Rated of 5
by Nikki Worth a read The Commoner was a very well-researched work of historical fiction. At times, I almost believed that I was reading an actual account of this woman's life. Though not a page-turner, I did enjoy learning more about the culture. Definitely worth a read!
Rated of 5
by Dorothy Redemption?
Haruko, the commoner, went against all custom of Japan and actually beat the next-in-line Emperor of Japan in tennis. The world of politics beyond her garden wall was of little consequence to her. It was actually her lack of experience with the game of politics and royalty that beguiled the crown prince to want her as his consort. But in doing so, Haruko shut the door on her previous life and all who presided there. "Life became a series of rituals written in another age."
Adding to this wall built around her, was the methodical withdrawal of her baby son by her husband's mother who subtly gives the care of Yasu to the servants. Haruko lapses into a breakdown caused by her broken heart.
In a time and culture when the dictates of royalty preside over individual desire and independence, Haruko submits to the control of the Japanese court and releases her right to hold her son; to hold her husband's hand in public; to publicly shed a tear for sorrow of joy.
Time, however, allows her the opportunity to become the Empress of Japan and the mother-in-law to her son's wife. Will she redeem the wrongs that have burdened her life, or continue to carry out the royal traditions? The portrayal of these historic characters written in sensuous prose evokes compassion and a deeper understanding of a world unknown to most.
Rated of 5
by Christine The Commoner
I wish I had liked The Commoner more. John Burnham Schwartz obviously did his homework on life on both sides of the Japanese Imperial Walls. His writing creates exquisite snapshots of the culture and mores of a society in a time of recovery and change. However, it is in the details that the story gets bogged down and allowed me to set aside the novel during this busy time of year. I am glad I stuck with the novel, being rewarded with a less than traditional "happily ever after" ending to a novel that reads, at times, like a fairy tale.
Rated of 5
by Janice The Commoner
If you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha, this book is for you. I am not normally a reader of Asian fiction but was thoroughly enveloped by this descriptive, informative and well-written tale. One cannot help but sympathize with the protagonist as she moves through life from, a commoner to royalty, with pain and fragility and, finally, maturity. Given the author's extensive research and knowledge of Japan, this is a fine learning novel.
Rated of 5
by Sabrina A Taste of Japanese Royalty
This novel provides the reader with the unique and enjoyable experience of learning about the particular practices of Japanese royalty. The opportunity to enter this culture was the most positive feature of the book for me. However, even in this regard, the author failed to provide enough depth. More explanatory historical information would have been helpful. This could have been accomplished in a manner that would have not detracted from the plot. It probably would have enhanced the plot's enjoyment. Depth was also lacking in character development. The novel's narrator, Haruko, is a strong-willed and memorable character. However, she seems distant from the reader; it was hard for me to feel drawn to her emotionally. The same is true for the other central characters. This is likely a good choice for book clubs but not for individual readers yearning for thought-provoking insight into the emotional conflicts faced by those in Haruko's culture and in her position.
Rated of 5
by Liz The Commoner
I really enjoyed this book, having lived in Japan I was very interested in the culture and personalities of the characters. I found the book to be well written and engaging. This would be a great book club read as there is a lot to discuss. At the very least I would recommend this book to others, Japanophiles or not.
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News Corp will officially split into two companies June 28(May 24 2013) As expected, News Corp has announced it will officially split its publishing and entertainment businesses on 28 June.
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Its board approved the...
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