This past week I finished this wonderful book by David Mitchell and I have to say that it does indeed live up to all the press behind it (see reviews below).
The story concerns the affairs of Jacob De Zoet, a Dutchman, who, in an attempt to further his marital prospects and to make a career for himself, sets off to Nagasaki, Japan to act as a special auditor on behalf of the Dutch East Indies Company, on a small island adjacent to the city, called Dejima. The story takes place right around the year 1800 and describes the conflict between the Dutch and the English as they both vie for control of the very profitable trading routes in the Far East. This book can be read on several different levels: it is a historical novel, there is plenty of cultural intrigue regarding the sunset of the Samurai warrior class, and a very powerful love story. All told, the book really hits the mark.
I would be curious to hear your thoughts and/or if there are any similar books you would like to recommend for the reading club!
Reviews:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/29/AR2010062904512_2.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/books/29book.html
