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Jembatan Musim Gugur

(Samurai #2)

Takashi Matsuoka,

Ary Nilandari (Goodreads Author) (Translator)

4.05 · Rating details · 1,892 ratings · 171 reviews

Mengetahui masa depan dan mengetahui masa lampau adalah dua hal yang bermakna sama. Apa bedanya mengetahui hal yang tak terelakkan dengan mengetahui apa yang telah terjadi?

Aki-no-Hashi
(1311)

Sesosok wanita hadir, mengiris keheningan menara tertinggi Kastel Awan Burung Gereja. Kecantikannya memukau, kelembutannya menghanyutkan, dan keanggunannya menebarkan pesona. Tetapi, ke ...more

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Paperback, 852 pages

Published 2005 by Qanita (first published January 1st 2004)

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Nov 14, 2013 Algernon (Darth Anyan) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013

The overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Restoration of the Emperor, the abolition of the samurai class, the dissolution of the domains, the unprecedented intrusion of foreigners into Japan, the destruction of the last heroic proponents of bushido--all these events had occurred in the span of less than ten years.

The radical late XIX century changes in Japan society offer a rich filon of inspiration for the epic canvas of Takashi Matsuoka. This second 'Samurai' book is more of a companion b ...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, japanese, fantasy

It is interesting how people react differently to books, just like people. When I finished "Autumn Bridge" I felt as if someone had just died. There was a moment during which I actually felt empty and wanted to grieve. I felt the same way after reading "Cloud of Sparrows", yet when I started to read this, its sequel, I remembered very little of that story... it came back to me in visions, like personal memories. There will be people who will read both books and wonder what all the fuss is about. ...more

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Sep 28, 2009 Sharon rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

If James Clavell's "Shogun" had been as good as "Cloud of Sparrows," I might have finished reading it.

I am serious.

"Cloud of Sparrows" is the story of Lord Genji, a Japanese noble who allows Western missionaries to come to his domain. One member of each generation in his family has the gift of prophecy, and Genji has had a vision that his life will be saved by an outsider one day. So, he allows Westerners into Japan after two centuries of isolation.

The missionaries are led by Reverend Cromwell a ...more

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Aug 26, 2015 Einahpets rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I read "Cloud of Sparrows" when I was a teenager and it had been my favorite book since that day. When I found out that there was a secuel I felt like I had to read it almost as a matter of life or death.
And when I finally got it I found myself getting scared. I didn't want to get disappointed by the second part because the first book was so special for me (I could say that book came to me just in the right moment of my life and it changed me).
It wasn't the case.
"Autumn Bridge" is so good and be I read "Cloud of Sparrows" when I was a teenager and it had been my favorite book since that day. When I found out that there was a secuel I felt like I had to read it almost as a matter of life or death.
And when I finally got it I found myself getting scared. I didn't want to get disappointed by the second part because the first book was so special for me (I could say that book came to me just in the right moment of my life and it changed me).
It wasn't the case.
"Autumn Bridge" is so good and beautifully written that it just suck my life for the major part of 2 weeks. I couldn't stop myself from reading it. I read it everywhere. I think about it on my work, with my family and friends even on my dreams (I literally dreamt about this book).
In this book we get to know Genji's ancestors their lifes and deaths and how everything was connected. I just love the way how the book show us past, present and future almost at the same time I felt like I myself had the gift of foretelling (which sadly I don't).
I won't lie the book gets pretty confusing some times because it continually jump from past to present and to future every time I flipped the page. I had to reread some parts because I got lost (I think that could also be because I felt so excited about the book that I read it quickly... too quickly some times)
But that wasn't a major problem the story by itself was so catchy that I just wanted to know more.
The book end gaves you an awkward feeling because we already knew how it was going to end almost from the beginning of the book (as I repeatedly say the book shows you present, past and future as they were one) so when you get to the ending part you feel a little helpless because there wasn't anything that could be done to avoid it (and believe me the main characters tried hard) is like sitting and watching a lion eating a baby zebra and you couldn't help it no matter how much you wish you could.
But don't get me wrong I have no complaints about it for me it seem like it had the right end. Everything came to a satisfactory conclusion and we know what happen to almost all the characters that the book show us.
I can't explain myself enough to say why these books (Cloud of Sparrows and Autumn Bridge) are so good and special for me. My best advice could be just read it and judge it by yourself. I would recommend it to anyone but that's just my humble opinion. ...more

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Feb 10, 2014 BDT rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, first-printing

To start off, I loved Cloud of Sparrows. Matsuoka is a gifted writer, and it's a shame that he hasn't written more.

When I first started reading this, I was concerned that it wouldn't live up to Cloud of Sparrows, and had a difficult time understanding the book's structure (frequent jumps back and forth between time periods). However, it all began to make sense after about 25% through, and I found myself racing to the finish.

The sheer depth of emotion and description of the flaws of each and ever ...more

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Jul 14, 2014 Marc Jentzsch rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, historical, samurai

A worthy sequel to Cloud of Sparrows, Autumn Bridge fills in the few big gaps left by the previous book. Though it's difficult to say what truly constitutes the present of the narrative in Autumn Bridge, we are also introduced to a slew of new characters, past, present, and future. Perhaps that's the point, though, that for each of the characters, their story is their present and as we read, so it is for us. Throughout the narrative, there is little regard for chronological storytelling and oddl A worthy sequel to Cloud of Sparrows, Autumn Bridge fills in the few big gaps left by the previous book. Though it's difficult to say what truly constitutes the present of the narrative in Autumn Bridge, we are also introduced to a slew of new characters, past, present, and future. Perhaps that's the point, though, that for each of the characters, their story is their present and as we read, so it is for us. Throughout the narrative, there is little regard for chronological storytelling and oddly, the book is stronger for it.

If I had to register any complaints about this book it's that too little attention was paid to San Francisco (though what there was, was expertly crafted) and that the end of the book seems to go into a nosedive with its breakneck pacing. It's a little jarring for things to suddenly begin moving so quickly when they have taken their time all along, time that was well spent in developing characters and events and tying them into the time-jumping narrative.

In Cloud of Sparrows, flashbacks were placed well and were used to add detail and show us the raw ends of the characters. This can be hard for a lot of writers, even good writers, to do well. Most do it so poorly that flashbacks are normally an instantly aggravating bit of the text, like songs and poems and dream sequences. They pull me straight out of the story. In Autumn Bridge, the narrative asides move to exist on a different plane altogether, as seemingly random placement of events in the past, present and future congeal into a masterful tale that doesn't seem disjointed at all. Rather, they seem to build the story in ways that build toward the inevitable conclusion, pulling us along like cats chasing the sunlight as it stretches and slides away to the horizon.

More mystical than the first, Autumn Bridge is every bit as grounded. We see a culture in flux and this change is portrayed with a casual mastery reflective - no doubt - of Matsuoka's upbringing. The final denouement is tragic, absurd, even heartwarming all at once and again showcases a talent for the portrayal of the clashing forces at work in Japan for the last 150-odd years.

I cannot recommend this book (or its predecessor) highly enough. ...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Shari rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Dramatic, lyrical and creative. I found this book better than Cloud of Sparrows. The going back and forth in time was a bit confusing at first, but it immediately made sense and even added depth to the setting and characters and moved the story forward by tying the loosed ends in Cloud of Sparrows. This book also gives background to the pre-Restoration era. It's the story of Japan just as much as Genji, Emily, Kimi and Lady Shizuka's. ...more

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Jun 28, 2020 Virginia rated it liked it · review of another edition

Loved many parts of this story, but found some things about it incredibly problematic. One character arc contains a serial sexual abuser who has a redemption arc, which I find unacceptable.

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Sep 20, 2015 Liz Chapman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Some readers have written very long reviews of this book but I just want to say I really enjoyed reading it. It did remind me in places of James Clavell's Shogun but I liked that book as well. I did get a bit confused with the constant time changes in the story but I sorted it out in the end. If you want a synopsis of the book read other reviews I'm just happy I read it. ...more

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Feb 01, 2015 Charnette rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Once again Matsuoka amazed me. I'm eagerly awaiting his next book, because I simply loved both of his books (this one and Cloud of Sparrows). ...more

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May 06, 2018 Eric Lo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka is a challenging read woven into a web of different timelines, prophecies, and lineage. In the beginning, we are introduced to Genji. Genji is a man of many things; Great Lord of Akaoka, wielder of prophectic visions, and lover to Emily Gibson. As leader, Genji is tasked with overseeing and providing his own outlook of the rapid modernization in Japan during the early 1800s. During this time, we are also introduced to Emily, an American foreigner that has tasked Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka is a challenging read woven into a web of different timelines, prophecies, and lineage. In the beginning, we are introduced to Genji. Genji is a man of many things; Great Lord of Akaoka, wielder of prophectic visions, and lover to Emily Gibson. As leader, Genji is tasked with overseeing and providing his own outlook of the rapid modernization in Japan during the early 1800s. During this time, we are also introduced to Emily, an American foreigner that has tasked herself with researching the history of Genji’s clan. One day, Emily is given a box of scrolls to look at. Puzzled by the scrolls’ message, she travels to Mushindo Abbey with her friend in order to learn more about the scrolls. However, rather than learning about the scrolls, Emily learns about Lady Shizuka, a witch from the early 1300s. As the setting and perspective change to Shizuka’s, we learn that she has been tormented by her own gift of prophetic visions for most of her life. As the setting and perspective shift back to Emily’s, this is where we learn of how Genji’s family gained the gift of prophetic powers. We also learn that the scrolls that Emily was given may very well describe the events that will take place in her future. Later, Emily is attacked at Mushindo Abbey, causing her friend to die. This is where we also learn of Genji’s abandoned son, named Makoto. Makoto has built up a sort of grudge against Genji, causing him to sneak onto a boat to Japan with one goal in mind: find Genji and retrieve answers. We also learn of what happened to Shizuka and how she gave birth to a daughter in order to continue the Okumichi Clan and its curse of prophetic visions before she died. Near the end, we learn of Genji’s family and how his outlook on life his changed as he aged. The setting then fast forwards in time where Makoto reconciles with Genji as Genji admits what he did was wrong, causing Makoto’s hatred for him to dissipate. At last, the Akaoka domain is tranquil as Genji marries Emily, his relationships with others are whole, and the history of his clan is no longer shrouded in mystery.
Autumn Bridge is an interesting blend between the past and reality as the fine lines between tradition and modernization are blurred. Matsuoka’s use of masterfully told imagery and details depicts the change in atmosphere of the once culturally rich Japan to a country who’s seemed to lost its identity. While the alternating timeline and multitude of characters leaves you confused at times, Matsuoka’s unique and vivid storytelling ability easily separates Autumn Bridge from other retelling of Japanese tradition. ...more

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Jun 18, 2020 Yanper rated it liked it · review of another edition

The book is about a period in Japan's history that was difficult. It keeps one’s interest with a very good plot but it’s not as good as the first book, "Cloud of Sparrows". It’s getting a bit confusing with the constant jumping back and forth between time periods. ...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Lucy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-passed-on

Although this book did jump around in time and place, I was able to keep track of the individual stories in this novel. Each story was brought its conclusion, which I liked and appreciated.

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Jan 19, 2015 Quiet rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 日本人著者

3 stars because of the change in comprehension between this sequel and the first, Cloud of Sparrows.

Cloud of Sparrows hints at prophecy and metaphysical abilities, but it's by and large a novel of the closing of feudal Japan, and focuses more on Japanese lifestyle during that time rather than some fictious adventure.

Autumn Bridge, though, is a fiction story. And by this I mean it rather abandons the more encompassing study of Japan to focus on the prophetic-bloodline of the Okumichi clan.

It wasn ...more

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Aug 02, 2015 Danny Saputra rated it really liked it

Autumn bridge

Timeline is always make me look worse. And there's so many timeline in this book, past or future. And everytime i found the year, i always flipped back pages over and over again to make sure. Yes, timeline make me also look stupid as fuck. So annoyed, but it was great experienced i got from book.

When you read the tittle, you will expect that it's an action book, full of fight or war. But, if you kind of those reader, you will got disappointed. It's supposed to be a political-history ...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Vicki Beyer rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

While some aspects of this tale were interesting and intriguing, it was neither easy nor pleasant to read. The use of unnatural names for the Japanese characters (eg, names not in use in the time period in question, names that weren't names, women's names assigned to me) was distracting and disconcerting, as were certain historical inaccuracies, such as having proselytizing Christians central to the story at a time when Christians were actually persecuted in Japan. Apparently there was another b ...more

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Jun 29, 2014 Keith rated it it was amazing

I bought and enjoyed reading both - Cloud of Sparrows - along with this sequel to it, Autumn Bridge, one after the other. Quite good continuity within them too.

As it was set roughly around one of my favoured Japanese time periods, it is also mostly the type I read (Shogun, etc). So all in all, a good thumbs up for them both . . .

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Aug 31, 2007 Mark rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Wannabe Japanophiles

Don't remember much about this, other than that there was some good killing! I think the older brother's name was Shigeru - he was this cool delusional samurai who was a master swordsman and killed indiscriminately. Great. ...more

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May 20, 2014 Ifigenia Grigoriadou rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Several years ago I 've read the first volume, cloud of sparrows, and fell in love. Now, finishing Autumn Bridge I found myself falling in love again. Very resourceful storytelling, and a wonderful journey going back and forth in time. ...more

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Sep 17, 2014 Autumn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

I got completely sucked into this book. It has a timeline that jumps all over the place, which usually I hate but which I liked very much in this case. It's a sequel to a book I haven't read, so I might need to track it down (A Cloud of Sparrows) and read them in order.

...more

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Mar 17, 2016 Laura rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: asian-enfluenced, audio-book, fairy-tale, in-2016

The great lords of okamichi are gifted with "the sight". They are supposed to have visions of the future that are infallible. The reader watches as they try to circumvent these....and how the predictions play out in their lives. ...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Sophiene rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Wonderful read. The sequel to Cloud of Sparrows in which all becomes clear. It appealed to my sense of order as a librarian, so I really liked all the storylines coming together.

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Sep 24, 2013 Niles Perkins rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

One of the best historical fiction books I've read this year. Matsuoka compared favorably with Guy Gavriel Kay. I really enjoyed this and will read his Cloud of Sparrows as soon as I can get a copy. ...more

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Nov 24, 2013 Jans - creansdreamsofbooks rated it it was amazing

One of the best books I've ever read. Conplex but a truly wonderful story. ...more

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Mar 25, 2014 Stella Golden rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Its such a good book omfg. If you read Cloud of Sparrows first this gives a strong affect on your emotions.

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Jun 09, 2015 Lucy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-pre-2015

Loved this book. Strange and quirky, made me laugh and cry. Re-read every now and again.

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Nov 12, 2015 Robyn Teare rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I enjoyed reading this book but I found the constant skipping backwards and forwards in time quite confusing.

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Nov 21, 2015 Heather rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A little slow & jumped around quite a bit from the past, into the present, back into the past, etc.

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Apr 18, 2019 Aaron Curmi rated it liked it · review of another edition

As expected, I read this as a follow up to "Cloud of Sparrows", which I enjoyed very much. As a big fan of the first novel, I was eager to get into this one and learn more about the history of the Okumichi clan and the mysterious Lady Shizuka. It certainly delivered in both categories.

However, "Autumn Bridge" lacks the drive that "Cloud of Sparrows" had. The latter had a great deal of action and thus a faster pace. I devoured it rather quickly. The former did not possess this. Instead, it opted ...more

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May 21, 2019 TheLibricino rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: in-my-library, dramatic-erotic-novel

A mirror in ancient Japan where you start reading and suddenly you are surrounded by samurai, geisha, beautiful ladies and charming lords.
Matsuoka has the incredible power to make his stories incredibly real, while you read you’re there…. You feel their pain, you live their anguish, their passion and on every page, it takes you out of reality!
I’d read some reviews about this book, and what emerges is a difficulty in following a logical thread, due to his jumping back and forth in time. To tell ...more

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About Takashi Matsuoka

Takashi Matsuoka

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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

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Quotes from Jembatan Musim Gugur

“Hypocrisy was the essential nature of all modes of human control. The brilliant few did as they wished, while convincing the gullible many to follow rules they themselves disdained.” — 0 likes

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