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A review by mschlat
Tonoharu: Part Three by Lars Martinson
3.0
I read the first two volumes of this back in 2008 and 2010 and was honestly surprised to see a concluding volume --- I though the whole series was in limbo. The first two volumes were interesting enough; you have a young Daniel Wells traveling to Japan as an English teacher, only to find himself lost in the culture and adrift without purpose. He doesn't try to learn much of the language and his only diversions are a futile pining after another American, an affair with a Japanese teacher, and strange goings-on with some European expatriates. While there's a bit of tension, Daniel's depressed state overwhelms the narrative for the most part.
The third and final volume doesn't help that much. The story of Daniel Wells ends somewhat abruptly, only to continue in some oddly-named "appendices" that jump in time (which reveal that most of the mysteries of the expatriates weren't that interesting). The best part is an epilogue that continues the prologue from the first volume about the teacher that comes to replace Wells. He appears to be a stand in for the author, and his inner monologue is much more textured than the rest of the series. You read about his struggles with teaching, his willingness to experiment, and his growing comfort with the language and culture. I'd have much rather read a story about him than Daniel Wells.
The third and final volume doesn't help that much. The story of Daniel Wells ends somewhat abruptly, only to continue in some oddly-named "appendices" that jump in time (which reveal that most of the mysteries of the expatriates weren't that interesting). The best part is an epilogue that continues the prologue from the first volume about the teacher that comes to replace Wells. He appears to be a stand in for the author, and his inner monologue is much more textured than the rest of the series. You read about his struggles with teaching, his willingness to experiment, and his growing comfort with the language and culture. I'd have much rather read a story about him than Daniel Wells.