impeccable courtesy are all given full acknowledgement even as the plot thickens.  I.J. Parker has been called an elegant writer, and her restrained yet observant eye creates a novel of understated yet compelling resonance.

And the best thing is, this novel is part of a series!  I look forward to reading more of the Sugawara Akitada mysteries!

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