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The Kimono Tattoo
"I jostled her shoulder and noticed when I did that her skin was cold to the touch....her entire torso was covered in tattoos from her collar bone to the midline of her thighs. All were of kimono motifs-fans, incense burners, peonies, and scrolls."
This ghastly scene was the last thing Ruth Bennett expected to encounter when she agreed to translate a novel by a long-forgotten Japanese writer. Returning to her childhood home in Kyoto had promised safety, solitude, and diversion from the wounds she encountered in the U.S. But Ruth soon finds the storyline in the novel leaking into her everyday life. Fictional characters turn out to be real, and the past catches up with the present in an increasingly threatening way.
As Ruth struggles to unravel the cryptic message hidden in the kimono tattoo, she is forced to confront a vicious killer along with her own painful family secrets.
This ghastly scene was the last thing Ruth Bennett expected to encounter when she agreed to translate a novel by a long-forgotten Japanese writer. Returning to her childhood home in Kyoto had promised safety, solitude, and diversion from the wounds she encountered in the U.S. But Ruth soon finds the storyline in the novel leaking into her everyday life. Fictional characters turn out to be real, and the past catches up with the present in an increasingly threatening way.
As Ruth struggles to unravel the cryptic message hidden in the kimono tattoo, she is forced to confront a vicious killer along with her own painful family secrets.
364 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
15 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Copeland
17 books29 followersRebecca Copeland is a writer of fiction and literary criticism and a translator of Japanese literature. Her stories travel between Japan and the American South and touch on questions of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. The Kimono Tattoo, her debut work, takes readers on a journey into Kyoto’s intricate world of kimono design, and into a mystery that interweaves family dynamics, loss, and reconciliation.
Her academic writings have focused almost exclusively on modern Japanese women writers, their battles against conservative literary expectations, and their wonderful, at times subversive creativity. She has translated the works of writer Uno Chiyo and novelist Kirino Natsuo. Her translation of Kirino’s The Goddess Chronicle won the PEN Translates Award, English PEN in 2013 and The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission Prize for the Translation of Japanese Literature, 2014-2015.
Copeland was born the fourth daughter to missionary parents in a Japan still recovering from the aftermath of war. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Wake Forest, North Carolina, where she spent glorious childhood days running carefree through the quiet town and listening to her older sisters relay their stories about Japan. As a junior in college, Copeland had the opportunity to spend a year in Japan, where she studied traditional dance, learned to wear a kimono, and traveled, making ridiculous mistakes in the Japanese language. Afterwards she earned a PhD in Japanese literature at Columbia University, and she is now a professor at Washington University in St. Louis
Her academic writings have focused almost exclusively on modern Japanese women writers, their battles against conservative literary expectations, and their wonderful, at times subversive creativity. She has translated the works of writer Uno Chiyo and novelist Kirino Natsuo. Her translation of Kirino’s The Goddess Chronicle won the PEN Translates Award, English PEN in 2013 and The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission Prize for the Translation of Japanese Literature, 2014-2015.
Copeland was born the fourth daughter to missionary parents in a Japan still recovering from the aftermath of war. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Wake Forest, North Carolina, where she spent glorious childhood days running carefree through the quiet town and listening to her older sisters relay their stories about Japan. As a junior in college, Copeland had the opportunity to spend a year in Japan, where she studied traditional dance, learned to wear a kimono, and traveled, making ridiculous mistakes in the Japanese language. Afterwards she earned a PhD in Japanese literature at Columbia University, and she is now a professor at Washington University in St. Louis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 8, 2022
It was the title and the book cover that led me to request The Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland. Ruth Bennett is an American expat living in Japan and working as a translator. When she is asked by a mysterious woman to translate a book by a famous author who hasn't been heard from in years, she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery with the story she is translating blurring with real life events.
The details throughout this novel make it clear that Rebecca Copeland is very familiar with Japanese culture and tradition. The writing was lovely and very descriptive especially when it came to the descriptions and information provided about kimonos and daily life in Kyoto, but while I enjoy descriptive writing, at times it felt like a little too much especially when the descriptions did not add to the story itself.
I struggled with Ruth's naïveté throughout the story as well as some of the dialogue between the characters which felt unnatural. Also, there is a reveal somewhere near the middle of the book that was done in traditional Scooby Doo fashion which is probably my least favorite way to get information. I also was not a fan of the narration which made it hard to tell who was actually speaking. I actually think I may have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read it versus listening to it. Overall, I enjoyed the primary mystery itself and was always intrigued to see how it would end. 3 stars.
The details throughout this novel make it clear that Rebecca Copeland is very familiar with Japanese culture and tradition. The writing was lovely and very descriptive especially when it came to the descriptions and information provided about kimonos and daily life in Kyoto, but while I enjoy descriptive writing, at times it felt like a little too much especially when the descriptions did not add to the story itself.
I struggled with Ruth's naïveté throughout the story as well as some of the dialogue between the characters which felt unnatural. Also, there is a reveal somewhere near the middle of the book that was done in traditional Scooby Doo fashion which is probably my least favorite way to get information. I also was not a fan of the narration which made it hard to tell who was actually speaking. I actually think I may have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read it versus listening to it. Overall, I enjoyed the primary mystery itself and was always intrigued to see how it would end. 3 stars.
July 6, 2022
This is a wonderful modern day thriller, which touches on the heritage and customs of Japan.
The Narrator, Theresa Bakken, was simply brilliant. Her pace of reading was relaxing and steady, it allowed the listener to take in all the details and really picture the scene in their mind. Her tones with smooth and angelic.
The story is set in Kyoto Japan, Ruth who is of American Heritage but now calls Japan home after a marriage breakdown in the US. Ruth works as a translator, translating Japanese novels into English, and is studying Japanese dance in her spare time.
One evening, Ruth receives a knock at her door by a well dressed stranger and is requested to translate a new novel by a famous author, who has disappeared from society for the past few years. Ruth is intrigued by the mystery and also persuaded by the money she is offered in return as well as her love for the author's previous works, that she decides to take on the job, even though it is a breach of her employment contract to take on outside work.
The translation of this new novel, puts Ruth in a dangerous situation, things just do not make sense. Ruth translates the first chapter, and then mysteriously the events in the novel are transpiring in real life, right before her. People are being murdered, Ruth is being followed by shady characters, things go missing from Ruth's house, and then Ruth gets caught up in the middle of it all.
Thank you NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird for this audio book. This book was available to purchase from 26 April, 2022
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author
Please visit my Facebook page and blog to see all of my past and future book reviews.
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The Narrator, Theresa Bakken, was simply brilliant. Her pace of reading was relaxing and steady, it allowed the listener to take in all the details and really picture the scene in their mind. Her tones with smooth and angelic.
The story is set in Kyoto Japan, Ruth who is of American Heritage but now calls Japan home after a marriage breakdown in the US. Ruth works as a translator, translating Japanese novels into English, and is studying Japanese dance in her spare time.
One evening, Ruth receives a knock at her door by a well dressed stranger and is requested to translate a new novel by a famous author, who has disappeared from society for the past few years. Ruth is intrigued by the mystery and also persuaded by the money she is offered in return as well as her love for the author's previous works, that she decides to take on the job, even though it is a breach of her employment contract to take on outside work.
The translation of this new novel, puts Ruth in a dangerous situation, things just do not make sense. Ruth translates the first chapter, and then mysteriously the events in the novel are transpiring in real life, right before her. People are being murdered, Ruth is being followed by shady characters, things go missing from Ruth's house, and then Ruth gets caught up in the middle of it all.
Thank you NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird for this audio book. This book was available to purchase from 26 April, 2022
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author
Please visit my Facebook page and blog to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/kyliesbookad...
https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
May 29, 2022
The City of Kyoto brings us The Kimono Tattoo. We are transported to a Japanese setting full of mystery and the life of Ruth Bennett. She translates Japanese books to English and comes across a book that mysteriously has similar settings as a real life murder. She also comes across proof that her brother who was abducted years ago might still be alive.
This book was way out of my comfort zone, the setting was unfamiliar to me and I went in open minded. What a beautiful piece written by this author. It transports you to a world unknow. The character development was well thought out, it gave great insight and I really appreciated the explanations around the Kimono pieces. With a satisfying ending this book makes for a very entertaining listen.
Thank you Netgalley and Brother Mockingbird, Independent Book Publishers Association for this audiobook ARC.
This book was way out of my comfort zone, the setting was unfamiliar to me and I went in open minded. What a beautiful piece written by this author. It transports you to a world unknow. The character development was well thought out, it gave great insight and I really appreciated the explanations around the Kimono pieces. With a satisfying ending this book makes for a very entertaining listen.
Thank you Netgalley and Brother Mockingbird, Independent Book Publishers Association for this audiobook ARC.
July 27, 2022
I enjoyed this audiobook.
Ruth lives in Japan. She translates Japanese novels into English. One day she gets an offer to translate a new novel by a famous author.
In the book, she finds a murderer that looks to be from. real life.
As she continues her translation, she discovers more clues to the murder.
I found many interesting Japanese rituals.
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
Ruth lives in Japan. She translates Japanese novels into English. One day she gets an offer to translate a new novel by a famous author.
In the book, she finds a murderer that looks to be from. real life.
As she continues her translation, she discovers more clues to the murder.
I found many interesting Japanese rituals.
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
June 24, 2022
I experienced this Rebecca Copeland novel, The Kimono Tattoo, in audiobook format, narrated by Theresa Bakken. I enjoyed Bakken's performance of the book, though I don't think you would miss much by going for the traditional written format if that's your preference. Brakken maintains clear diction, and articulates emotion well without being overbearing, and does not drastically change voices for characters the way many audiobook narrators do. Much of the book is exposition on the details of Japanese culture and the history of kimono, which when narrated by Brakken, was reminiscent of a soothing informational podcast.
The overall plot of this thriller/mystery novel follows the interconnected stories of traumatic events and crime in two families, from the point of view of an American expat who has lived in Japan most of her life. The author's personal experience and knowledge of Japanese culture shines well in this story, and my favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of the narrator's life in Kyoto and the culture surrounding her. The plot itself was engaging and surprising, and I quite enjoyed how unique it was in terms of weaving in cultural information with the mystery.
The main reason I took off two stars is because the protagonist, Ruth Bennett, seemed awkwardly naive when it came to anything slightly removed from her traditional wheelhouse. Two early examples would be her initial reaction to the first description of the kimono tattoos covering a body, and the way she describes the edgier style of her younger coworker. Maybe this is some kind of generational gap, or maybe she was written this way to serve the plot and provide more opportunity for questions and details, but it really rubbed me the wrong way, and it was a trend that continued throughout the story. I felt that, for someone as intelligent and experienced as Ruth, some of the questions I found her asking were a bit unbelievable. There were probably different ways to advance the plot than underselling the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills of the main character.
That all being said, this book is a must-read for people who love thrillers, mysteries, and Japan. Her descriptions of traditional dance, kimono, and translating work, were engaging and well-written. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook.
The overall plot of this thriller/mystery novel follows the interconnected stories of traumatic events and crime in two families, from the point of view of an American expat who has lived in Japan most of her life. The author's personal experience and knowledge of Japanese culture shines well in this story, and my favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of the narrator's life in Kyoto and the culture surrounding her. The plot itself was engaging and surprising, and I quite enjoyed how unique it was in terms of weaving in cultural information with the mystery.
The main reason I took off two stars is because the protagonist, Ruth Bennett, seemed awkwardly naive when it came to anything slightly removed from her traditional wheelhouse. Two early examples would be her initial reaction to the first description of the kimono tattoos covering a body, and the way she describes the edgier style of her younger coworker. Maybe this is some kind of generational gap, or maybe she was written this way to serve the plot and provide more opportunity for questions and details, but it really rubbed me the wrong way, and it was a trend that continued throughout the story. I felt that, for someone as intelligent and experienced as Ruth, some of the questions I found her asking were a bit unbelievable. There were probably different ways to advance the plot than underselling the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills of the main character.
That all being said, this book is a must-read for people who love thrillers, mysteries, and Japan. Her descriptions of traditional dance, kimono, and translating work, were engaging and well-written. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook.
October 14, 2021
Up till now, Copeland has been best known as the author of academic (though highly readable) books about Japanese women, and translator of Japanese literature. (She's the English voice of superstar writer Natsuo Kirino, for example.) With THE KIMONO TATTOO, Copeland adds novelist to her list of accomplishments.
Set in Kyoto, this noir-ish mystery juxtaposes the elegance of that city, with its kimonos and temples and tea, with grittier, underground elements such as tattoo parlors, dog fights, and trafficking. This is a smart and sophisticated thriller, informed by the author's knowledge of the Japanese language as well as her familiarity with Kyoto and Kochi. Told from the point of view of Ruth Bennett, an American translator with a dark past, THE KIMONO TATTOO is an intricately woven, worthy fictional debut. More, please.
Set in Kyoto, this noir-ish mystery juxtaposes the elegance of that city, with its kimonos and temples and tea, with grittier, underground elements such as tattoo parlors, dog fights, and trafficking. This is a smart and sophisticated thriller, informed by the author's knowledge of the Japanese language as well as her familiarity with Kyoto and Kochi. Told from the point of view of Ruth Bennett, an American translator with a dark past, THE KIMONO TATTOO is an intricately woven, worthy fictional debut. More, please.
May 29, 2021
I read The Kimono Tattoo in almost one day--all afternoon and evening, and then finished in the wee hours of the next morning. So, that's how the story ends! (No spoilers here, folks).
I absolutely loved meeting all the lively characters Copeland creates. Whether major characters that you follow throughout the book or minor ones that pop up for a couple pages, all stand out as believable and unique.
And I like the way Copeland makes you feel as if you're in every day Kyoto, catching a train or taking a morning run or popping into a convenience store. At the same time, she weaves in stories that give you a deeper sense of Japanese culture from kimono artistry and traditional dance to legends and literature. All this works to move the mystery in fascinating and unpredictable ways.
The Kimono Tattoo offers a brilliant escape on a summer's day or a dark and stormy night. A great read.
I absolutely loved meeting all the lively characters Copeland creates. Whether major characters that you follow throughout the book or minor ones that pop up for a couple pages, all stand out as believable and unique.
And I like the way Copeland makes you feel as if you're in every day Kyoto, catching a train or taking a morning run or popping into a convenience store. At the same time, she weaves in stories that give you a deeper sense of Japanese culture from kimono artistry and traditional dance to legends and literature. All this works to move the mystery in fascinating and unpredictable ways.
The Kimono Tattoo offers a brilliant escape on a summer's day or a dark and stormy night. A great read.
June 3, 2021
This is a page-turner. It transported me to Kyoto, took me through busy streets, small cafes, and underworld clubs, and introduced me to both fun and dangerous people. I lived in the main character's head while she tried to figure out a mysterious death, avoid danger herself, and understand a childhood tragedy that still haunted her. The book has a wonderful set of interwoven story lines and exciting action that left me wanting more from this first-time mystery author.
July 3, 2022
4.5*
Crime mystery set in KYOTO
YOU TUBE REVIEW: https://youtu.be/W649GveqPfE
This is one of those books I happened to stumble upon over on NetGalley, as an audiobook, and what a pleasure it has been to listen to it. It is beautifully narrated by Theresa Bakken and transported me for the duration over to the wonderful city of Kyoto.
Ruth Bennett is a translator and who, from an early age, has come to see Japan as her home. Her medical missionary parents settled in the country, with both their children, Ruth and Matthew. But early on Matthew went missing whilst in young Ruth’s care and that is something the family has struggled to deal with. Her parents are back in the States, so she is forging her own way and getting on with life in her tiny apartment.
She is offered a tantalising translation project, a book penned by an author who has long been considered missing or dead, so already there is the first of several upcoming mysteries. As she turns the pages and happens to catch the TV news, she becomes acutely aware that real life is mirroring the contents of the script. There is murder along the way, with several twists and turns, flipping and cleaving through the murky waters like a Japanese carp fish.
The well turned storyline sets a framework for a wonderfully immersive Japanese experience. The detail of kimono culture is shared in a way that makes it fascinating and I craved to learn more. Did you know that for a kimono to be laundered, it needs to be unstitched? The undergarments, the Obis and the quality of the delicate fabric, the intricacies of decoration, are all woven into the story. And of course there is a strand, which threads its way through the storyline about a full body tattoo, again the process and pattern are described and, of course, they link down the line when everything comes together.
This is a gem of a find and wonderful if you want to continue your reading journey after finishing Arthur Golden’s Memoir of a Geisha – each novel, in its own way, is terrifically transportive to this incredible city.
Crime mystery set in KYOTO
YOU TUBE REVIEW: https://youtu.be/W649GveqPfE
This is one of those books I happened to stumble upon over on NetGalley, as an audiobook, and what a pleasure it has been to listen to it. It is beautifully narrated by Theresa Bakken and transported me for the duration over to the wonderful city of Kyoto.
Ruth Bennett is a translator and who, from an early age, has come to see Japan as her home. Her medical missionary parents settled in the country, with both their children, Ruth and Matthew. But early on Matthew went missing whilst in young Ruth’s care and that is something the family has struggled to deal with. Her parents are back in the States, so she is forging her own way and getting on with life in her tiny apartment.
She is offered a tantalising translation project, a book penned by an author who has long been considered missing or dead, so already there is the first of several upcoming mysteries. As she turns the pages and happens to catch the TV news, she becomes acutely aware that real life is mirroring the contents of the script. There is murder along the way, with several twists and turns, flipping and cleaving through the murky waters like a Japanese carp fish.
The well turned storyline sets a framework for a wonderfully immersive Japanese experience. The detail of kimono culture is shared in a way that makes it fascinating and I craved to learn more. Did you know that for a kimono to be laundered, it needs to be unstitched? The undergarments, the Obis and the quality of the delicate fabric, the intricacies of decoration, are all woven into the story. And of course there is a strand, which threads its way through the storyline about a full body tattoo, again the process and pattern are described and, of course, they link down the line when everything comes together.
This is a gem of a find and wonderful if you want to continue your reading journey after finishing Arthur Golden’s Memoir of a Geisha – each novel, in its own way, is terrifically transportive to this incredible city.
June 11, 2022
Quick Summary: Suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue...The Kimono Tattoo had it all.
My Review: The Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland was my kind of story. I genuinely loved it. It was so different than I expected. Twists and turns throughout. Light and dark elements weaved in. Suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue - this book had it all. I was determined to savor every single reading. I will certainly be placing this work on my library's book club wish list.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to an audio ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.
My Review: The Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland was my kind of story. I genuinely loved it. It was so different than I expected. Twists and turns throughout. Light and dark elements weaved in. Suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue - this book had it all. I was determined to savor every single reading. I will certainly be placing this work on my library's book club wish list.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to an audio ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.
June 16, 2022
This one had such promise but it fell awkwardly flat for me. I don't want to ruin it for anyone else, so I'll only say that the author tried so very hard to write a culturally rich mystery about a once-Japanese, once-American woman living as a translator in Japan. So hard it hurt in places (and not in a good way).
There were pages where the word "kimono" seemed to appear in EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE. I had a hard time wading through that.
There were pages where the word "kimono" seemed to appear in EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE. I had a hard time wading through that.
September 1, 2022
A gripping mystery about a translator living in modern Japan who gets embroiled in a mystery/conspiracy surrounding a famous family of Kimono makers. The mystery elements were deeply enjoyable. As was the Japan setting. The book also serves as something of a primer on the history of the kimono. Some unsettling twists and developments in the book's final stretch certainly added to my enjoyment. I would definitely read more Copeland.
June 14, 2022
This is a wonderfully lyrical murder mystery, set in Kyoto. Made up of so many evocative details that are woven together to create a vivid picture of the city that anyone who has been there will lovingly recognize-- and those who haven’t been there will be hoping to visit as soon as possible. Details of the city, details of Japanese culture from dance to the weaving of kimonos-- it was the specificity of cultural detail regarding the wearing of kimono that really captured my attention.
This is the second mystery I’ve read this month which takes place in Japan. The other is Michael Pronko's Detective Hiroshi books. Both Copeland and Pronko are academics who are extremely knowledgeable about Japanese culture. Also both authors have a deep sense of place whereby the spirit of place functions as a character. (His in Tokyo and hers in Kyoto). Finally, Both authors have fantastic protagonists, who are bi-cultural and bilingual. I was struck what compelling characters people who can navigate two worlds can be.... especially in a murder mystery novel. They bring skills to bear that are a lot of fun to read about!
Copeland‘s book is written in the first person and that threw me off a little bit at first. I was trying to think of other police procedurals or murder mysteries that are written from the first person. I probably haven’t read enough to come up with many. I definitely think it’s rare I was thinking of the famous Maltese falcon and Philip Marlowe books by Raymond Chandler. The Alex Cross novels by James Patterson, which I haven’t read, are others. Because the story is told in the first person POV it created for a bonding with the character -- such that, I felt like it was calling out for becoming a series. And I do think it would work really well as a series because the Ruth Bennett character was so compelling. Her history as a child of missionary parents, born in Japan she spent her formative years in Kyoto. She later returned to Kyoto after having failed in her tenure bid at university. She becomes a translator and I think everyone would agree that translators are always interesting characters!
Copeland is an academic and known for her research into the life and work of Uno Chiyo. She also has a book that just came out called Yamamba about the notion of the witch in Japan.
Finally a word about the plot: it is incredibly complicated with multiple subplots but amazingly enough I never lost the strands even whenlistening to much of the book on audible. In addition to the audible version, I have the kindle and the print version which should demonstrate how much I loved the book. More please....!
This is the second mystery I’ve read this month which takes place in Japan. The other is Michael Pronko's Detective Hiroshi books. Both Copeland and Pronko are academics who are extremely knowledgeable about Japanese culture. Also both authors have a deep sense of place whereby the spirit of place functions as a character. (His in Tokyo and hers in Kyoto). Finally, Both authors have fantastic protagonists, who are bi-cultural and bilingual. I was struck what compelling characters people who can navigate two worlds can be.... especially in a murder mystery novel. They bring skills to bear that are a lot of fun to read about!
Copeland‘s book is written in the first person and that threw me off a little bit at first. I was trying to think of other police procedurals or murder mysteries that are written from the first person. I probably haven’t read enough to come up with many. I definitely think it’s rare I was thinking of the famous Maltese falcon and Philip Marlowe books by Raymond Chandler. The Alex Cross novels by James Patterson, which I haven’t read, are others. Because the story is told in the first person POV it created for a bonding with the character -- such that, I felt like it was calling out for becoming a series. And I do think it would work really well as a series because the Ruth Bennett character was so compelling. Her history as a child of missionary parents, born in Japan she spent her formative years in Kyoto. She later returned to Kyoto after having failed in her tenure bid at university. She becomes a translator and I think everyone would agree that translators are always interesting characters!
Copeland is an academic and known for her research into the life and work of Uno Chiyo. She also has a book that just came out called Yamamba about the notion of the witch in Japan.
Finally a word about the plot: it is incredibly complicated with multiple subplots but amazingly enough I never lost the strands even whenlistening to much of the book on audible. In addition to the audible version, I have the kindle and the print version which should demonstrate how much I loved the book. More please....!
August 1, 2022
I LOVED this! What a refreshing read, so different from the usual thriller. It was full of intrigue and mystery, and I found the historical bits about kimonos fascinating. The narrator was also perfectly suited to the role.
One thing, I must caution people about references to the sickening scourge of dog-fighting, which is mentioned in some parts. I found that upsetting, although it isn't mentioned in great detail and the author tries to balance the horror of it with references to Matthew's nature.
A sparkling 4-stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, Brother Mockingbird, and Rebecca Copeland for my ARC.
One thing, I must caution people about references to the sickening scourge of dog-fighting, which is mentioned in some parts. I found that upsetting, although it isn't mentioned in great detail and the author tries to balance the horror of it with references to Matthew's nature.
A sparkling 4-stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, Brother Mockingbird, and Rebecca Copeland for my ARC.
June 22, 2022
Five Stars! I loved this book! I listened to the audio book narrated by Theresa Bakken, and it was excellent. I did feel Ms. Bakken spoke very very slowly and deliberately, so I did end up listening to it at 1.5 speed, which made her speech sound a bit pressured which actually worked ok for the thriller type suspense novel that it is.
In The Kimono Tattoo, Ruth, an expat living in Japan- (somewhat in a self-imposed exile after a failed marriage and career in the US) finds herself drawn into a mystery of enormous proportions that seems to have started in her childhood - when she was also living in Japan with her missionary parents and brother - who would go missing.
Initially Ruth is living a bit of a mundane life- working a job she's overqualified for, taking some dance lessons and in general- just existing. This changes when a well dressed stranger arrives at her door with a translation project that is too interesting to turn down. As she begins the translation, it leads to her down multiple adventurous pathways to the more disreputable side of Kyoto. With many surprising and unexpected turns Ruth develops deeper friendships, and even a bit of a romance, as she has several close calls while attempting to unravel a mystery with a Kimono at the center. The conclusion does wrap up details nicely, but not too perfectly, so it seemed very realistic. No spoilers!
From start to finish, the author has developed the characters fully. While I did not particularly adore the protagonist, I found myself quite fond of her "supporting characters" , and I was definitely drawn into the book by the characters- with each new event, I found myself anticipating the actions and choices that they would make- sometimes bemoaning Ruth's impulsive choices!
Some reviewers did feel that the details regarding Kimono, and Japanese dance were possibly too much. I'm not sure if the audio book helped me to just listen through these parts, initially I did feel that some of the detail was possibly on the edge of too much, but in the end, I felt like it added to the story and was perfect. If you do not want to learn something about Kimonos and Kyoto- this is not for you! But for me, this was one of my favorites for 2022! Highly recommend!
In The Kimono Tattoo, Ruth, an expat living in Japan- (somewhat in a self-imposed exile after a failed marriage and career in the US) finds herself drawn into a mystery of enormous proportions that seems to have started in her childhood - when she was also living in Japan with her missionary parents and brother - who would go missing.
Initially Ruth is living a bit of a mundane life- working a job she's overqualified for, taking some dance lessons and in general- just existing. This changes when a well dressed stranger arrives at her door with a translation project that is too interesting to turn down. As she begins the translation, it leads to her down multiple adventurous pathways to the more disreputable side of Kyoto. With many surprising and unexpected turns Ruth develops deeper friendships, and even a bit of a romance, as she has several close calls while attempting to unravel a mystery with a Kimono at the center. The conclusion does wrap up details nicely, but not too perfectly, so it seemed very realistic. No spoilers!
From start to finish, the author has developed the characters fully. While I did not particularly adore the protagonist, I found myself quite fond of her "supporting characters" , and I was definitely drawn into the book by the characters- with each new event, I found myself anticipating the actions and choices that they would make- sometimes bemoaning Ruth's impulsive choices!
Some reviewers did feel that the details regarding Kimono, and Japanese dance were possibly too much. I'm not sure if the audio book helped me to just listen through these parts, initially I did feel that some of the detail was possibly on the edge of too much, but in the end, I felt like it added to the story and was perfect. If you do not want to learn something about Kimonos and Kyoto- this is not for you! But for me, this was one of my favorites for 2022! Highly recommend!
September 6, 2022
What a great audiobook! It's a bit dark and violent in spots but the mystery is good, the history is fascinating and the story absolutely draws you in! I really liked Ruth, our MC. She's a translater and has spent most of her life in Japan. She feels more at home there than anywhere else. She's translated a few books that have really fascinated her, one about Japanese kimonos - the history about them, the beautiful designs and the way they can tell a story. So when she receives word of translateing another book manuscript, this one for famous but mysterious author, she's intrigued and a bit excited. But the chapters, brutal and bloody, soon become reality and she's not sure why she's drawn in to this game.
The history was intermixed and so fascinating. The writing is fast-paced, I kept wanting to start the audio and keep going, wanting to know more and more. The narrator is good, not taking away from the story but adding to the experience. I really enjoyed this one.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an audiobook ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
The history was intermixed and so fascinating. The writing is fast-paced, I kept wanting to start the audio and keep going, wanting to know more and more. The narrator is good, not taking away from the story but adding to the experience. I really enjoyed this one.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an audiobook ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
June 24, 2022
Ruth Bennett is a translator working in Kyoto, Japan. Tall, redheaded Ruth is immediately recognizable as a foreigner, but she speaks impeccable Japanese and thoroughly embraces Japanese culture. She was born and raised in Japan while her parents worked as missionaries, although not the stereotypical sort. Her father was an obstetrician in a Christian hospital. Tragedy struck the family when her father was embroiled in a baseless malpractice case and her younger brother mysteriously vanished. Ruth’s parents returned to America, but Japan was home for Ruth.
Ruth’s current translation job is rather boring. She has no relatives nearby, few friends, and she’s not currently in a relationship. When a stranger knocks on her door offering her a chance to translate a novel by an author everyone assumed was dead, she gladly accepts the challenge. But as she reads the manuscript, she finds inconsistencies in writing style and the subject matter is about a dead woman’s body found naked on a nearby path. The body is covered in stunningly artistic tattoos that strongly resemble kimono fabric. After a very similar story appears on the television news, she knows the woman has been murdered.
Ruth slowly discovers she is the target of a very dangerous and powerful person. As she works to solve the puzzle of the manuscript and the tattooed woman, she discovers that she also has allies, friends and support from unexpected places.
In The Kimono Tattoo, kimonos are mentioned and observed in great detail so frequently, the reader can’t miss them. But as someone who knows very little about kimonos, I found this fascinating. The author also described the setting near Ruth’s home so well that I could picture myself walking those paths.
The mystery is just as complex as the dead woman’s tattoos. I listened to the audio version of this book and I was so engrossed in the story that I had to keep reminding myself to turn it off and go to sleep!
I looked up the author’s webpage and biography. Rebecca Copeland draws her main character’s history from her own life experiences. She is also an illustrious Japanese translator and literary critic. This is her first work of fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird publishers for the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this book. The Kimono Tattoo is now available at your favorite print or audio book retailers.
Ruth’s current translation job is rather boring. She has no relatives nearby, few friends, and she’s not currently in a relationship. When a stranger knocks on her door offering her a chance to translate a novel by an author everyone assumed was dead, she gladly accepts the challenge. But as she reads the manuscript, she finds inconsistencies in writing style and the subject matter is about a dead woman’s body found naked on a nearby path. The body is covered in stunningly artistic tattoos that strongly resemble kimono fabric. After a very similar story appears on the television news, she knows the woman has been murdered.
Ruth slowly discovers she is the target of a very dangerous and powerful person. As she works to solve the puzzle of the manuscript and the tattooed woman, she discovers that she also has allies, friends and support from unexpected places.
In The Kimono Tattoo, kimonos are mentioned and observed in great detail so frequently, the reader can’t miss them. But as someone who knows very little about kimonos, I found this fascinating. The author also described the setting near Ruth’s home so well that I could picture myself walking those paths.
The mystery is just as complex as the dead woman’s tattoos. I listened to the audio version of this book and I was so engrossed in the story that I had to keep reminding myself to turn it off and go to sleep!
I looked up the author’s webpage and biography. Rebecca Copeland draws her main character’s history from her own life experiences. She is also an illustrious Japanese translator and literary critic. This is her first work of fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird publishers for the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this book. The Kimono Tattoo is now available at your favorite print or audio book retailers.
June 9, 2022
The Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland was narrated by Theresa Bakken. A ⭐⭐⭐💫 audio book for me.
Ruth is an American who grew up in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese, and after a failed attempt of living in America, works as a translator in Japan. When a strange story is given to her about a woman found with a Kimono Tattoo, and then an almost replicated scenario is real, Ruth has to decide how far she will go to discover who is behind it. This journey takes her to the seedy parts of Kyoto and brings up a mystery of her own, long hidden away.
This was a fascinating story and the mystery was deeper than I could have guessed. I was halfway through and when I thought it was solved, it went even further and kept me curious. The information about Kimonos and Kyoto were also very engaging without being too academic. I felt I learned a bit, which is always nice for me.
I struggled a bit with the narration. It felt a bit choppy, but that may have been in the mechanics of it, not the narrator. I listened to a sample and it was much smoother, so who knows. This did affect my ability to stay fully engaged in the story and I did back up a couple times to catch what I missed.
Overall, this was a good, multilayered mystery that was in a well researched setting. I haven't read much from Japanese locations, so it felt like an exciting, new, and mysterious atmosphere.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @brothermockingbird publishers for this digital book. It is available for purchase now!
Ruth is an American who grew up in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese, and after a failed attempt of living in America, works as a translator in Japan. When a strange story is given to her about a woman found with a Kimono Tattoo, and then an almost replicated scenario is real, Ruth has to decide how far she will go to discover who is behind it. This journey takes her to the seedy parts of Kyoto and brings up a mystery of her own, long hidden away.
This was a fascinating story and the mystery was deeper than I could have guessed. I was halfway through and when I thought it was solved, it went even further and kept me curious. The information about Kimonos and Kyoto were also very engaging without being too academic. I felt I learned a bit, which is always nice for me.
I struggled a bit with the narration. It felt a bit choppy, but that may have been in the mechanics of it, not the narrator. I listened to a sample and it was much smoother, so who knows. This did affect my ability to stay fully engaged in the story and I did back up a couple times to catch what I missed.
Overall, this was a good, multilayered mystery that was in a well researched setting. I haven't read much from Japanese locations, so it felt like an exciting, new, and mysterious atmosphere.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @brothermockingbird publishers for this digital book. It is available for purchase now!
June 11, 2022
As soon as I read the synopsis for this book I knew I had to read it. For a long time I have been fascinated with the Japanese language and certain aspects of Japanese culture so this book synopsis really spoke to me.
I love a good thriller and this book intrigued me from the very first chapter. I really enjoyed the view into everyday life in Kyoto and I loved exploring Ruth as a character. Despite not knowing much about traditional Japanese dance, kimonos, or Kyoto I felt engrossed in the world and my lack of familiarity with some of the terms and items didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I listened to this in audiobook form and while I really enjoyed the story itself, I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator. I felt that the narration was stiff and unnatural in places. It was not bad enough to make me not finish the book, but I would definitely hesitate to listen to another narration by her in the future.
I wish there was more to the ending, I really wanted to see what happened next between the characters.
I will definitely consider other works by this author in the future.
Note: I was provided a copy of the audiobook through NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review
I love a good thriller and this book intrigued me from the very first chapter. I really enjoyed the view into everyday life in Kyoto and I loved exploring Ruth as a character. Despite not knowing much about traditional Japanese dance, kimonos, or Kyoto I felt engrossed in the world and my lack of familiarity with some of the terms and items didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I listened to this in audiobook form and while I really enjoyed the story itself, I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator. I felt that the narration was stiff and unnatural in places. It was not bad enough to make me not finish the book, but I would definitely hesitate to listen to another narration by her in the future.
I wish there was more to the ending, I really wanted to see what happened next between the characters.
I will definitely consider other works by this author in the future.
Note: I was provided a copy of the audiobook through NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2022
This review refers to the audiobook.
I recently read Bullet Train by Kōtarō Isaka and wanted to read another book based in or about Japan. This book was perfect. Hallelujah, what a book!!!!! Let me say first before I did deeper into why I liked the book that if you are OK that some of the events are a tiny bit unrealistic, then this book is great. If not, then you may want to choose a different book. The unrealistic part and the fact that the MC was absolutely naïve is why I only gave it 4 stars. With that being said, This book was fantastic! It was fast-paced with action from the very beginning. I'm not sure how accurate the descriptions are, but all I loved all the fascinating details about the Japanese culture and the history of the kimono. This book was packed with cultural references! I loved it so much that I want to do more research and read more!
Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read (listen to) and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.
I recently read Bullet Train by Kōtarō Isaka and wanted to read another book based in or about Japan. This book was perfect. Hallelujah, what a book!!!!! Let me say first before I did deeper into why I liked the book that if you are OK that some of the events are a tiny bit unrealistic, then this book is great. If not, then you may want to choose a different book. The unrealistic part and the fact that the MC was absolutely naïve is why I only gave it 4 stars. With that being said, This book was fantastic! It was fast-paced with action from the very beginning. I'm not sure how accurate the descriptions are, but all I loved all the fascinating details about the Japanese culture and the history of the kimono. This book was packed with cultural references! I loved it so much that I want to do more research and read more!
Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read (listen to) and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.
June 13, 2022
This was a really fun and intriguing debut, set in Kyoto, Japan. While the book is first and foremost a thriller, the reader gains so much cultural and environmental knowledge through the text! Kyoto is one of my favorite cities to visit, and reading this book helped me to picture myself back there again. We also saw the grittier side of this beautiful place, with some dark and uncomfortable truths lurking below the surface. I also learned a lot about the artistry that is kimono making, which I’m grateful for!
I was drawn into the story immediately, and the premise is a really interesting one, with creeping dread and chilling suspense throughout! I enjoyed the characters, the intrigue, and the twists and turns. I do wish there was more resolution at the conclusion, as there were a few loose ends that I wanted to know more about.
I’ll definitely read this author’s future work!
Thanks to NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird Publishing for the advanced edition!
I was drawn into the story immediately, and the premise is a really interesting one, with creeping dread and chilling suspense throughout! I enjoyed the characters, the intrigue, and the twists and turns. I do wish there was more resolution at the conclusion, as there were a few loose ends that I wanted to know more about.
I’ll definitely read this author’s future work!
Thanks to NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird Publishing for the advanced edition!
October 31, 2022
Author Rebecca Copeland may be American but she is well acquainted with Kyoto and Japanese culture and it is obvious she feels at home in Japan. This well-written book not only features an exciting murder mystery but places the reader in the real and fascinating world of Japan, slipping in details and explanations for readers unfamiliar, yet without interrupting the story.
This book attracted me with the promise of history and culture - it did not disappoint. The protagonist Ruth has some characteristics similar to the author and while a tall "outsider" living in Japan she also fits into the life and culture. The writing is often lovely in description and with good literary technique drawing me in to unravel this complex murder mystery of an elaborate tattoo and a family talisman of an exquisite piece of real kimono - and here it is also obvious the author has studied kimono. Some sections of long dialogue are a bit too poetic to sound realistic, but overall I loved this book.
This book attracted me with the promise of history and culture - it did not disappoint. The protagonist Ruth has some characteristics similar to the author and while a tall "outsider" living in Japan she also fits into the life and culture. The writing is often lovely in description and with good literary technique drawing me in to unravel this complex murder mystery of an elaborate tattoo and a family talisman of an exquisite piece of real kimono - and here it is also obvious the author has studied kimono. Some sections of long dialogue are a bit too poetic to sound realistic, but overall I loved this book.
July 14, 2022
A suspenseful story that is set in Japan. Ruth is asked to translate a novel written by a mysterious writer. As she works on the book, some of the characters seem to come to life in her present world. The beginning of the story, the daughter of a kimono maker is found dead. In her life now, a similar situation is happening. Ruth soon discovers why she is asked to do this task of translating. With the help from Maho, Ruth needs to decipher the text to find a killer. This was an enthralling story that beautifully described the area where this tale is set. I received the audiobook version of this story. The narrator had a calming voice and it helped move the story at a smooth pace.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird for this Audiobook, I received review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird for this Audiobook, I received review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book - it had me hooked from the beginning. And because I know and love Kyoto, it being set there made it even more enjoyable.
I would have give the book 5 stars, but the version I read (e-book on Scribd) had a lot of glaring mistakes that spoilt my enjoyment a little. Spelling mistakes such as “softwear”?! Errors that only someone who knows Japan would pick up on, like “Shikoku Prefecture” - Shikoku is not a prefecture but an island made up of four prefectures. And random odd grammar, like commas where they don’t belong.
I would have give the book 5 stars, but the version I read (e-book on Scribd) had a lot of glaring mistakes that spoilt my enjoyment a little. Spelling mistakes such as “softwear”?! Errors that only someone who knows Japan would pick up on, like “Shikoku Prefecture” - Shikoku is not a prefecture but an island made up of four prefectures. And random odd grammar, like commas where they don’t belong.
October 6, 2021
Layers of storytelling
An intricately folded story that was a treat to unwrap. I think I also learned subtle Japanese truths. Copeland has such a light touch, her teaching never felt forced. She made following her lead through this literary thriller both frightening and satisfying.
An intricately folded story that was a treat to unwrap. I think I also learned subtle Japanese truths. Copeland has such a light touch, her teaching never felt forced. She made following her lead through this literary thriller both frightening and satisfying.
August 1, 2022
Thanks #netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. Great story. The historical aspect of this book was also appealing to me.
August 1, 2022
The title and cover appealed to me. I proudly judge a book by its cover. If in doubt, can't read the synopsis choose a cover. I've been disappointed only a few times out of hundreds. Copeland's synopsis, cover and title called my name. I had the audiobook and was fine with narrator Theresa Bakken.
I started this, stopped, reread the synopsis, and tried again. The second time I was a little more cued in. The book ran long for me. I enjoyed the history of the Kimono and references to Japanese culture. However, the mysteries within the story were too many and too convoluted. The ending felt rushed. And, I didn't understand it.
This is a rare instance where I would have preferred the physical book to read along with the narration, as well as make notes. Should I find an inexpensive copy, I will pick it up.
Thank you NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird for allowing me to read and review The Kimono Tattoo.
I started this, stopped, reread the synopsis, and tried again. The second time I was a little more cued in. The book ran long for me. I enjoyed the history of the Kimono and references to Japanese culture. However, the mysteries within the story were too many and too convoluted. The ending felt rushed. And, I didn't understand it.
This is a rare instance where I would have preferred the physical book to read along with the narration, as well as make notes. Should I find an inexpensive copy, I will pick it up.
Thank you NetGalley and Brother Mockingbird for allowing me to read and review The Kimono Tattoo.
June 11, 2022
The Kimono Tattoo is part-mystery and almost part-history novel set in Kyoto, Japan. In this story, we follow an American ex-pat named Ruth, who has lived in Japan for most of her life only recently returning after a failed marriage in the United States. She works as a translator and one day receives a manuscript from a renowned writer who was disgraced by his family and promptly disappeared years ago. As Ruth begins translating the manuscript, she discovers in its pages a shocking crime that makes her question what has she gotten herself involved in? And how might these events be connected to another crime that occurred decades before forever altering Ruth’s family?
This novel was quite a trip! The descriptions of Kyoto were magnificent and the author’s ability to interweave context for socio-cultural interactions and norms was very well-done. The author’s own past as a historian has given her the ability to include rich amounts of detail on Japanese society and culture. I also enjoyed the sections on the history of the Kimono and the way this family’s history is interwoven into the story. It all felt very useful in the story, rather than feeling like an information dump on the reader. However, there were other times where I felt like less important information was overelaborated upon and some passages felt drawn out. This became more obvious during scenes where our main character Ruth would quite literally ask guided questions from characters to further along their conversation, rather than someone naturally providing the answers that they claim to have. I’m not sure why this was done as it made several interactions feel inauthentic.
Speaking of authenticity, let’s discuss the story itself. Things felt a little too convenient in this story, whether this be: the relative ease of finding someone, strangers who go to incredible lengths to aid Ruth, slight issues that are quickly resolved with another solution that barely causes a hiccup in the plan. However, the most convenient part of this story is the big reveal of how everything comes together. I don’t think this big reveal makes a ton of sense and was waiting for there to be another plot twist, but there just wasn’t. I don’t think the connections between the two major threads of the story were well-developed and the logic just never entirely adds up – which Ruth herself even questions. I feel like the mystery/thriller storyline was treated as a very surface level theme where certain convenient plot devices forward the narrative instead of a natural development. This was somewhat disappointing because I think the story was still a good story, but there’s just so much suspension of belief required to say okay yes this works.
As for the characters, I wasn’t a big fan of Ruth because we just don’t see a ton of development from her as a character. She continues to make naïve decisions throughout the entire story, and I could just never fully connect with her because I couldn’t understand why she made some of the choices she made. We don’t really get a ton of her raw emotions, but rather more of her explanations of things so I think that contributed to an emotional disconnect from the character for me. I will say that I enjoyed the side characters substantially and they did feel well-rounded. Yet, I didn’t especially care for the relationship that develops later in the story as it truly felt like that storyline was out of left field when I really think it could have been more naturally interwoven and would have made for an interesting storyline. Instead, it felt very random all things considered.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brother Mockingbird Publishing for an audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I must say the audiobook narrator gave a fantastically atmospheric performance that worked so well for this story! Overall, this was an interesting read and I was still entertained by the story, but it's not one I especially felt connected or invested in. I enjoyed the writing in terms of how descriptive it was and the story’s integration of Japanese history, art, and culture. However, there just needed to be a stronger focus on developing Ruth’s character and on making the story feel more natural.
This novel was quite a trip! The descriptions of Kyoto were magnificent and the author’s ability to interweave context for socio-cultural interactions and norms was very well-done. The author’s own past as a historian has given her the ability to include rich amounts of detail on Japanese society and culture. I also enjoyed the sections on the history of the Kimono and the way this family’s history is interwoven into the story. It all felt very useful in the story, rather than feeling like an information dump on the reader. However, there were other times where I felt like less important information was overelaborated upon and some passages felt drawn out. This became more obvious during scenes where our main character Ruth would quite literally ask guided questions from characters to further along their conversation, rather than someone naturally providing the answers that they claim to have. I’m not sure why this was done as it made several interactions feel inauthentic.
Speaking of authenticity, let’s discuss the story itself. Things felt a little too convenient in this story, whether this be: the relative ease of finding someone, strangers who go to incredible lengths to aid Ruth, slight issues that are quickly resolved with another solution that barely causes a hiccup in the plan. However, the most convenient part of this story is the big reveal of how everything comes together. I don’t think this big reveal makes a ton of sense and was waiting for there to be another plot twist, but there just wasn’t. I don’t think the connections between the two major threads of the story were well-developed and the logic just never entirely adds up – which Ruth herself even questions. I feel like the mystery/thriller storyline was treated as a very surface level theme where certain convenient plot devices forward the narrative instead of a natural development. This was somewhat disappointing because I think the story was still a good story, but there’s just so much suspension of belief required to say okay yes this works.
As for the characters, I wasn’t a big fan of Ruth because we just don’t see a ton of development from her as a character. She continues to make naïve decisions throughout the entire story, and I could just never fully connect with her because I couldn’t understand why she made some of the choices she made. We don’t really get a ton of her raw emotions, but rather more of her explanations of things so I think that contributed to an emotional disconnect from the character for me. I will say that I enjoyed the side characters substantially and they did feel well-rounded. Yet, I didn’t especially care for the relationship that develops later in the story as it truly felt like that storyline was out of left field when I really think it could have been more naturally interwoven and would have made for an interesting storyline. Instead, it felt very random all things considered.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brother Mockingbird Publishing for an audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I must say the audiobook narrator gave a fantastically atmospheric performance that worked so well for this story! Overall, this was an interesting read and I was still entertained by the story, but it's not one I especially felt connected or invested in. I enjoyed the writing in terms of how descriptive it was and the story’s integration of Japanese history, art, and culture. However, there just needed to be a stronger focus on developing Ruth’s character and on making the story feel more natural.
June 1, 2022
The first few chapters were so intriguing I knew I was into something really good. I really enjoyed the plot of this mystery as well as the setting in Kyoto.
I came here to see how other Japanese audience received the book, but I didn’t find any, so I am writing my review for those who may be interested. I was afraid there might be stereotypical, cringy depictions of Japan but I think the description of the city, the way of life, and various characters were all believable (though I am not savvy in the lives of traditional kimono makers and artists in Kyoto -I know they have a distinctive culture and mind-set apart from other Japanese) and I could read it as I would read a novel written by a Japanese author. There were a few minor things I had reservations for, though, if you are interested to know. 1) Japanese buses and trains do work very well, but do get delayed, so if you are planning a trip, don’t count on it as much as Ruth does! 2) You can designate the time of post deliveries, but not to the minute. They usually give a two hour window. 3) the casual use of first names in conversations felt a bit off. I understand it’s easier to read for an English audience, but to have the extra Japanese-ness it could have been a nice touch to handle that differently. 4) the author is an expert in Japanese literature so I may be mistaken here, but I don’t think Akashi is used as a name of a color, even in older times. Akane maybe? Or not as a noun but an adjective? But I understand why it was important to use it that way.
Story-wise, I really was piqued by how the novel and reality intercrossed in the first half of the story and the mysterious deaths and the family feud. I wish, rather than exploring Ruth’s personal trauma, it went deeper into the Tani family relationship. Her story did add the urgency of her involvement, but I was more fascinated by the Tani family situation, and though it could have been much more interesting to sculpt their lives and what led to this ending. I wish the elder Tani had a more layered character, and perhaps, Akira be more nuanced than be a Superbad villain. I also wished to see more of Tokuda’s mental state and a final update of her ending.
Having been an expat child myself, I think Ruth’s story didn’t require that extra tragedy to place her in her mentality. Being brought up in a different culture and feeling displaced is enough of a burden to make her interesting and caught up in that situation, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and if the author were to write another novel, I would be sure to read it.
I came here to see how other Japanese audience received the book, but I didn’t find any, so I am writing my review for those who may be interested. I was afraid there might be stereotypical, cringy depictions of Japan but I think the description of the city, the way of life, and various characters were all believable (though I am not savvy in the lives of traditional kimono makers and artists in Kyoto -I know they have a distinctive culture and mind-set apart from other Japanese) and I could read it as I would read a novel written by a Japanese author. There were a few minor things I had reservations for, though, if you are interested to know. 1) Japanese buses and trains do work very well, but do get delayed, so if you are planning a trip, don’t count on it as much as Ruth does! 2) You can designate the time of post deliveries, but not to the minute. They usually give a two hour window. 3) the casual use of first names in conversations felt a bit off. I understand it’s easier to read for an English audience, but to have the extra Japanese-ness it could have been a nice touch to handle that differently. 4) the author is an expert in Japanese literature so I may be mistaken here, but I don’t think Akashi is used as a name of a color, even in older times. Akane maybe? Or not as a noun but an adjective? But I understand why it was important to use it that way.
Story-wise, I really was piqued by how the novel and reality intercrossed in the first half of the story and the mysterious deaths and the family feud. I wish, rather than exploring Ruth’s personal trauma, it went deeper into the Tani family relationship. Her story did add the urgency of her involvement, but I was more fascinated by the Tani family situation, and though it could have been much more interesting to sculpt their lives and what led to this ending. I wish the elder Tani had a more layered character, and perhaps, Akira be more nuanced than be a Superbad villain. I also wished to see more of Tokuda’s mental state and a final update of her ending.
Having been an expat child myself, I think Ruth’s story didn’t require that extra tragedy to place her in her mentality. Being brought up in a different culture and feeling displaced is enough of a burden to make her interesting and caught up in that situation, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and if the author were to write another novel, I would be sure to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2022
4.5 Stars
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio book of Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland, narrated by Theresa Bakken. Ruth Bennet is an American woman who spent most of her life in Japan. It it here, to Kyoto, that she has returned after a failed marriage and a halted career in the US. Speaking Japanese like a native, she works as a translator on mostly boring items such as business brochures. One day she is approached by a mysterious woman to translate a chapter of a book that is being written by an author long thought to be dead. The woman tells Ruth that he is in hiding in Italy and only now is returning to writing, She will deliver a chapter at a time for translation for which Ruth will be handsomely paid.
It is in this first chapter that the story tells of a woman found dead. Her torso is covered in tattoos of kimonos, fans, scrolls and flowers. This is highly unusual for tattoos to be of kimono or for a woman to be tattooed at all. Ruth soon finds that the story she is translating is beginning to infiltrate her real life. As she tries to unravel and investigate the mystery of the kimono tattoo she uncovers much more than she could foresee. How did this mystery tie into her family's past?
I loved learning more about the history and culture of the kimono. It brought to life the visit I made many years ago to Kyoto. It is a beautifully written story with great attention to the small details of Japanese life, society and culture. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the culture in which it was embedded.
it did take me a bit of time to adjust to the narrators cadence of reading. Her annunciation was very exact, but at times there were odd, stunted pauses which brought Christopher Walken to mind.
The Kimono Tattoo will transport you to the veiled culture of Japanese life , dark underbelly and beautiful traditions included - no passport required.
My thanks to NetGalley for the Audio recording of this book in exchange for my honest review
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio book of Kimono Tattoo by Rebecca Copeland, narrated by Theresa Bakken. Ruth Bennet is an American woman who spent most of her life in Japan. It it here, to Kyoto, that she has returned after a failed marriage and a halted career in the US. Speaking Japanese like a native, she works as a translator on mostly boring items such as business brochures. One day she is approached by a mysterious woman to translate a chapter of a book that is being written by an author long thought to be dead. The woman tells Ruth that he is in hiding in Italy and only now is returning to writing, She will deliver a chapter at a time for translation for which Ruth will be handsomely paid.
It is in this first chapter that the story tells of a woman found dead. Her torso is covered in tattoos of kimonos, fans, scrolls and flowers. This is highly unusual for tattoos to be of kimono or for a woman to be tattooed at all. Ruth soon finds that the story she is translating is beginning to infiltrate her real life. As she tries to unravel and investigate the mystery of the kimono tattoo she uncovers much more than she could foresee. How did this mystery tie into her family's past?
I loved learning more about the history and culture of the kimono. It brought to life the visit I made many years ago to Kyoto. It is a beautifully written story with great attention to the small details of Japanese life, society and culture. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the culture in which it was embedded.
it did take me a bit of time to adjust to the narrators cadence of reading. Her annunciation was very exact, but at times there were odd, stunted pauses which brought Christopher Walken to mind.
The Kimono Tattoo will transport you to the veiled culture of Japanese life , dark underbelly and beautiful traditions included - no passport required.
My thanks to NetGalley for the Audio recording of this book in exchange for my honest review
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