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louisayd's review
3.0
The speculations and flimsy attempt to connect Tsuneno and the history of Japan after her death detracted from the story and made for a disappointing ending. The rest of the book was ok.
catchingstars's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
I wish there had been more excerpts from the letters.
bookwoman1967's review against another edition
4.0
A mix of history and biography that illustrates life in a distant but intriguing time and place.
ellaarose's review
4.0
I really really liked this, the lengths Stanley has gone to to tell Tsuneno's story is astounding. I can't imagine trying to do this research in English, let alone Japanese!
Stanley has created such a wealth of information, Edo breathes through the pages of this book as does Tsuneno (what an icon).
Loved it, the only thing holding me back from 5 stars was the what ifs? I'm never a fan of those in history books. I really wish this had been on my reading list at university.
Stanley has created such a wealth of information, Edo breathes through the pages of this book as does Tsuneno (what an icon).
Loved it, the only thing holding me back from 5 stars was the what ifs? I'm never a fan of those in history books. I really wish this had been on my reading list at university.
kingarooski's review
4.0
An informative and well-written true story of Tsuneno, who swam against the current at a time and in a place where few dared to do the same. Japan, at the time, was closed off to most foreigners and was a very conservative society, with filial duty and obedience as its main guide. Tsuneno decided to go against her family’s wishes and moved to Edo (Tokyo) to pursue her life her way. This book did a good job of explaining the backdrop of the story and the author clearly loved the subject matter. One Commodore Perry enters the book’s narrative, O could not help but hum to myself the very excellent Pacific Overtures.
lexcellent's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment