Island of Exiles

Sugawara Akitada #4

by I.J. Parker

Island of Exiles (Sugawara Akitada Mysteries, No. 5)

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Japan, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Crime

398 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2003

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually I enjoy the Sugawara Akitada mysteries by I.J. Parker very much, but not this one. The story dragged and was burdened by far too much description. Akitada is undercover on a Japanese island where major criminals and political dissidents are exiled. A crown prince, who was taken out of the succession lives there, and he has died from poison. Akitada is sent to find out what happened, but the prince's murder appears to be the tip of the iceberg. Akitada poses as a convict, which makes his life miserable, although he at least is used as a scribe because he is educated and can write, rather than being sent to the silver mines on the island. Only the island's governor knows who Akitada really is.

The case isn't bad for a mystery novel, and Akitada is a sympathetic character, although here he tries that sympathy pretty hard. However, any excitement is quenched by dragged out scenes drenched in repetitive description, and in spending far too much time in various characters' heads.

Although Akitada's personal life develops throughout the course of this series, it is a minor enough consideration that the books do not need to be read in order. Therefore, I'd recommend giving this episode a miss.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing about Akitada is he stays with you. Ancient Japan is such a unique setting that even the fifth or sixth very similar story tends to stay with you. In this one, we have another Shakespearean case of mistake/hidden identity. Sugawara, just starting out his career, is sent to Sadoshima island, where they keep exiles and mine silver. Akitada must find out who has killed an exiled heir to the throne and who is plotting to overthrow the emperor on the mainland. Our loyal foot soldier Tora rides in like the lone ranger but not before Sugawara has suffered a brutal beating, succumb to temptation and led the reader on an escape worthy of Indiana Jones. He figures out a very dense mystery with his trademark insight, but not before keep you guessing and curious. The best part of these books aren't the stories, as much as the preciousness and simplicity of life and death and how easily and quickly that balance can change.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy and interesting enough read. Mystery set in 11th-century Japan. The author's style is engaging and the story had enough twists to keep the reader engaged. I would probably read more of her books again. Perfect for traveling. Also, this is the fourth (I believe) book in a series, but despite having read none of the previous ones, it was still easy to pick up and identify the characters and their relationships with each other.

[Tab · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Got 1/3 through before throwing in the towel.
The book was difficult to believe, mainly because of how the hierarchical structure of ancient Japan was treated.
What worked in Laura Joh Rowland's Sano Ichiro series is that we see the hero trying to solve cases while dealing with class structure. The way San Ichiro would interrogate a peasant is completely different from how he would interrogate a member of the Shogun's family. That delicate balance, while adhering to Bushido makes for an exciting read.

In Island of Exiles the way Akitada spoke to superiors and barely receive any punishment didn't seem realistic. It also made the stakes lower. You never truly felt like hero was in real danger from those "above" him.

[Victoria Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a great fan of the Akitada series. The books are well researched and paint a vivid picture of 11th century Japan. All books centre around a murder mystery or two, but if you are anything like me, then it is the character development over the series of books that will keep you looking out for the next release. Highly recommended

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Akitada takes an assignment away from his wife and son to Sadoshima as a prisoner. Lots of long description of landscape, sufferings and fights, but a good twisting mystery with quite a few convoluted, and important, relationships.
The description in the Historical Notes of the ruling family for the time was very interesting.

[Paul Myer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series of ancient Japan mysteries

Living in Japan I am captivated by the stories and insights into the culture of this wonderfully mysterious land. Highly entertaining historical fiction.

[Gary Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book of this series, this book was a more complex plot than the previous books. The context was well designed and very accurate to the period and while fictional in keeping with customs of the time and location. I look forward to the next one.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

À real page turner, lots of suspense and twists but I cannot get over the fact that Akitada had an affair. It seems so out of character it has made me really disappointed. Even the final explanation for it doesn't really satisfy.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[Elsa S. Grieder · Rating 3 out of 5]

COnfusing

Too may many plots and impossible escapes and extravagantly overwritten. Not worth the effort it took Not recommended if you are interested in the real history of Japan.

[Monica Bond-Lamberty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Akitada's wife is a martyr

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time through this novel. Akitada faces a lot of physical abuse in this one. He is undercover as a prisoner on an island of prisoners.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book starts off well enough. Sugawara Akitada is dispatched to Sadoshima to investigate the murder of Second Prince Okisada. However, the author then substitutes for a plot lengthy descriptions of violence and torture. This is the last of the series for me unless Akitada can manage to find a less sadistic author.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of Sugawara Akitada mystery

This story is set in the exotic world of the 11th century Imperial Japan. The timely death of exiled and disgraced Prince Okisada of apparent poisoning on Sado Island, a penal colony, sends Provincial detective Sigawara Akitada undercover as a convict in order to get to the root of the plot and uncover the real killer. There he finds more than he bargains for and ends up putting his own life on the line...

This is the first I have read of this series and I found it enjoyable without having read the previous novels, it appears to stand on its own. It is a very gripping and intriguing tale, the scenes were so detailed you are immersed into the aspects of life and the culture of the period, transporting you in time.

The cast is enormous but easy to follow; all the characters are strong and appealing in their own way. I love the fact the author depicts her characters with all their weaknesses and strengths, no one emerges untouched giving the story an allure of credibility. The Imperial Police are portrayed as mean and cruel, although entertaining I hated them and wished them ill fate from the start.

The best part of the book was when Akitada was sent to the mines. The author's account was so real I could hear the panic screams from the convicts entering the dark and choking tunnels, feel the weight of the baskets jerking their bodies leaving their muscles strained and weak..hear the bones cracking...the escape was even more eerie....

I.J. Parker is a terrific mystery writer. I think I am hooked, now I have to read the previous novels.

[Jan Graham-McMillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a great pleasure!

I save the novels in Ms. Parker's "Akitada" series for those times when I really need a special treat. It's difficult for me to describe why I'm so taken with these unusual historical mysteries, but when I allow myself a new one, I know I'm in for some serious submersion reading. It may be the author's expertise in the period's history, or her skill in the satisfyingly paced creation of her characters, or her undeniable talent at using the events of the era to inspire her always interesting mysteries. I'm a constant reader, and with the acquisition of my first Kindle, and the ability to have pretty much whatever I want in the world to read at my fingertips at all times, I've grown more casual about picking up and putting down whatever I'm reading at the time ... so easy to make more time to read. But the books in this series are exceptions; I hate being bothered when I've settled in to read one of them.
I'll leave you to read the description of this book, but I will note that it is one of my favorites in the series thus far. This one was an especially cleverly devised puzzle, so I'll leave you to enjoy it without any hint of a spoiler. Go. Read. Enjoy!

[Jaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical mystery is set in feudal Japan. Parker does an excellent job of setting the scenery of life in Japan during conflicts between the Emperor and various uprisers. The mystery was interesting as well because there were many characters who had a motive. The main character, Akitada was very human and I felt like I could relate to him as he was puzzling out the murder of the exiled prince. But, Parker wrote an ending that stunned me. I never saw the resolution coming.

This was a particularly fun read for me because of my own personal history with Japan. Growing up in Japan, I have toured many of the small islands near Yamaguchi. I actually remember stopping by Sado Island as a child with my parents on our way to Oshima Island to go mikan picking (manadarin oranges). I could truly visualize Parker's descriptions as they were unfolding throughout the story. I will definitely continue this series. It was fun learning the history of places I had seen as a child, but was too young to appreciate.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some Japanese novels that try so hard to steep the reader in classic culture that their didacticism just insults and irritates. Others (like the Tales of the Otori series) do a better job, but retain a kind of fantasy quality. I.J. Parker is a refreshing voice in this genre, having done his homework well enough to paint a rich image of the period, but still keeping the focus on the story and characters. This book was occasionally a bit bloody for my taste, but I look very much forward to reading more from Parker.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Infidelity, political intrigue, undercover investigations, wrongful imprisonment; sounds like modern times or a Fox TV series but this intriguing detective mystery is set in feudal Japan. I enjoyed this one as much as the other one I just read. Akitada shows himself to be a capable investigator and a skilled and hardy warrior as well as a mere mortal when he succumbs to the allure of a local woman with an agenda. He does great work but never seems to get the credit that he is due but one suspects and hopes that fortune will eventually shine on him. My only criticism of this series is that they could be shorter. This was 398 pages with a small font and something was always happening to Akitada. I wouldn't want to "hang" with this guy as ill fortune tests him incessantly.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book (I believe) in the series. Due to misinformation given to me I began reading this series in the wrong order but the finishing of this book puts me in line with the proper order and the next on my list is the Convict's Sword. The last book I had read was Black Arrow and let me just say this book was much better than that. I couldn't guess the mystery and the last 150 pages had me on the edge of my chair and talking to my book. I know the series gets even better with the next book "The Hell Screen" so I would highly recommend this series to everyone who can push past one or two less exciting novels. The plot and character development was very intriguing in this book and I'm anxious to see where the character-base moves in the next novel.

[Franklin Arbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

IJ Parker performs an impressive juggling act here. Much like the previous book in the series, Black Arrow, we have a whole mess of characters and subplots. Unlike that book, nothing seems wasted or ignored for the sake of the mystery and the setting. Everything feels organic, and the characters are more real.

I'd like to make a note about Akitada's retainer and lieutenant, Tora. Without Tairo's counterbalance, the character of Tora really comes into his own in this book. He's grown a lot (in terms of competence, heart, and smarts)since the last book, but he's still likeable for the same reasons as before.

I'm looking forward to Hell Screen, but I understand that was actually written before Island of Exiles.

[Natalie Petchnikow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeune gouverneur de la province troublée d'Echigo, Sugawara Akitada n'aspire qu'à une chose : rentrer à la capitale. Mais lorsque deux envoyés impériaux arrivent avec un ordre de mission, Sugawara doit se résigner. Il se rend sur l'île de Sado, surnommée l'île des exilés, afin de découvrir le meurtrier du second prince, frère de l'empereur, tombé en disgrâce après une trahison. Pour mener son enquête, Sugawara n'a d'autre choix que de se faire passer pour un prisonnier. Quitte à subir les mêmes sévices que ces malfrats... Entre hommes de loi corrompus et jeunes filles manipulatrices, le gouverneur Akitada n'aura pas trop de l'aide de son irrévérencieux serviteur Tora pour déjouer une monstrueuse conspiration qui pourrait menacer l'empereur en personne...

[Dokusha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auf der Gefangeneninsel Sadoshima wird ein verbannter Sohn des Kaisers ermordet. Der Provinzgouverneur Akitada Sugawara wird inkognito als Gefangener verkleidet auf die Insel geschickt, um das Verbrechen aufzuklären.
Bald stellt er fest, daß die Macht auf der Insel bei einigen wenigen Leuten liegt, die offensichtlich mit der Tat zu tun haben. Die Ermittlungen erweisen sich als schwierig, und als seine wahre Identität bekannt wird, gerät er selbst in höchste Gefahr.
Neben einer schön erzählten Geschichte mit einem überraschenden Ende bekommt man auch so nebenbei noch einige Einblicke in das mittelalterliche Leben in Japan. Prädikat empfehlenswert.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book of the series I've read and it has me intrigued to see where Akitada will go in later books and where he came from in earlier books. As a stand alone it could have done without the chapters of Akitada kidnapped, but they do nicely cement the emotional trauma he went through in this novel. There is something missing in the style of the story that keeps me from getting sucked into the story, but it is an interesting story with nice shades 11th century Japan and very unfamiliar systems of morality, like Kumo being magnanimous to his servants he rescued from the mines but still running the incredibly brutal mines.

[judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third Akitada/11th century Japan mystery. I'm ready to declare myself a fan. That means, from now on, I'll be sure to read them in order. The complex story moved beautifully until the very end. I found some things in the final scenes that I thought were weak. After such a great read, I was quite disappointed. Since I wasn't sleepy yet, I went ahead and read the multi-page historical note at the end. Amazingly, the things I hadn't liked turned out to be part of the history and culture of that period in Japan. The moral: read everything this author puts in the book.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Sugawara Akitada how come you are such an... egotistical jerk. I liked this story but I found myself talking to the CD player telling Akitada how disappointed I was in him, the unfaithful, well for want of a dirty word, jerk. One thing that comes across loud & clear in the books is the low regard males had for females in ancient Japan. Akitada ogles women, sleeps with a woman not his wife and then blames her because he feels guilty. He promises himself to be a better husband but I have little faith in him.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second I've read in this series and the third she wrote (I think the author is a she but I'm not sure). The first in the series is good, but this one is much better. It's got a great suspenseful plot, lots of interesting history, very complex and believable characters and a mystery that is multilayered and complicated and, while not exactly agatha christie quality, resolves itself in a believable fashion.

[S.J. Pajonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

i felt like the first two or three chapters were written in a way that made the story hard to get into, but i remembered the first 3 books as being a lot of fun so i persisted. i'm glad i did! it was a good mystery novel, as usual, and i did not see the ending coming. i love all the historical tidbits about this era in japan. the historical notes at the end of the book are worth reading. looking forward to the next one!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonah picked this book out for me at the library - like he grabbed it and said Mommy YOU READ THIS!!!! YOU READ THIS!! very loudly so well I checked it out. and it turned out to be really good! it was an interesting mystery set in 11th century japan. lots of twists and turns and interesting characters and i just love a book that starts w/ a cast of characters so my feeble mind doesn't have to remember the names and relationships of all 72 characters. lol.

[Mary Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medieval Japanese: what's not to like? Rich in details, but perhaps too rich and not all of it hung together that well. The focus seems to be on moral character - and while the figures are not black and white, their complexity did not quite ring true. There it is: I'm looking for stories which ring true. This was my first dip into this series. I won't try another. Not a bad book; just not good enough.