Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Cloud of Sparrows (Samurai #1)

3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 · rating details · 1,431 ratings · 159 reviews

Once in a great while a new novelist comes along who dazzles us with rare eloquence and humanity, with flawless storytelling and a unique understanding of another place and time. Takashi Matsuoka is just such a writer.

His magnificent new novel, set amid the violence and beauty of nineteenth-century Japan, takes us beyond the epic tradition of James Clavell’s Shogun and in...more Once in a great while a new novelist comes along who dazzles us with rare eloquence and humanity, with flawless storytelling and a unique understanding of another place and time. Takashi Matsuoka is just such a writer.

His magnificent new novel, set amid the violence and beauty of nineteenth-century Japan, takes us beyond the epic tradition of James Clavell’s Shogun and into a majestic realm of samurai and geishas, ninjas and Zen masters. Brilliantly imagined, gloriously written, Cloud of Sparrows is at once a sweeping historical adventure and a love story of almost unbearable poignancy. It is storytelling on the grand scale from a novelist of astounding depth and grace.

Cloud of Sparrows

It is the dawn of the New Year, 1861. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has been forced to open its doors to the West, igniting a clash of cultures and generations. And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has chosen this time to spread the word of their God. Among them, Emily Gibson, a woman seeking redemption from a tormented past, and Matthew Stark, a cold-eyed killer with one more death on his mind.

Neither realizes that their future in Japan has already been foreseen. For a young nobleman, Lord Genji, has dreamt that his life will be saved by an outsider in the New Year. Widely reviled as a dilettante, Lord Genji has one weapon with which to inspire awe. In his family, one in every generation is said to have the gift of prophecy. And what Lord Genji sees has struck fear in many around him. As the Shogun’s secret police chief plots Genji’s death--and the utter destruction of his entire clan--the young and untried lord must prove that he is more than the handsome womanizer of legend, famed lover of Edo’s most celebrated geisha, Lady Heiko, and that his prophetic powers are no mere fairy tale.

Forced to escape from Edo and flee to his ancestral stronghold, the spectacular Cloud of Sparrows Castle, Genji joins his fate with Emily and Stark, unaware of the dark forces that drive them. Together with Genji’s uncle, Lord Shigeru, a legendary swordsman knee-deep in the blood of his own kin, and the enigmatic Lady Heiko, the unlikely band embarks on a harrowing journey through a landscape bristling with danger--to prepare for a final battle.

Here, on a snowscape stained with blood, horror will mix with wonder, secrets will unravel, and love will duel with vengeance--as East and West, flesh and spirit, past and future, collide in ways no one--least of all Genji--could have imagined.

From the Hardcover edition.(less)

Paperback, 592 pages

Published August 26th 2003 by Dell (first published 2002)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Top Samurai Novels

10th out of 23 books — 14 voters

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

Japanese authors

61st out of 95 books — 82 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,284)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Sep 17, 2010 Jeannette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Jeannette by: Lauren

Shelves: adult-fiction, historical-fiction, japan, 2010-read, family-stories, 2013-buddy-read, hannah

Cloud of Sparrows was a very enjoyable read first because of the writing. The author presents a scene and then lets the reader hear the thoughts of everyone in the scene. So, you get a surface view and the underlying thoughts and motives of all of the participants, which are not always apparent from their outward appearance and actions.

The cultural differences are really interesting and funny. For example, the Japanese cannot tolerate sitting in chairs, because it compresses their organs and bl...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Algernon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

A streamlined version of Shogun, sacrificing some of the depth of characterization and subtlety of political power games in favor of extra servings of ninja duels, geisha seductions and personal vendettas. The conflict between the Eastern and Western cultures is moved from 1600 to 1861, and the strongarming of the Tokugawa Shogunate by American and European warships into opening the country for trade (or legalized robbery as it turned out). Japan is on the brink of major shift in policy, not yet...more A streamlined version of Shogun, sacrificing some of the depth of characterization and subtlety of political power games in favor of extra servings of ninja duels, geisha seductions and personal vendettas. The conflict between the Eastern and Western cultures is moved from 1600 to 1861, and the strongarming of the Tokugawa Shogunate by American and European warships into opening the country for trade (or legalized robbery as it turned out). Japan is on the brink of major shift in policy, not yet strong enough to respond to the foreigners provocations and held back by a medieval social system that has remained unchanged since the Battle of Sekigawara - often mentioned in the text as the previous major turning point in the history of the nation.

The main Japanese players are a progresive daimyo (Genji), his household retainers, his mentally deranged uncle, the most famous geisha in Edo , the chief of the Shogun's secret police and a ninja in his service. The american actors are a fiery pastor trying to establish a Christian mission and convert the "heathens" with the help of his fiance and a new recruit that hides a past career as fast gun and bank robber in Texas.

The first half of the novel, setting up the plot and giving the background stories of the main cast is very well done, fast paced, complex and competently written. I was personally less impressed in the final chapters, where I felt the build up was a bit wasted in a rush to cram as many physical conflicts as possible and the plot twists proved to be less surprising than promised. The prose is very good for a debut novel, and if it didn't capture the lyrical nature of the Japanese cultural identity as convincing as I would have liked, it made up for it in historical context and ordinary life details from the period.

My major issue with the story comes from the use of prophecy and the gift of foresight - a major component of the plot that has its place in a fantasy setting, but was anachronistic and fake in a historical novel. Matsuoka tries to temper the supernatural by implying this ability to see the future is a device used by the daimyo to control his vassals and adversaries, but he gives too many hints about 20 Century events for the argument to gain traction.

The dialogue and the characters have a Hollywood flavor that is a bit shallow and theatrical, but I believe the story would translate well on the big screen. In fact, The Last Samurai has many similarities with Cloud of Sparrows. It was not may favorite movie, but it was entetaining. And so is the book.(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Sep 06, 2009 Weni rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dibaca ulang, dalam rangka nggak ada bacaan hehe dan ceritanya juga udah agak lupa.

Buku ini menceritakan kisah hidup Daimyo (bangsawan agung) Akaoka yang bernama Okumichi Genji. Genji digambarkan sebagai laki2 muda yang tampan namun sering diremehkan karena penampilannya tidak seperti samurai sejati. Dikatai terlalu lunak, pesolek, dll. Belum lagi pemikirannya yang sering 'berbeda'. Yang paling membuat gerah adalah sikapnya terhadap orang2 asing yang datang ke Jepang. Genji menerima para misiona...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Чанко Попчев rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Книга за феодална Япония и началото на контактите и с Европа и Америка, но написана от японец с перфектен стил и познание на епохата. Увлекателното действие е по-добро от много класически романи. Тънка психология и неочаквани откровения допълват мащабната картина на цяла Япония.
Романтиката започва още с името на книгата - "Облак врабчета" е името на замък на крайбрежието, ставащ сцена на сблъсъка на два свята.
Такаши Мацуока има безспорен талант.

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2012 Yulin Masdakaty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Biasanya, saya tidak terlalu suka dengan novel-novel kesusasteraan Jepang, karena, yeah... you know, selain tebalnya minta ampun (sampe-sampe nyaris ngalahin kitab suci), bahasanya juga ribet.
Tapi buku ini pengecualian. :)

Matsuoka-sensei pinter sekali merangkai kata-kata dan bahasanya sehingga saya seolah-olah ikut terbawa masuk dalam "dunia" yang dia ceritakan. (Terjemahannya juga bagus!)
Walaupun ceritanya sebenernya lumayan berat karena mengisahkan tentang peradaban dan kebudayaan Jepang di er...more

like · see review

Jun 15, 2011 Carmel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cloud of Sparrows was a satisfying read, but it was not the best book that I've ever read. The plot and writing style were gripping and easy to read, and I learned a lot about feudal Japanese culture. I was, however, disappointed by the remaining loose ends at the conclusion of the book. The multiple plots did not all finish at the same time, and the last one seemed like a hasty ending.

It was fascinating to read the differences of culture between the American missionaries and the feudal Japanese

...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 14, 2010 Iyok736 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Pengetahuan bisa menghambat. Ketidaktahuan justru membebaskan. Tahu kapan untuk tahu dan kapan untuk tak tahu, sama pentingnya dengan pedang yang tajam. Suzume-no-Kumo (1434) Apakah kemampuan mengetahui masa depan bisa menguntungkan, atau justru membawa malapetaka? Mampukah pengetahuan seperti itu melahirkan seorang samurai sejati, yang tabu mengeluh ketika mengalami siksaan fisik paling hebat sekalipun, yang rela mati menjunjung tinggi kehormatan dan kesetiaan, namun tetap dianggap wajar untuk...more

like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Jennifer (JC-S) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

‘Those who succeed and those fail are both destined to die.’

This novel, a work of historical fiction with elements of fantasy, opens in Edo in 1861 as two centuries of Japanese isolation is forcibly ended by outsiders from the West. As foreign ships threaten to destroy the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries arrives. The missionaries are the Reverend Zephaniah Cromwell, his fiancée Emily Gibson, and Matthew Stark. Unsurprisingly, each has secrets and each has a reason...more ‘Those who succeed and those fail are both destined to die.’

This novel, a work of historical fiction with elements of fantasy, opens in Edo in 1861 as two centuries of Japanese isolation is forcibly ended by outsiders from the West. As foreign ships threaten to destroy the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries arrives. The missionaries are the Reverend Zephaniah Cromwell, his fiancée Emily Gibson, and Matthew Stark. Unsurprisingly, each has secrets and each has a reason for wanting to be in Japan which is not directly related to missionary work.

The missionaries are received as guests by Lord Genji, the heir to the Okumichi clan, and Zephaniah Cromwell is fatally wounded in an attempt to destroy Genji. Lord Genji, like one member of each generation in his family, is gifted with prophetic visions and he has foreseen that his life will be saved by an outsider. When Lord Genji is forced to flee from Edo to his ancestral home: the castle known as Cloud of Sparrows, he takes with him the missionaries Emily Gibson and Matthew Stark, together with his lover Lady Heiko, and his uncle, the legendary swordsman Lord Shigeru.

Their adventures involve some bloodthirsty battles, some Zen-like wisdom, and some elements both of cultural difference and prejudice. For some characters, their adventures lead to increased self –knowledge and increasingly, tolerance.

‘Courage is knowing fear and overcoming it.’

I really enjoyed the portrayals of Lord Genji and Lady Heiko, as well as many of the minor characters. The turmoil of this period in history is clearly shown: the end of isolation from the West had its own impact on traditional Japanese society. Some elements of the story did not appeal to me – in particular aspects of Lord Shigeru’s story - and yet as a whole it fitted together in a particularly satisfying way. I enjoy reading novels set in feudal Japan, or using elements of feudal Japan to create alternate worlds.

I enjoyed this novel and I’ll be reading the sequel ‘Autumn Ridge’ shortly.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 08, 2012 Jesse Tooper rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reading Cloud of Sparrows the 1st time, you can't help but be reminded of Clavell's Shogun (subsequently, one of my favorite books), which in my opinion, is a very good thing. Taking place in 1861, right when the west began to "invade" the east, the story centers around 5 main characters.....Lord Genji, who has "seen" that his life will be saved by an outsider. He has been the one "chosen once in a generation" to have the gift of prophesy. Emily Gibson- a chick that has come to spread Christiani...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 11, 2012 Charles rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very readable story of Japan in the late 1800s, describing the culture clash of Japanese vs. American "outsiders" & missionaries, and hinting at the major changes to come shortly in a culture that was fixed in a time warp & had not changed its cruel warlike medieval traditions. Reminiscent of a blend of "Shogun"(James Clavell), and "Geisha"(Arthur Golden), with a strong streak of mysticism in the form of prophecy, it drips with blood on every page, as the novel moves back & forth i...more

like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Lutfi Annisa Rizki rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Apr 12, 2009 Elketw rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Category: Books
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Author: Takashi Matsuoka

Buku ini cukup bagus mengingat saya memang pencinta segala sesuatu yg keJepang-Jepangan ^_^ Awalnya tertarik karna liat covernya ... he he jadi inget Manga taon 2000an Samurai X ....

Genji Okumichi si Tokoh utama dalam buku ini diceritakan sebagai seorang bangsawan Jepang yang cukup terbuka dengan intervensi negara Asing sehingga mengakibatkan dirinya banyak dimusuhi oleh masyarakat sekitarnya.

Genji sangat dihormati sekalig...more

like · see review

Jul 17, 2011 Serazhutdin Khappalaev rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Воробьиная Туча", изданная у нас как "Стрелы на Ветру", формально считается первой книгой дилогии, и повествует об истории Гэндзи Окумити - последнего князя клана, его ближайших родственников, вассалов, а также нескольких американцев, чьи судьбы окажутся неразрывно переплетены с судьбой всего клана. После скачущего по эпохам "Осеннего Моста" практически линейное за некоторыми исключениями повествование "Воробьиной Тучи" кажется читерством :) Гэндзи Окумити, бывший одним из многих главных героев...more "Воробьиная Туча", изданная у нас как "Стрелы на Ветру", формально считается первой книгой дилогии, и повествует об истории Гэндзи Окумити - последнего князя клана, его ближайших родственников, вассалов, а также нескольких американцев, чьи судьбы окажутся неразрывно переплетены с судьбой всего клана. После скачущего по эпохам "Осеннего Моста" практически линейное за некоторыми исключениями повествование "Воробьиной Тучи" кажется читерством :) Гэндзи Окумити, бывший одним из многих главных героев "Осеннего Моста" тут фактически становится самым главным. Будучи наслышанным о пророческом даре своих предков, он тем не менее, не особо в него верит, хотя его дед, князь Киёри, предсказал, что у Гэндзи на протяжении всего его жизни ему будет всего три пророческих видения.

Став князем в очень молодом возрасте, Гэндзи вынужден бороться с интригами могущественного князя Каваками, начальника тайной полиции сёгуната, желающего окончательно уничтожить клан Окумити и поставить жирную историческую точку в битве при Сэкигахара. Япония того периода подвергается мощнейшему международному давлению, когда США, Франция, Великобритания и Россия совместно давят на сёгунат с требованием открыть страну для торговли и христианских миссионеров. Князь Окумити, подчиняясь увиденному в пророчествах, соглашается на постройку христианской миссии на территории княжества, что в свою очередь, приводит к двум последствиям - совершив столь опасный с политической точки зрения шаг, Гэндзи развязывает руки его противнику Каваками, который использует это как повод посеять разногласия среди военачальников Гэндзи. Кроме того, следствием данного князем разрешения является прибытие американки Эмилии Гибсон, с которой у князя вопреки всем культурным и политическим обстоятельствам возникает роман.

"Воробьиную Тучу" можно считать и историей любви Гэндзи к двум женщинам: американке Эмилии Гибсон и Хэйко - самой блистательной гейше Эдо, историю примечательной тем, что даже князю не суждено в полной мере быть свободным в своих отношениях, поскольку на протяжении всей жизни он может считаться жертвой историко-политических обстоятельств и пророческого дара, которое одновременно является и проклятием.

Очень крутая книга, полная исторических интриг, экшена (причем внезапно с элементами вестерна) и драмы. Как "Осенний Мост" всячески рекомендую к прочтению.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Jasmin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book along with its sequel are my favourite books of all time and like all the books I love best I found it completely by accident. As is always the way with books of exceptional brilliance I was drawn to it in spite of the cover and the fact that I had never read a foreign author before.

Its beautiful. Its everything you could want in a book. The settings are so wonderfully depicted both Japan and America. The characters oh1 the characters! I loved the way the story shaped to Genji and how...more

like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 Niall519 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, fantasy-high-low-urban-and-horrific

Set during a rather fascinating period of Japanese history, this one managed to really capture me. Matsuoka-san seems to have been drawn to stories from both his homeland and new country (technically making him issei although I'm not sure if the term could used for a 'recent' migrant), blending high culture and important deeds with snippets of daily life and the little people in Edo and the countryside of both Japan and the US.

It reminded me somewhat of Lian Hearn's Across the Nightingale Floor,...more

like · see review

Jun 03, 2009 Adelina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ако човек иска да научи нещо повече за традициите на японското общество през 19 век, за сблъсъка на японските нрави с навлизащите западни влияния, това е добро начало.
Ако на човек му се чете роман, в който се преплитата криминална нишка и любовна история на фона на исторически събития, няма да сбърка с тази книга.

Аз обаче след тази книга за пореден път се питам как е възможно да се възхищаваш на замръзналата капчица върху гола вишнева клонка през зимата, да онемяваш пред красотата на природен пе...more

like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 novia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nihon-no-shousetsu

‘Those who succeed and those fail are both destined to die.’

Is the ability to know the future a bless or a curse? Can that ability make a true samurai, one who doesn’t complain when being tortured, one who is willing to die for the sake of honor and loyalty, but is considered common to cry when feeling moved or happy?

(Blurb from the Indonesian translated book)

I was in the middle of reading a book for my Once Upon a Time challenge when my friend, out of nowhere, lent me Samurai – Kastel Awan Bu...more ‘Those who succeed and those fail are both destined to die.’

Is the ability to know the future a bless or a curse? Can that ability make a true samurai, one who doesn’t complain when being tortured, one who is willing to die for the sake of honor and loyalty, but is considered common to cry when feeling moved or happy?

(Blurb from the Indonesian translated book)

I was in the middle of reading a book for my Once Upon a Time challenge when my friend, out of nowhere, lent me Samurai – Kastel Awan Burung Gereja (the translation for Cloud of Sparrows). At first, I wasn’t that tempted to read it as I don’t really like translated book. But somehow, the book was calling me to read it. My defense finally broke down and put aside the book I was reading before. I have to say that I am glad I put that book down and started reading this one :)

Samurai never stops fascinating me…it was the era where killing another human being is not a big problem, especially when you are a nobleman…however, we can’t see that era as barbaric era because there were honor, loyalty and orderness laying side by side with the countless killing and decapitating.

The story took place in 1861, the time when Japan who has been isolated for centuries finally opened a bit to the outside world…of course with a lot of arguments between the noblemen.

Okumichi no Kami Genji was the last in his Clan. He was the young Lord Akaoka. He was known to people as an incompetent leader because he liked playing with geisha and always tried to put emphasize on his outer appearance. But Genji was actually a very great leader, he had amazing talent to judge people’s characters. He knew how to use the situation to his or his clan’s benefit. He is also very compassionate. Okumichi clan had ability to foreseen the future, it might not be the future soon to come but also a future where they were no longer alive to see it.

Genji was in love with the prettiest geisha in Edo, Lady Heiko. But lady Heiko is actually a spy under Kawakami’s order. Kawakami hated Okumichi’s clan for no apparent reason. He wanted the clam to extinct.

Genji drew attention to himself by accepting three American Missionaries to come to Japan and live in his mansion. Crowell and his fiancée, Emily Gibson and Matthew Stark came with different mission on their hearts. Crowell really wanted to share Christianity to Japanese people, Emily was running away from her beauty that always brought her bad lucks while she was in US (In Japan, she was looked at as ugly woman) and Stark came to find a man who had killed his family brutally. Crowell died before he could do anything in Japan.

Continue reading >> http://bokunosekai.wordpress.com/2012...(less)

like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Yuy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Cloud of Sparrows was a good book to understand the feudal Japanese mindset and it is interesting to see the differences between what Americans and Japanese thought of each other.

There are many plots and subplots in the story that I feel the book was not concluded well. However, knowing that there is indeed a sequel to the book, I see that perhaps this was done intentionally.

The second book follows the life of Genji and also other people.

The style of writing made the book easy to read. The stor...more

like · see review

Aug 10, 2011 Jasmin Thomas added it · review of another edition

This book (and its sequel) are amazing, close to flawless. How the author manages to hold on to so many plot lines and amazing characters. Eache character has a voice and are as they should be- the women beautiful and the men courageous. But the characters are so much deeper than that. This book brings a rowld to life and every character has a voice. It keeps you utterly absorbed until the last page.
For all his flaws, I love Genji and his half smile. I loved Emily despite or perhaps becuase of...more

like · see review

Jun 29, 2011 Hilal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

1.
The demons of the past,
the treachery of the present,
an uncertain future are about to collide in the most terrifying ways.

As past and present collide,
a hidden history comes to life,
and with it a secret prophecy that has been shrouded for centuries and may now finally be revealed.

2.
Dahulu, di pertengahan semester VI, saya mendapatkan novel Samurai Kastel Awan Burung Gereja. Novel ini saya pilih karena novel Musashi, yang beberapa tahun lalu sudah saya baca, menyedot perhatian saya pada novel-nov...more

like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 Jedidiah Behe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a great book that I picked up because it had a sword on it...not kidding. It's about a western gunslinger that goes over to Japan and gets caught up in all this mess with assassins and shoguns and all that other fantastic stuff that happened in feudal Japan.

I loved the characters, good and bad, in this book. It was a while ago when I read it so I am a little fuzzy and I am going to read it again some day once I knock out the other million book on my to-read list...

Great action. The plo...more

like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Matsuoka sensei has a few pacing issues, but since it was his first book they really aren't much to complain about. He did a wonderful job at keeping all the points of view and subplots organized and coherent, which is quite a feat for as many as there were in the book! The characters were well drawn, lush and wholly believable, even the ones I didn't like. Especially wonderful were all the strong women, even our, at the beginning, dishrag heroine learns strength and acquires a backbone by the e...more

like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 Shari rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

In spite of the bloody, brutal and gory scenes, I found myself liking this book. It wasn't just about fighting and getting revenge by clans of samurais, but also about how Edo responded and reacted to the forced opening of the country to the world. It was interesting to read the clash of cultures between Japan and the rest of the world, such as how one would perceive beauty and express its appreciation. At the same time, this difference is also balanced by how compromises can be reached, even th...more

like · see review

Aug 15, 2012 kagami rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: japan

An exquisite book! I immensely enjoyed every page of it.
I loved the story, the complexity of the characters, the style, the imagery, and every little detail of the narrative. I was thrilled at last to encounter a read which, in my view, truthfully portrays the inner workings of Japanese feudal society, the rigid codes that used to rule the behaviour of each member of that nation.
Even a daimyo - a Great Lord, who is answerable only to the Shogun and the Emperor - cannot really do what he please...more

like · see review

Feb 09, 2009 Endah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ketika lelaki itu berpaling menatapnya, Heiko berharap dia akan melihat :
Rambutnya : sekelam malam tanpa bintang tergerai di alas sutra biru.
Wajahnya : sepucat salju pada musim semi, bersinar dengan cahaya yang dicuri dari bulan (hal.24)

Itulah serangkaian kalimat pembuka novel epik berjudul asli Cloud of Sparrows : An Epic Novel of Japan karya Takashi Matsuoka atau diterjemahkan oleh penerbit Qanita Mizan menjadi Samurai Kastel Awan Burung Gereja. Kalimat tadi telah memikat saya untuk terus memb...more

like · see review

Jun 23, 2008 Aleetha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sekitar tahun 1861, masa transisi terjadi di pemerintahan Jepang. Tak sedikit perubahan yang terjadi. Salah satunya adalah adanya perjanjian dengan pemerintahan bangsa lain. Hal yang selama puluhan tahun tak pernah dilakukan. Perjanjian ini juga yang mempermudah bagi orang asing termasuk para misionaris untuk masuk dan menginjakkan kaki ke negeri matahari terbit ini, tanpa harus tunduk pada hukum yang berlaku di Jepang.

Kebijakan ini menimbulkan keresahan bagi beberapa pihak. Apalagi melihat sepa...more Sekitar tahun 1861, masa transisi terjadi di pemerintahan Jepang. Tak sedikit perubahan yang terjadi. Salah satunya adalah adanya perjanjian dengan pemerintahan bangsa lain. Hal yang selama puluhan tahun tak pernah dilakukan. Perjanjian ini juga yang mempermudah bagi orang asing termasuk para misionaris untuk masuk dan menginjakkan kaki ke negeri matahari terbit ini, tanpa harus tunduk pada hukum yang berlaku di Jepang.

Kebijakan ini menimbulkan keresahan bagi beberapa pihak. Apalagi melihat sepak terjang para misionaris yang seakan dengan mudahnya membuat penduduk di beberapa bagian Jepang beralih dari agama yang bertahun – tahun mereka anut.

Dulu sewaktu Shogun Takugawa I, Ieyasu, memegang tampuk kekuasaan. Masalah yang ditimbulkan oleh para misioanaris dengan mudah diatasi. Dengan keras ia melarang semua individu untuk memeluk agama kristen. Bahkan dengan lantangnya mengusir para pendeta asing, menyalib puluhan ribu rakyat yang dicurigai telah berpindah agama. Sehingga dalam jangka waktu 200 tahun, agama kristen tak berhasil masuk ke Jepang.

Namun keadaan kini berubah. Para misionaris diperlakukan dengan lebih sopan. Bahkan seorang Genji Okumichi, Daimyo Akaoka, Bangsawan Agung pun memberikan perlindungan dan menjamin keselamatan pada tiga misionaris yang baru saja menapakkan kaki mereka ke Jepang.

Bagi orang – orang asli Jepang yang membenci para pendatang menjadi semakin gerah. Bukan suatu hal yang mengherankan jika Kepala Polisi Rahasia Shogun, Kawakami Eiichi membenci sikap yang terkesan sangat lemah Genji. Kawakami menganggap tindakan Genji sungguh keterlaluan. Rencana demi rencana pun disusunnya untuk menyingkirkan pria yang tidak pantas dianggap seorang samurai. Semua tercermin dari sikap Genji, yang terlihat sangat feminin, hanya mememntingkan kesenangan dunia, merusak citranya dengan wanita dan sake.

Bagi Genji sendiri, ia punya alasan kuat mengapa memutuskan untuk mengambil tindakan demikian. Semua bersumber dari ramalan. Ia tak perlu pendapat seseorang untuk mengetahui keakuratannya. Karena kemampuan mengetahui masa depan telah menjadi warisan turun temurun di keluarganya. Lihat saja Pamannya, Lord Shigeru, kakeknya, Lord Kiyori dan tentu saja para leluhurnya. Walau mengikuti ramalan yang bertujuan untuk menyelamatkan dirinya tidak berarti bahwa bahaya berhenti mengancam.

Buku yang menarik. setidaknya dari sisi sejarah pemerintahan Jepang yang dicampur dalam cerita fiksinya. Buku ini tidak hanya membuat saya semakin penasaran dengan pergantian demi pergantian yang terjadi pada sistem politik Jepang di masa lalu.

Puluhan artikel tentang Negeri Matahari Terbit ini telah saya download. Namun entah mengapa tidak satupun yang membuat saya mengerti tahapan pergantian yang terjadi hingga menjelma menjadi negeri Jepang yang modern seperti sekarang ini. Semua hanya berupa potongan – potongan yang saya kumpulkan dari beberapa novel, animasi ataupun film seperti The Last Samurai.

Saya juga jadi tertarik memahami bagaimana sosok seorang pria yang pantas disebut seorang samurai. Tentunya tidak dapat sepenuhnya melihat Genji sang tokoh utama yang disebut – sebut tidak memiliki ciri-ciri tersebut. yang jelas dari buku ini saya mengetahui bahwa kata kehormatan dan kesetiaan menjadi bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dari sikap mereka. Beberapa kawan mengatakan bahwa sosok itu bisa terlihat pada Miyamoto Musashi. Sayangnya Novel yang memuat kisah hidupnya tak kunjung hadir di rak buku saya.

Dibalik asyiknya menelusuri cerita Samurai ini, saya sedikit terganggu dengan bentuk dan desain buku. Tidak hanya menjadikan buku ini menjadi sangat tebal namun juga ketidaknyamanan saat memegangnya. Entah apakah karena seperti itulah bentuk aslinya ataukah Qanita membuatnya agar seragam dengan semua desain buku – buku yang telah diterbitkan sebelumnya. (less)

like · see review

Jun 17, 2008 Dan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, own

I nearly put down this book before finishing the second chapter. A ninja-geisha spy who falls in love with her quarry, a zealous and lecherous priest, a pure and ignorant young girl, and a gifted, attractive and progressive samurai lord: all these together almost made one-too-many stereotypes.

Rewards await those ready to struggle through a seemingly predictable opening, however. None of these things are quite what they seem (except the priest, but there's a surprise there, too), and the subtle c...more

like · see review

May 04, 2008 Mrs. Fujiwara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: japanese-literature

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 22, 2008 Robert Beveridge rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finished, owned-and-gave-away

Takashi Matsuoka, Cloud of Sparrows (Delacorte, 2002)

Takashi Matsuoka's debut novel, Cloud of Sparrows, is quite a treat. The similarities between the code of the Samurai and the code of the Wild West gunfighter have been done before, of course, but never within such an elaborate framework. The novel begins on New Year's Day 1861, with the arrival of three American missionaries to Akaoka. Akaoka's present Great Lord, Genji, has a reputation as an effeminate dilettante, keeps company with Japan's...more Takashi Matsuoka, Cloud of Sparrows (Delacorte, 2002)

Takashi Matsuoka's debut novel, Cloud of Sparrows, is quite a treat. The similarities between the code of the Samurai and the code of the Wild West gunfighter have been done before, of course, but never within such an elaborate framework. The novel begins on New Year's Day 1861, with the arrival of three American missionaries to Akaoka. Akaoka's present Great Lord, Genji, has a reputation as an effeminate dilettante, keeps company with Japan's most beautiful geisha, has a completely insane uncle who's locked up in a monastery after he murdered his family, is marked for assassination by the head of the Shogun's secret police, and sees prophetic visions, like one member of every generation in his clan. Or does he? It might be a ruse to keep the natives from getting restless.

And that's all within the first few pages. The reader is advised to sit back and get ready for the ride.

Despite everything that's going on in those first few pages, there's a slowness to them; for about fifty pages or so, as we meet and get to know the characters, the novel progresses at a quite leisurely pace. Don't let this put you off. The book picks up quickly enough and the rest of its four-hundred-odd pages fly by. All that background does have a use.

If there is one nit I can pick with this book, it's in the character of Emily, one of the missionaries. As with all fantasies (though this book is far more historical novel; the only real fantasy element in it is Genji's family's gift of prophecy), there is a romantic component. Emily, betrothed to the head missionary, stays quite in character for most of the novel; towards the end, however, she breaks character rather radically. Takashi does his best to hide this (most of it is done offstage), but there's still a niggling in the mind that a book with such well-drawn, true characters takes such an easy way out. In the greater scheme of things, however, this is a minor enough detail when held up against the rest of the novel.

Well worth looking into. **** (less)

like · see review

Jul 24, 2008 Monk rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This book was great - right up to the last 40 or so pages. It's a richly developed cast of characters (so much so that it requires a cast list in the beginning of the book to keep them all straight for reference). The protagonist, Lord Genji, is the Lord of a Japanese Clan at the time of Japan's border openings to the West. As the lord of his fief, he is the most recent lord to be born with the family's curse - the ability to see the future. Prophecy plays a huge part in the tale, and it leads i...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 76 77 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (37)

More editions...

Genres

Historical Fiction

71 users

Cultural > Japan

60 users

Novels

23 users

Fantasy

19 users

Asian Literature > Japanese Literature

17 users

Cultural > Asia

10 users

Romance

7 users

Adventure

6 users

Literature > Asian Literature

5 users

Asian Literature > Indonesian Literature

4 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Takashi Matsuoka

Takashi Matsuoka is a first-generation Japanese American writer living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Before commiting full time to the writing profession, he used to work at a Zen Buddhist temple. His books, historical novels depicting American missionaries' visits to Japan, are often compared to Shōgun and the rest James Clavell's series. In addition to writing novels, Matsuoka also worked...more

More about Takashi Matsuoka...

Books by Takashi Matsuoka

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Kastel Awan Burun...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Cloud of Sparrows
avg rating	preview: Cloud of Sparrows Goodreads rating: 3.92 (1431 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1206464.Cloud_of_Sparrows?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320485184l/1206464.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1206464.Cloud_of_Sparrows?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka[/url]

Cloud of Sparrows (Samurai #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website