bookshelves: currently-reading
Read the rest of the series, and thought this one would be great....already am sick of William and Lord John, and think she could benefit from some hefty editing. ]]>
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bookshelves: fiction-read-2009, library, science-fiction
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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bookshelves: non-fiction-read-2009, usa
This book had such a good idea-a sister who is a Buddhist nun, and a brother who is one of the best-known capitalists on the planet. But... it isn't a great read. Lots of repetition, and just when it could get interesting, along come the platitudes. Why did I expect more? Who knows.
Having finished it now, I have to admit it gets better in the second half. I found Tenzin's parts more interesting-although life as a Tibetan buddhist nun living in Western society and the conflicts that can arise are only covered superficially. ]]>
bookshelves: aeroplane-books, fiction-read-2009, historical-fiction
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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bookshelves: fiction-read-2009, japan, library
An epic novel of the effect of history (war and post-war Japan) on the lives of the characters. Although lengthy, it's not a difficult read, with interesting detail about sumo and Noh mask-making. Three stars instead of 4 because it seemed to me at times like a school journal-as if the tale was secondary to the lessons in Japanese culture. Not that I minded that really. Other reviewers have noted that this book is not as engaging as her others, so I will read more of her work. ]]>