Publication
HarperTorch (2001), 437 pages
Original publication date
1994-11-17
Collections
Subjects
Awards
Anthony Award (Nominee — First Novel — 1995)
Hammett Prize (Nominee — 1994)
Description
When beautiful, wealthy Yukiko and low-born artist Noriyoshi are found drowned together in a shinju, or ritual double suicide, everyone believes the culprit was forbidden love. Everyone but newly appointed yoriki Sano Ichiro.Despite the official verdict and warnings from his superiors, the shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People suspects the deaths weren't just a tragedy -- they were murder. Risking his family's good name and his own life, Sano will search for a killer across every level of society -- determined to find answers to a mystery no one wants solved. No one but Sano...As subtle and beautiful as the culture it evokes, Shinju vividly re-creates a world of ornate tearooms and guady pleasure-palaces, cloistered mountaintop convents and dealthy prisons. Part love story, part myster, Shinju is a tour that will dazzle and entertain all who enter its world.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Lman
Shinjū is the début novel of the Sano Ichirō series and serves as an introduction to the reader on many levels. Sano is a newly appointed senior police commander, far removed from his earlier life as a tutor and history scholar, selected by family circumstances and connections and not from any
Shinjū is a lovers’ ritual double suicide, and it is such a case that begins the book, and the subsequent investigation that defines the whole story. Originally asked to discretely settle the case, and believing the two were murdered, Sano becomes embroiled in an investigation outside his jurisdiction, and at times, beyond his control.
With stubbornness and a desire for truth, somewhat akin to all the great detective characters ever written, Sano begins a quest to find the murderer, and more importantly, the reason behind the crime. As he delves into the lives of the victims, and as he uncovers their family and associates, Laura Joh Rowland uses these characters to paint a vivid picture of the moment; each life encountered allowing another layer of the culture to open, with artless ease and clever detail, until the reader has a comprehensive understanding of the limitations and frustrations of a detective in these times, and a complete picture of the society.
This is clever writing – filled with entertaining fast-paced action containing a thriller of a plot that enthralls until the end - the story effortlessly avails the reader of a peek into a past era that it is intriguing, fascinating and appalling all at the same time.
And it is the beginning of the story of Sano Ichirō, a life definitely worth more reading.
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talent on his part. From the very beginning Laura Joh Rowland introduces us to 17th century Japan for Sano: the strictures, the hierarchy, the structure, the history and the corruption of life in the Shogun Tokugawa period.Shinjū is a lovers’ ritual double suicide, and it is such a case that begins the book, and the subsequent investigation that defines the whole story. Originally asked to discretely settle the case, and believing the two were murdered, Sano becomes embroiled in an investigation outside his jurisdiction, and at times, beyond his control.
With stubbornness and a desire for truth, somewhat akin to all the great detective characters ever written, Sano begins a quest to find the murderer, and more importantly, the reason behind the crime. As he delves into the lives of the victims, and as he uncovers their family and associates, Laura Joh Rowland uses these characters to paint a vivid picture of the moment; each life encountered allowing another layer of the culture to open, with artless ease and clever detail, until the reader has a comprehensive understanding of the limitations and frustrations of a detective in these times, and a complete picture of the society.
This is clever writing – filled with entertaining fast-paced action containing a thriller of a plot that enthralls until the end - the story effortlessly avails the reader of a peek into a past era that it is intriguing, fascinating and appalling all at the same time.
And it is the beginning of the story of Sano Ichirō, a life definitely worth more reading.
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LibraryThing member TheoClarke
Set in a largely accurate depiction of 17th century Japan, this crime novel unfolded neatly and was filled with suspense because I had no clue as to whether the hero would survive in his difficult position as the State's first detective. I enjoyed the characterisation of an honourable man
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constantly chosing between convention and duty. Show Less
LibraryThing member angharad_reads
Bad prose, ridiculously trite plot (police official angers superiors by investigating a murder that high-class folk want hushed up). Sort of the grocery-store version of a costume mystery. I'm disappointed, but because the setting holds some slight promise, I will read at least one more in case the
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plot and cultural exposition get better. I'll check that one out of the library, though. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kasthu
Shinju is a novel that introduces its reader to Sano Ichiro, a member of the shogun class who serves as a yoriki, investigating crimes in seventeenth-century Edo (Tokyo). It’s a position he’d rather not be in, since he gained his position through connections; and many of his contemporaries
This is a very strong start to what seems like an interesting series. Sano Ichiro is an unusual investigator—anyone else in his position would simply commit seppuku rather than live with the shame of what he’s done; but Ichiro persists in his investigation, driven by his sense of honor. His unconventional behavior makes him an intriguing character, one I want to read more about in future books. Rowland’s description of her characters’ emotions is a bit simplistic, and our hero is both astute and dense at the same time (how did he figure out the identity of the “watcher” who follows him along the Tokkaido so quickly?); but I was able to overlook these things because I enjoyed much of the rest of the book.
I loved the setting of the book, too; Rowland describes everything about late-17th century Japan in deep detail. I love historically detailed novels, and people who look for that kind of thing will enjoy this book. Not knowing much about the history of Japan, I can’t say if this is historically accurate, but everything Rowland writes about hangs together well. From sumo matches to 17th century crime and punishment (brutal at the very least), the author gives her reader an intimate view of Edo.
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resent him for it. When the daughter of one of the most preeminent families in Edo turns up dead in the company of a lowly artist, everyone assumes that they were a double love-suicide, or Shinju. But Sano Ichiro suspects otherwise, and his search for a murderer leads him into dangerous territory—especially since the family of the dead girl would rather keep the matter closed.This is a very strong start to what seems like an interesting series. Sano Ichiro is an unusual investigator—anyone else in his position would simply commit seppuku rather than live with the shame of what he’s done; but Ichiro persists in his investigation, driven by his sense of honor. His unconventional behavior makes him an intriguing character, one I want to read more about in future books. Rowland’s description of her characters’ emotions is a bit simplistic, and our hero is both astute and dense at the same time (how did he figure out the identity of the “watcher” who follows him along the Tokkaido so quickly?); but I was able to overlook these things because I enjoyed much of the rest of the book.
I loved the setting of the book, too; Rowland describes everything about late-17th century Japan in deep detail. I love historically detailed novels, and people who look for that kind of thing will enjoy this book. Not knowing much about the history of Japan, I can’t say if this is historically accurate, but everything Rowland writes about hangs together well. From sumo matches to 17th century crime and punishment (brutal at the very least), the author gives her reader an intimate view of Edo.
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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
What makes this novel worth reading is the cultural and historical picture of Japan under the Shogunate. While it dips at times through others' points of view, this tale is mostly seen through the eyes of Sano Ichiru, a samurai currently employed as a Yoriki, supervising policemen in the city of
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Edo. When he's asked to look into a seeming joint suicide, a shinju, his position, his honor, and his very life is put into danger when he defies orders and digs further into what he believes is murder. In the midst of his investigation he moves through every segment of society--from nuns and prostitutes to sumo wrestlers and Kabuki actors to the highest reaches of his society. I liked the young Sano, who wrestles with the conflicting forces of duty and conformity against the desire to find truth and see justice done. But what really made this book for me was the way Rowland transported me into another time and place, and I'll definitely look up more of the series in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member Condorena
For some reason I had trouble getting into the story and caring one way or another about the murder victims or the characters in the story. I am a fan of I. J. Parkers series set in ancient Japan so I was predisposed to like this. Maybe the next in the series will be more engaging.
LibraryThing member shieldwolf
1st read this as a library edition, never bought it. I have read almost the entire series, Adding this to my collection of ones I do already have is just great. If Japanese history/drama/detective genre interests you at all, and/or you have never read any of this series. I Highly recommend this
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one. it is the first one of the series and sets up the characters for all the others, a good primer. A great book and for me, addicting enough to follow the series all these years. Laura Joh Rowland is a great writer and love everything she's written. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrlzbth
Worth reading for the peek into the culture and daily life of 17th century Japan, though the mystery plot is not very compelling (it's pretty obvious who the culprit is from early on). Rowland's samurai detective spends quite a bit of this book agonizing over the conflict between his desire to
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solve the crime and his desire to bring honor to his family by being obedient to his superiors (who have ordered him to stop pestering the elite members of society with his questions). That's an interesting dilemma for a detective to have but does make things drag from time to time...I am curious to see how the character develops, though, and will certainly pick up the next in the series fairly soon! Show Less
LibraryThing member MarysGirl
It took a while to get into this book--lots of long descriptions and not much action in the beginning, but the final third of the story delivered. Now that the author has hit her stride, I might try the next in the series.
LibraryThing member janerawoof
Delightful historical mystery set in feudal Japan of the 17th century. Yoriki [Police Commander] Sano Ichiro is confronted with a supposed shinju [double suicide of two lovers]. Sano, with the help of Dr. Ito, prison doctor, ascertains that there were two murders. Dr. Ito performs an autopsy, which
Sano is an engaging character and is driven by the samurai code of Bushido which includes duty, filial piety, and searching out the truth at whatever cost. Rowland set out Japanese social mores and culture in her novel. We witness a funeral and a tea ceremony. Descriptions were rich and vivid. These were the best part of the novel and opened my eyes to an unfamiliar culture. We get an insight into the Japanese psyche. I am glad Sano has seventeen other cases that I plan to follow. The author has created an imaginative and creative series.
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is forbidden by Japanese law at that time, as "Western." Against orders of Sano's superior, Sano sets about finding the culprit. During his investigation, a conspiracy to assassinate the shogun is uncovered and Sano races to foil the plot. When Sano comes face to face with the villain, the ensuing struggle is heart-stopping.Sano is an engaging character and is driven by the samurai code of Bushido which includes duty, filial piety, and searching out the truth at whatever cost. Rowland set out Japanese social mores and culture in her novel. We witness a funeral and a tea ceremony. Descriptions were rich and vivid. These were the best part of the novel and opened my eyes to an unfamiliar culture. We get an insight into the Japanese psyche. I am glad Sano has seventeen other cases that I plan to follow. The author has created an imaginative and creative series.
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LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Sano Ichiro is a newly appointed yoriki (policeman) in 17th Century Feudal Japan. His father, now becoming old and sick, has called in a favor to get Sano an honored position in the police department. Sano is immediately disliked and resented by his colleagues. The story begins when the daughter of
Throughout the story Sano jeopardizes his career and family honor to solve the case. He's an idealist in a world of political corruption and feels a real conflict between obedience and honor. He's an unusual and unconventional man of his time, anguished by his sense of Samurai honor.
This mystery had a nicely complex plot that blended Japan's political rivalries and Samurai heritage and culture into a wonderfully readable story. I loved the very detailed atmosphere of Edo and Japan during the rule of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. I thought it was a real page turner and I've already picked up the second of the series, Bundori.
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a powerful Edo family, Lady Yukiko, and a low born artist named Noriyoshi are found bound together in a double love suicide called a Shinju. Sano is assigned to do a cursory investigation of the dishonorable event. Something about the case doesn't seem correct to Sano, so despite orders from his bosses he continues his investigation.Throughout the story Sano jeopardizes his career and family honor to solve the case. He's an idealist in a world of political corruption and feels a real conflict between obedience and honor. He's an unusual and unconventional man of his time, anguished by his sense of Samurai honor.
This mystery had a nicely complex plot that blended Japan's political rivalries and Samurai heritage and culture into a wonderfully readable story. I loved the very detailed atmosphere of Edo and Japan during the rule of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. I thought it was a real page turner and I've already picked up the second of the series, Bundori.
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LibraryThing member Van_Blake
A murder mystery set in mediaeval Japan! What's not to like? Sano Ichiro becomes the main investigator for the shogun. The politics of the time are very tenuous and at times become obstacles to doing his job. Failure can mean death in a lot of cases. This is a very witty series, with plenty of
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action and plot twists to keep you reading further to find out what happens next. Laura Joh Rowland also does not shy away from some of the more controversial practices of the times as well as the barbaric actions that would have been prevalent among 18th century samurai. Great read! I would recommend for mystery enthusiast, and forensics aficionados alike. Show Less
LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
In Japan of the 1670's, Sano Ichiro's elderly, ailing father has pulled some strings to get him appointed yoriki (which seems to be much like a police sergeant). However, from the very start, Sano finds himself in conflict at his job - his superior orders him to quietly bury the embarrassing
However, even as Sano turns up more evidence pointing at a web of blackmail, pornography and prostitution, sadism and even treason, his personal situation grows more and more precarious, as he stands in danger of losing his position, his patron, and even his family honor.
Rowland has jam-packed her book with details and anecdotes of Japan, making for a colorful background - but the story itself seems to be a very modern murder-mystery overlaid against this background, rather than a story that naturally emerges from the time period, characters and culture she has chosen.
Also - it may be a quibble, but her description of a sushi bar at one point in the story describes a style of cuisine and its presentation which I truly believe would not have been present in Japan until around 1800 - over 100 years after the setting of this story. Although I am not an expert on the details of Japanese history, this throws doubt on many of her other historical details. I also have doubts about the women's Sumo sex show.
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discovery of the bodies of a wealthy young noblewoman and a commoner known for his erotic artworks - apparently a double suicide based on their doomed love. But Sano has a feeling that this was not suicide but murder - and with the evidence gained through an illegal autopsy and a bit of investigation, his hunch grows even stronger.However, even as Sano turns up more evidence pointing at a web of blackmail, pornography and prostitution, sadism and even treason, his personal situation grows more and more precarious, as he stands in danger of losing his position, his patron, and even his family honor.
Rowland has jam-packed her book with details and anecdotes of Japan, making for a colorful background - but the story itself seems to be a very modern murder-mystery overlaid against this background, rather than a story that naturally emerges from the time period, characters and culture she has chosen.
Also - it may be a quibble, but her description of a sushi bar at one point in the story describes a style of cuisine and its presentation which I truly believe would not have been present in Japan until around 1800 - over 100 years after the setting of this story. Although I am not an expert on the details of Japanese history, this throws doubt on many of her other historical details. I also have doubts about the women's Sumo sex show.
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LibraryThing member VictoriaJZ
I enjoyed reading this work. I have not read many books set in Asia so welcomed the chance to do so. It's an intricate mystery in which a former tutor, now a police officer, tries to find out whether a many and woman committed ritual suicide or were murdered, and that's only the first part of the
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mystery. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0061009504 / 9780061009501
Physical description
448 p.; 4.19 inches
Pages
448