The Street of a Thousand Blossoms in Pick-a-Shelf

Oct 31, 2009 Sunflower rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction-read-2009, library

An epic novel of the effect of history (war and post-war Japan) on the lives of the characters. Although lengthy, it's not a difficult read, with interesting detail about sumo and Noh mask-making. Three stars instead of 4 because it seemed to me at times like a school journal-as if the tale was secondary to the lessons in Japanese culture. Not that I minded that really. Other reviewers have noted that this book is not as engaging as her others, so I will read more of her work. ...more

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Dec 25, 2010 Susan rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction

Gail Tsukiyama's books are always set against fascinating backgrounds, and this one is no exception. It follows 3 generations of a Japanese family from before World War II through Japan's occupation and recovery after the war. Hiroshi and Kenji are two orphaned sons who are raised by their grandparents after a freak accident claims the lives of their parents: Hiroshi wants to become a sumo wrestler, and Kenji is drawn to the intricate masks used in the Noh theater. The boys, their grandparents, ...more

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Dec 18, 2009 Tara rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks

This story follows two brothers and their family from the beginning of WWII through the occupation and beyond. Through the brothers the readers get an intimate look at the art of Noh plays and mask making, Sumo wrestling, and japanese family life and traditions. Their life is full of heartbreak, love, and beyond that hope.
Although, I am usually not a fan of family sagas this book kept my attention. I also appreciated its simple story telling. If you have an interest in historical novels and jap ...more

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Apr 28, 2009 Arlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2009-50-book-challenge, pick-a-shelf-challenge, asia

I really like this author. In this book she follows two brothers from their childhood in wartime Tokyo through their adult successes and tragedies. It is especially good with its view of the life of a Sumo wrestler.

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