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mastersal's review against another edition
4.5
March 2022:
This is a reread for me and one I was looking forward to as I remembered this was more romance focused after the ending of Volume 2. However, this was a lot more political than I remembered which was great.
I also smashed my heart into pieces - which I expected - so all good there.
The volume was great on reread as well, even though the archaic English is a bit painful to read. Still, the story, characters and art are of such high quality that I forgave the stylistic choice.
This volume continued to explore the social changes occurring in Japan because of the Pox but also focused on the impact on the Inner Chambers as Arikoto can’t give the Shogun children. The art did a great job of contextualizing the impact of the sexual politics and the dynastic implications of Iemistu’s choice to try to remain faithful to Arikoto - it broke my heart.
The volume ends with Iemistu stepping into the light and taking on the mantle of the Shogun openly. It was a great scene.
Overall I am going with 4.5 stars because this was lightly less emotional than Volume 1. At least that is what I noted down - however, ask me tomorrow and I will up this back to 5 stars because I am still thinking of the volume and its quieter moments weeks later.
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May 2020:
Another excellent volume in the Ōoku: The Inner Chambers / 大奥 Series, this book broke my heart a little (actually a lot, but I am trying to keep up my stiff upper lip).
This volume continues the story of the first female Shogun and her lover Arikoto. Despite their finding happiness together, they have failed to conceive a child which jeopardizes the Shogunate and Japan’s future.
As befitting the series, which focuses on the sexual politics of the Shogun’s “harem” - this volume is squarely focused on the Inner Chambers. I hesitate to call it “domestic” as politics and the upheaval caused by a change in traditions and society is front and centre, but there were moments of calm and romance which I loved. I am a sucker for romance and here it served as this lovely contrast between the larger changes facing Japan.
The circumscription of Arikoto’s life and his continued grace in making the best of his situation struck a particular chord. This could be because of the COVID pandemic which has all kept us indoors but there was something about his smile which made me cry. Especially near the end …
There were portions where I had to put the volume down as it wasn’t an easy read. The art was great - lovely in places but not overly indulgent to distract from the grittiness of the story.
Excellent job - especially as I basically ignored the odd usage of old English as I was so absorbed. However, I think it is now time to give this series a break as I don't think my tiny shriveled heart will survive another read if COVID doesn’t improve soon.
This is a reread for me and one I was looking forward to as I remembered this was more romance focused after the ending of Volume 2. However, this was a lot more political than I remembered which was great.
I also smashed my heart into pieces - which I expected - so all good there.
The volume was great on reread as well, even though the archaic English is a bit painful to read. Still, the story, characters and art are of such high quality that I forgave the stylistic choice.
This volume continued to explore the social changes occurring in Japan because of the Pox but also focused on the impact on the Inner Chambers as Arikoto can’t give the Shogun children. The art did a great job of contextualizing the impact of the sexual politics and the dynastic implications of Iemistu’s choice to try to remain faithful to Arikoto - it broke my heart.
The volume ends with Iemistu stepping into the light and taking on the mantle of the Shogun openly. It was a great scene.
Overall I am going with 4.5 stars because this was lightly less emotional than Volume 1. At least that is what I noted down - however, ask me tomorrow and I will up this back to 5 stars because I am still thinking of the volume and its quieter moments weeks later.
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May 2020:
Another excellent volume in the Ōoku: The Inner Chambers / 大奥 Series, this book broke my heart a little (actually a lot, but I am trying to keep up my stiff upper lip).
This volume continues the story of the first female Shogun and her lover Arikoto. Despite their finding happiness together, they have failed to conceive a child which jeopardizes the Shogunate and Japan’s future.
As befitting the series, which focuses on the sexual politics of the Shogun’s “harem” - this volume is squarely focused on the Inner Chambers. I hesitate to call it “domestic” as politics and the upheaval caused by a change in traditions and society is front and centre, but there were moments of calm and romance which I loved. I am a sucker for romance and here it served as this lovely contrast between the larger changes facing Japan.
The circumscription of Arikoto’s life and his continued grace in making the best of his situation struck a particular chord. This could be because of the COVID pandemic which has all kept us indoors but there was something about his smile which made me cry. Especially near the end …
There were portions where I had to put the volume down as it wasn’t an easy read. The art was great - lovely in places but not overly indulgent to distract from the grittiness of the story.
Excellent job - especially as I basically ignored the odd usage of old English as I was so absorbed. However, I think it is now time to give this series a break as I don't think my tiny shriveled heart will survive another read if COVID doesn’t improve soon.
melitaylor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
therealkathryn's review against another edition
4.0
The red pox continues to ravage Japan and its effects are felt everywhere, with few men left and famine striking the land. In this volume the first woman shogun reacts to circumstances and we find out more about the development of the male Ooku.
brakebills42's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
annaptobias's review against another edition
Arikoto is one of the more interesting characters in this series so far. Even though he initially resisted being part of the Inner Chambers, he has the charm and (political) saavy to know what to do to endear himself to the shogun and to the other men in the inner chambers. And he does really seem to care for the shogun, thus making it understandable that he would be so distraught when she had to bed other men since he couldn't conceive a child with her.
ebbiebooks's review against another edition
3.0
If I'm correct, this might conclude the flashback that started in volume 2. It's however better than volume 2 as the reader now knows more about the context, the character, etc. Volume 2 was confusing at times, but not this one. That being said, I'm looking forward to more "things" to happen over the "background story" of why Japan got to this place we were shown in volume 1. I don't mind if it's still in the past vs the present of the story of volume 1, as long as we get going.
kamreadsandrecs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0