Blossoms and Shadows

By: Lian Hearn

Narrated by: Stephanie Daniel

From the author of the phenomenal and best-selling Tales of the Otori series comes a new stand-alone historical novel set in 19th century Japan. For centuries Japan has been on its own; isolated by choice from the rest of the world. But the Western powers are now at its shores, its government is crumbling and revolution is building. The age of the samurai is ending and in its place a new Japan will be born. Into this turmoil steps a young woman. Tsuru expects to marry a man of her parents’ choice but her life is taken over by the beliefs of a new age and by the passionate men around her. Their slogan is sonnooi (revere the Emperor, expel the foreigners), their preferred method is violence.

©2010 Copyright © Lian Hearn Associates Pty Ltd 2010 (P)2011 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Not as good as Nightingale

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, but maybe I would go for abridged next time.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Not jump from one character to the next. The storyline of the main character, Tsuru is enough without all the distractions.

What three words best describe Stephanie Daniel’s performance?

Hints of Ocker-Australian

Do you think Blossoms and Shadows needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, except maybe to tell the story of her daughter Michi.

Any additional comments?

I read Across the Nightingale Floor in hard book form & forgot how many times I looked at the Family Tree Chart/ Character List to remember the relationships between different characters. Without this reference I found the audio book confusing.