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Kumashiro Saga #2
The Gilded Fan
How do you start a new life, leaving behind all you love?
It’s 1641, and when Midori Kumashiro, the orphaned daughter of a warlord, is told she has to leave Japan or die, she has no choice but to flee to England. Midori is trained in the arts of war, but is that enough to help her survive a journey, with a lecherous crew and an attractive captain she doesn’t trust?
Having come to Nagasaki to trade, the last thing Captain Nico Noordholt wants is a female passenger, especially a beautiful one. How can he protect her from his crew when he can’t keep his own eyes off her?
During their journey, Nico and Midori form a tentative bond, but they both have secrets that can change everything. When they arrive in England, a civil war is brewing, and only by standing together can they hope to survive…
It’s 1641, and when Midori Kumashiro, the orphaned daughter of a warlord, is told she has to leave Japan or die, she has no choice but to flee to England. Midori is trained in the arts of war, but is that enough to help her survive a journey, with a lecherous crew and an attractive captain she doesn’t trust?
Having come to Nagasaki to trade, the last thing Captain Nico Noordholt wants is a female passenger, especially a beautiful one. How can he protect her from his crew when he can’t keep his own eyes off her?
During their journey, Nico and Midori form a tentative bond, but they both have secrets that can change everything. When they arrive in England, a civil war is brewing, and only by standing together can they hope to survive…
350 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2012
88 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
Christina Courtenay
35 books369 followersChristina Courtenay writes historical romance, time slip and time travel stories, and lives in Herefordshire (near the Welsh border) in the UK. Although born in England, she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden – hence her abiding interest in the Vikings. Christina is a former chairman of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association and has won several awards, including the RoNA for Best Historical Romantic Novel twice with Highland Storms (2012) and The Gilded Fan (2014) and the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 with Echoes of the Runes. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 23, 2019
Just when I wanted to see more of Hannah Marston and Taro Kumashiro, the couple who overlook their drastic cultural differences with love in The Scarlet Kimono, book 2’s The Gilded Fan introduced me instead to their daughter Midori, now a woman grown, and fast forward to a time when Japan’s Shogun is hell-bent on outlawing Christianity and expelling all gai-jins (foreigners) from their land.
Midori, recently orphaned, and even with her status as the daughter of a powerful daimyo (warlord), still finds herself at risk from the Shogun’s edict because of her half-foreign (British) lineage, and has to convince the captain of the Dutch vessel that was to journey back to Europe soon to take her in before the Japanese authorities apprehend her. Captain Nico Noordholt, who has just recently assumed the position and is raring for a smooth sailing back home, is hesitant to take a beautiful female passenger on board for fear that he will be unable to protect her from his wanton crew—or himself. But he also knows he can’t leave her to die in Japan, and so he agrees to take her to his ship; and later, to her mother’s hometown in England, which at the time is rife with talks of war.
I liked how the author presented the cross-cultural references in her description of the Japanese and British ways of life, and gathered the contradictions of these two cultures in Midori’s character. While Midori is half-British, she grows up almost entirely embracing her Japanese roots, and only starts to learn about her British roots as she ventures into a new life in England. It becomes easy to appreciate through Midori’s lens the travails of being born at a time when her mixed parentage presents her with more difficulties than relief, and sympathize with her when she starts comparing her parents' customs, from the many differences concerning religion, personal hygiene and urban sanitation, down to minute habits each culture has. And while the characters clearly converse in contemporary dialogue, it does not in any way lessen the historical impact of the story for me.
However, I think Nico’s character development has been bland compared to Midori’s. His life story is highlighted in a few pages, true, but it seems artificial and not carefully fleshed out. He is as good a hero any reader could expect, but with his less than impressive characterization, it is quite difficult to identify with him. The same could be said of the other minor characters.
On the whole, I find this book entertaining enough to want to finish the series. I think this is my favorite book from the saga, on the account of it being more straightforward and dynamic.
Midori, recently orphaned, and even with her status as the daughter of a powerful daimyo (warlord), still finds herself at risk from the Shogun’s edict because of her half-foreign (British) lineage, and has to convince the captain of the Dutch vessel that was to journey back to Europe soon to take her in before the Japanese authorities apprehend her. Captain Nico Noordholt, who has just recently assumed the position and is raring for a smooth sailing back home, is hesitant to take a beautiful female passenger on board for fear that he will be unable to protect her from his wanton crew—or himself. But he also knows he can’t leave her to die in Japan, and so he agrees to take her to his ship; and later, to her mother’s hometown in England, which at the time is rife with talks of war.
I liked how the author presented the cross-cultural references in her description of the Japanese and British ways of life, and gathered the contradictions of these two cultures in Midori’s character. While Midori is half-British, she grows up almost entirely embracing her Japanese roots, and only starts to learn about her British roots as she ventures into a new life in England. It becomes easy to appreciate through Midori’s lens the travails of being born at a time when her mixed parentage presents her with more difficulties than relief, and sympathize with her when she starts comparing her parents' customs, from the many differences concerning religion, personal hygiene and urban sanitation, down to minute habits each culture has. And while the characters clearly converse in contemporary dialogue, it does not in any way lessen the historical impact of the story for me.
However, I think Nico’s character development has been bland compared to Midori’s. His life story is highlighted in a few pages, true, but it seems artificial and not carefully fleshed out. He is as good a hero any reader could expect, but with his less than impressive characterization, it is quite difficult to identify with him. The same could be said of the other minor characters.
On the whole, I find this book entertaining enough to want to finish the series. I think this is my favorite book from the saga, on the account of it being more straightforward and dynamic.
February 5, 2013
Midori, daughter of a warlord in 17C Japan has always been different from her peers. She lost her English mother and now fears for her life if she decides to stay with her family in Japan. The Shogan wants to dispose of all Christians in the land. Although Midori follows her father's religious beliefs she would not be spared because of her mixed parentage.
Her half-brother finds her passage on a trade ship bound for Amsterdam, another perilous situation for a lone woman at that time, but Midori and her brother feel it is her only hope of survival. She sets sail under the protection of Captain Nico, in her quest to return to her mother's family in Plymouth, Devon.
She survives the dangerous journey with Captain Nico and his crew and the two form a strong bond. Once docked in Amsterdam, Nico decides it is his duty to see this young woman to her final destination in England even when he discovers who she is and where she is headed.
The adventure for Midori does not end there. Once safely united with her mother's family, it becomes apparent that there is unrest in England and Civil War is about to break out. Nico and Midori have a misunderstanding and Nico joins the war effort.
Another fabulous historical adventure with lots of passion and romance from one of my favourite historical romance authors, Christina Courtenay. This author always weaves such a rich adventure that is full of passion. The author's love of Japan comes across in the vivid description of the country and it's history. I always want to sit down with one of these novels and devour in one sitting, but by the same token want it to last for days.
I felt that having read The Scarlet Kimono this enriched the continuing story for me, but this can be read alone as there is full explanation of who Midori is and her relationship to the Marston's family.
Thank you to ChocLit for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
Her half-brother finds her passage on a trade ship bound for Amsterdam, another perilous situation for a lone woman at that time, but Midori and her brother feel it is her only hope of survival. She sets sail under the protection of Captain Nico, in her quest to return to her mother's family in Plymouth, Devon.
She survives the dangerous journey with Captain Nico and his crew and the two form a strong bond. Once docked in Amsterdam, Nico decides it is his duty to see this young woman to her final destination in England even when he discovers who she is and where she is headed.
The adventure for Midori does not end there. Once safely united with her mother's family, it becomes apparent that there is unrest in England and Civil War is about to break out. Nico and Midori have a misunderstanding and Nico joins the war effort.
Another fabulous historical adventure with lots of passion and romance from one of my favourite historical romance authors, Christina Courtenay. This author always weaves such a rich adventure that is full of passion. The author's love of Japan comes across in the vivid description of the country and it's history. I always want to sit down with one of these novels and devour in one sitting, but by the same token want it to last for days.
I felt that having read The Scarlet Kimono this enriched the continuing story for me, but this can be read alone as there is full explanation of who Midori is and her relationship to the Marston's family.
Thank you to ChocLit for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
June 1, 2014
If this is the type of historical romantic fiction that wins awards, I dread to see what the non-award-winning stuff is like. I agree that it had some nice historical detail in it, but the characters were completely cardboard (he's a broad-shouldered hunk with beautiful flowing hair! She's an exotic beauty with a heart-shaped face and a strong will! Will these crazy kids ever overcome their entirely unconvincing objections to each other and get together? Of course they will.)
The dialog was what really killed it for me, especially Nico's descriptions of Amsterdam, which felt like he was reading them directly from Wikipedia.
I only kept reading because I thought it would get better, but it didn't.
For a truly romantic novel set in this period in Japan, try The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, by David Mitchell.
The dialog was what really killed it for me, especially Nico's descriptions of Amsterdam, which felt like he was reading them directly from Wikipedia.
I only kept reading because I thought it would get better, but it didn't.
For a truly romantic novel set in this period in Japan, try The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, by David Mitchell.
August 30, 2013
I had high hopes for this book as it had a lot of good reviews, was by an award winning author and I have loved all the "Choc Lit" novels I have read so far. However, I have read a lot of historical romance and this just completely lacked any spark or real tension between the hero and heroine. I got bored about a third of the way through and only finished it in the hope it would improve..it didn't.
The beginning of it was OK but once the characters reached England it died a death for me. Even the initial antagonism between Midori/Nico and the Marston family lacked intensity. Nico and Midori's relationship was at stalemate for too long and grew very stale and stilted. When they finally got it together it didn't sit right as neither suddenly cared about "honour", which had been so important, and there weren't even initially any declarations of love (an opportunity for the author to create some tension which she didn't even take!)
I found it very implausible that a woman would have been allowed to fight in the civil war. This aspect also lacked conviction and was not empathetic reading for the reader as they were fighting/killing out of obligation rather than belief. The characters never came across as real people, the love story was devoid of any real passion, the verbal dialogue was poor and the plot and itself grew tedious. Overall, very disappointing.
The beginning of it was OK but once the characters reached England it died a death for me. Even the initial antagonism between Midori/Nico and the Marston family lacked intensity. Nico and Midori's relationship was at stalemate for too long and grew very stale and stilted. When they finally got it together it didn't sit right as neither suddenly cared about "honour", which had been so important, and there weren't even initially any declarations of love (an opportunity for the author to create some tension which she didn't even take!)
I found it very implausible that a woman would have been allowed to fight in the civil war. This aspect also lacked conviction and was not empathetic reading for the reader as they were fighting/killing out of obligation rather than belief. The characters never came across as real people, the love story was devoid of any real passion, the verbal dialogue was poor and the plot and itself grew tedious. Overall, very disappointing.
May 1, 2016
It's the year 1641, and Japan is closing itself off to the outside world, expelling all foreigners and children with foreign parents. Not even her status as daughter of a daimyo exempts Midori Kumashiro, who is forced to leave behind the castle she grew up in and everyone she knows to seek passage on a Dutch ship to reach her English mother's relatives in Plymouth, hoping they'll be willing to take her in. Captain Nico Noordholt is not at all thrilled at the idea of having a lone beautiful young woman on his ship, as there is bound to be trouble with the crew. Nevertheless, Midori succeeds in convincing him to grant her passage, and during the long journey they both develop an attraction to the other.
I really liked Midori, who is strong, determined and a fighter both literally and figuratively, so I enjoyed the story a lot despite the fact that her preachy relatives got on my nerves very quickly with all their religious crap.
I really liked Midori, who is strong, determined and a fighter both literally and figuratively, so I enjoyed the story a lot despite the fact that her preachy relatives got on my nerves very quickly with all their religious crap.
August 23, 2014
I had never read a novel by Christina Courtenay before this, but I was really looking forward to it. I LOVE trying new authors, because you never know when you will find a new favourite author or favourite book.
The cover of The Gilded Fan is stunning, the colours are beautiful and give little hints about what might lay in store for us in the story. The blurb alone had me excited to start the book!
In 1641, Midori, an orphan of a warlord, is told that she has to flee her home of Japan, as she is of mixed parentage and people of mixed heritage or Christians are being persecuted by the Shogun. Knowing that her mother, Hannah, originated from England, Midori plans to travel there to find her mother’s relatives. Managing to negotiate passage on Captian Nico Noordholt’s ship, Midori hopes that she will soon settle in England. But Midori was the last person he wanted to be on board his ship – for how can he protect her from the crew of men when he can’t tear his eyes away from her himself? As Nico and Midori form a bond, they are both hiding secrets that threaten to change everything, and with civil war brewing and rumours flying everywhere, what will happen when they finally reach England?
Wow. I was completely blown away by The Gilded Fan! After I had turned the last page, I couldn’t stop wondering where I had been and how I had not discovered Christina Courtenay before – her work and her writing is INCREDIBLE! Christina’s writing swept me up and carried me across the ocean to Japan, on the seas and back to England and the town of Plymouth. The descriptions are fantastic and it is obvious that Christina has spent a long time and a lot of effort researching everything. The research was definitely worth it because I could picture every scene clearly in my mind and I genuinely felt as though I had been transported back in time and that I was living in the 1600′s, watching every scene unfold in front of me.
The characters are very-well written. Midori is the perfect female lead. I particularly liked that she was a fiercely independent woman who had her wits about her, could take care of herself and was confident in her abilities despite not knowing what lay ahead of her and the challenges she faced. As a reader I warmed to her immediately, and throughout the story I actually felt very proud of her as a woman trying to adapt in a new and unknown world. Midori’s progression through the story had me gripped and I was staying up in bed past midnight desperate to reach the next chapters so that I could find out what happened next.
Nico…well, he was handsome, he was charming and I loved his personality! In The Gilded Fan, the story switches between Midori’s scenes and Nico scenes and I really enjoyed this aspect as we were then given an insight into Nico’s opinions on the events that were unfolding. As well as being able to read what was happening with Nico and his story, I also felt I gained a deeper understanding of him as a character, his personality and his true feelings on the situations in the story. I also really liked the secondary characters as well, in particular I warmed to Harding and Temperance, and I enjoyed reading about Temperance and how she matured and grew during the book.
I absolutely loved the historical aspects of The Gilded Fan, but the romance was something very special. What I really enjoyed about the romance was that it wasn’t over the top, or glaring right in front of you, but it was subtle and slow-growing. I loved seeing the romance build up slowly, and being able to savour each little touch, look and phrase, rather than having a rush all at once. Christina’s way of writing this romance made it seem more real and true-to-life, and I got excited about the little things, like a lingering look or hands brushing each other, and it was wonderful!
The Gilded Fan is a beautifully written historical romance, which explores religion, war, romance, the importance of family and standing up for what you believe in. It is a truly enchanting tale that will take you on a wonderful journey to many parts of the world, keeping you gripped and enthralled throughout. Personally, I will now be reading Christina’s previous novels, and I can not wait to see what Christina Courtenay brings out next!
The cover of The Gilded Fan is stunning, the colours are beautiful and give little hints about what might lay in store for us in the story. The blurb alone had me excited to start the book!
In 1641, Midori, an orphan of a warlord, is told that she has to flee her home of Japan, as she is of mixed parentage and people of mixed heritage or Christians are being persecuted by the Shogun. Knowing that her mother, Hannah, originated from England, Midori plans to travel there to find her mother’s relatives. Managing to negotiate passage on Captian Nico Noordholt’s ship, Midori hopes that she will soon settle in England. But Midori was the last person he wanted to be on board his ship – for how can he protect her from the crew of men when he can’t tear his eyes away from her himself? As Nico and Midori form a bond, they are both hiding secrets that threaten to change everything, and with civil war brewing and rumours flying everywhere, what will happen when they finally reach England?
Wow. I was completely blown away by The Gilded Fan! After I had turned the last page, I couldn’t stop wondering where I had been and how I had not discovered Christina Courtenay before – her work and her writing is INCREDIBLE! Christina’s writing swept me up and carried me across the ocean to Japan, on the seas and back to England and the town of Plymouth. The descriptions are fantastic and it is obvious that Christina has spent a long time and a lot of effort researching everything. The research was definitely worth it because I could picture every scene clearly in my mind and I genuinely felt as though I had been transported back in time and that I was living in the 1600′s, watching every scene unfold in front of me.
The characters are very-well written. Midori is the perfect female lead. I particularly liked that she was a fiercely independent woman who had her wits about her, could take care of herself and was confident in her abilities despite not knowing what lay ahead of her and the challenges she faced. As a reader I warmed to her immediately, and throughout the story I actually felt very proud of her as a woman trying to adapt in a new and unknown world. Midori’s progression through the story had me gripped and I was staying up in bed past midnight desperate to reach the next chapters so that I could find out what happened next.
Nico…well, he was handsome, he was charming and I loved his personality! In The Gilded Fan, the story switches between Midori’s scenes and Nico scenes and I really enjoyed this aspect as we were then given an insight into Nico’s opinions on the events that were unfolding. As well as being able to read what was happening with Nico and his story, I also felt I gained a deeper understanding of him as a character, his personality and his true feelings on the situations in the story. I also really liked the secondary characters as well, in particular I warmed to Harding and Temperance, and I enjoyed reading about Temperance and how she matured and grew during the book.
I absolutely loved the historical aspects of The Gilded Fan, but the romance was something very special. What I really enjoyed about the romance was that it wasn’t over the top, or glaring right in front of you, but it was subtle and slow-growing. I loved seeing the romance build up slowly, and being able to savour each little touch, look and phrase, rather than having a rush all at once. Christina’s way of writing this romance made it seem more real and true-to-life, and I got excited about the little things, like a lingering look or hands brushing each other, and it was wonderful!
The Gilded Fan is a beautifully written historical romance, which explores religion, war, romance, the importance of family and standing up for what you believe in. It is a truly enchanting tale that will take you on a wonderful journey to many parts of the world, keeping you gripped and enthralled throughout. Personally, I will now be reading Christina’s previous novels, and I can not wait to see what Christina Courtenay brings out next!
February 16, 2013
Although The Gilded Fan is the sequel to The Scarlet Kimono, it can also be read as a stand-alone so don’t let that put you off picking up this wonderful read!
The Gilded Fan begins with a prologue. It is 1640 and Midori is at her mother, Hannah’s funeral. On the procession to the temple, the reader becomes aware of the death a year ago of Midori’s father and how Hannah’s love for him was so strong that she couldn’t live without him. We also meet Midori’s half-brother, Ichiro.
We’re then on the island Dejima (across the water from Nagasaki) at the Dutch Trading Post for the East Indian Company. There is a small bridge that connects Dejima and Nagasaki but is guarded. The Captain of the Zwarte Zwaan is unwell but still meets with the Japanese to negotiate for cargo. When he dies from the fever Nico, first mate, becomes Captain.
Midori needs to flee Japan as the Shogun is cleansing Japan of ‘foreigners’. With her maternal English heritage, she is put into this category. Bluffing her way onto Dejima, she wants to pay for her passage to England. Before she meets Nico she makes her first enemy. I loved this scene! The customs of her upbringing and her personality really shine through. Such a strength of character! From this point I knew I would thoroughly enjoy being a part of wherever the story was going to take me.
Against his better judgement, Nico accepts Midori as a passenger but before they set sail, a member of Ichiro’s household has betrayed them. Midori spends some time in a dungeon …
The sea journey is exciting and dangerous. Alongside the sparring of our two leads, their attraction grows. Batavia is the stop-off that causes conflict for Midori and Amsterdam, Nico’s home, is where she feels at home.
Before they reach Plymouth, Nico finds out something that will cause rejection when they reach land…
The historical period of The Gilded Fan is very interesting, from the Shogun in Japan and Japenese customs to the Civil War with the Royalists and Parliamentarians in England. With Midori’s mixed-race heritage she feels as if she doesn’t belong anywhere. The beliefs she was brought up to revere are never truly buried in Puritan Plymouth.
The writing is such that you feel yourself a part of the story. Considering we’re on the Zwarte Zwaan for a time, you might think there would be times when you’re imagination isn’t quite so fired but the things that happen give this an exciting feel. In Batavia I experienced the terror alongside Midori, in the market I enjoyed wandering around and bargaining and in Plymouth I could smell the stench of the streets and hear the boom of the cannons.
Our two leads are very strong characters, which leads to some very emotional sparring sessions. I enjoyed the sparks Midori and Nico made :)
I did wonder where the plot would take us once we reached England … when we find out the connection to England it weaves together all the strands of the plot, giving us more conflict between the two leads and intrigue within Midori’s family (as well as the politics/Civil War).
The Gilded Fan is more than a story of love. History, politics, religion, family and time spent on a trading ship and in three countries held me enthralled. I thought about the story during the day and couldn’t wait to carry on reading.
I did have a personal interest in this story … I can’t end my review without sharing that my 5 x great grandfather, Richard Govey, spent time as a first mate on the East Indiaman ‘Grosvenor’ (1766) and his nephew was buried in the Honourable East India Co burial ground in Poplar in 1846. In 1878, an ancestors marriage announcement in The Times notes her name and nickname … Henriette (Chinkie) Govey. Not PC these days!
I would like to thank the publishers, Choc Lit, for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Gilded Fan begins with a prologue. It is 1640 and Midori is at her mother, Hannah’s funeral. On the procession to the temple, the reader becomes aware of the death a year ago of Midori’s father and how Hannah’s love for him was so strong that she couldn’t live without him. We also meet Midori’s half-brother, Ichiro.
We’re then on the island Dejima (across the water from Nagasaki) at the Dutch Trading Post for the East Indian Company. There is a small bridge that connects Dejima and Nagasaki but is guarded. The Captain of the Zwarte Zwaan is unwell but still meets with the Japanese to negotiate for cargo. When he dies from the fever Nico, first mate, becomes Captain.
Midori needs to flee Japan as the Shogun is cleansing Japan of ‘foreigners’. With her maternal English heritage, she is put into this category. Bluffing her way onto Dejima, she wants to pay for her passage to England. Before she meets Nico she makes her first enemy. I loved this scene! The customs of her upbringing and her personality really shine through. Such a strength of character! From this point I knew I would thoroughly enjoy being a part of wherever the story was going to take me.
Against his better judgement, Nico accepts Midori as a passenger but before they set sail, a member of Ichiro’s household has betrayed them. Midori spends some time in a dungeon …
The sea journey is exciting and dangerous. Alongside the sparring of our two leads, their attraction grows. Batavia is the stop-off that causes conflict for Midori and Amsterdam, Nico’s home, is where she feels at home.
Before they reach Plymouth, Nico finds out something that will cause rejection when they reach land…
The historical period of The Gilded Fan is very interesting, from the Shogun in Japan and Japenese customs to the Civil War with the Royalists and Parliamentarians in England. With Midori’s mixed-race heritage she feels as if she doesn’t belong anywhere. The beliefs she was brought up to revere are never truly buried in Puritan Plymouth.
The writing is such that you feel yourself a part of the story. Considering we’re on the Zwarte Zwaan for a time, you might think there would be times when you’re imagination isn’t quite so fired but the things that happen give this an exciting feel. In Batavia I experienced the terror alongside Midori, in the market I enjoyed wandering around and bargaining and in Plymouth I could smell the stench of the streets and hear the boom of the cannons.
Our two leads are very strong characters, which leads to some very emotional sparring sessions. I enjoyed the sparks Midori and Nico made :)
I did wonder where the plot would take us once we reached England … when we find out the connection to England it weaves together all the strands of the plot, giving us more conflict between the two leads and intrigue within Midori’s family (as well as the politics/Civil War).
The Gilded Fan is more than a story of love. History, politics, religion, family and time spent on a trading ship and in three countries held me enthralled. I thought about the story during the day and couldn’t wait to carry on reading.
I did have a personal interest in this story … I can’t end my review without sharing that my 5 x great grandfather, Richard Govey, spent time as a first mate on the East Indiaman ‘Grosvenor’ (1766) and his nephew was buried in the Honourable East India Co burial ground in Poplar in 1846. In 1878, an ancestors marriage announcement in The Times notes her name and nickname … Henriette (Chinkie) Govey. Not PC these days!
I would like to thank the publishers, Choc Lit, for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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October 20, 2013Historical Fiction from Nagasaki to Plymouth.
This delightful story opens in Japan in the early 1640s where the Emperor is purging anyone of mixed race. Midori, daughter of a daimyō, whose mother, Hannah is British, is forced to consider her own safety. In order to save her own life she has to flee the country. To that end she gets herself aboard the ship, the Zwarte Zwaan, heading for Amsterdam, with the help of her half brother Ichiro (full blooded Japanese and therefore not under threat of execution).
Nagasaki and the island of Dejima, to which the foreign traders are confined, is superbly brought to life, as is life and its hardships on board ship. Captain Nico steers the vessel towards Amsterdam, with a brief stopover in Batavia (Jakarta today). More than half a year later the ship docks in Holland, where Midori spends time getting to know Nico a little better, but the two proud people confound each other in their attempts to get closer - the colour and bustle of Amsterdam as an important trading post for the Dutch East Indies is beautifully brought to life.
And then on to Plymouth, at its most grey and dour, where Midori's English family is based. From the colour and delight of the other places, the writing now evokes the greyness of this city at the time of the brewing Civil War. Midori's family turns out to be strictly puritanical, and this is where the book struggles to keep up the previous exciting momentum - no doubt reflecting the parsimonious rhythm of life, the cheeseparing and the strictures of everyday life. The writing at this juncture feels like the pottage that graces the dinner table, monochromatic and a little hard to digest. But overall an engrossing read that just transports you back in time and place.
This delightful story opens in Japan in the early 1640s where the Emperor is purging anyone of mixed race. Midori, daughter of a daimyō, whose mother, Hannah is British, is forced to consider her own safety. In order to save her own life she has to flee the country. To that end she gets herself aboard the ship, the Zwarte Zwaan, heading for Amsterdam, with the help of her half brother Ichiro (full blooded Japanese and therefore not under threat of execution).
Nagasaki and the island of Dejima, to which the foreign traders are confined, is superbly brought to life, as is life and its hardships on board ship. Captain Nico steers the vessel towards Amsterdam, with a brief stopover in Batavia (Jakarta today). More than half a year later the ship docks in Holland, where Midori spends time getting to know Nico a little better, but the two proud people confound each other in their attempts to get closer - the colour and bustle of Amsterdam as an important trading post for the Dutch East Indies is beautifully brought to life.
And then on to Plymouth, at its most grey and dour, where Midori's English family is based. From the colour and delight of the other places, the writing now evokes the greyness of this city at the time of the brewing Civil War. Midori's family turns out to be strictly puritanical, and this is where the book struggles to keep up the previous exciting momentum - no doubt reflecting the parsimonious rhythm of life, the cheeseparing and the strictures of everyday life. The writing at this juncture feels like the pottage that graces the dinner table, monochromatic and a little hard to digest. But overall an engrossing read that just transports you back in time and place.
January 11, 2013
This is the sequel to Scarlet Kimono. I think Scarlet Kimono is my favorite story still by Courtenay, mainly because of the adventure and the exotic setting, but this is just as well-written and has to be my favorite heroine.
Midori's parents are dead and her own country is exiling half-breeds like her. She's half Japanese, half foreigner, and during the time this book takes place, they were exiling all Christians whether they practiced or not, including those of Japanese blood, and though Midori doesn't practice Christianity, she must leave to save her life.
And this is why she runs into a group of seamen at camp and ends up in a sword fight. This is why she meets Nicco, the captain of a trading ship. This girl is imprisoned, put on a ship full of horny, vengeful men, drugged in an opium den, and yet still lands with dignity and grace in Plymouth England...where she has to suddenly convert to Puritan religion and customs.
Majority of us would have broke down at some point, but Midori handles everything life throws at her. She doesn't need a man. She proves time and time again she can do just fine without Nicco, the captain who has stolen her heart. Matter of fact, she turns him down at first.
I'm not done. Read the rest on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
Midori's parents are dead and her own country is exiling half-breeds like her. She's half Japanese, half foreigner, and during the time this book takes place, they were exiling all Christians whether they practiced or not, including those of Japanese blood, and though Midori doesn't practice Christianity, she must leave to save her life.
And this is why she runs into a group of seamen at camp and ends up in a sword fight. This is why she meets Nicco, the captain of a trading ship. This girl is imprisoned, put on a ship full of horny, vengeful men, drugged in an opium den, and yet still lands with dignity and grace in Plymouth England...where she has to suddenly convert to Puritan religion and customs.
Majority of us would have broke down at some point, but Midori handles everything life throws at her. She doesn't need a man. She proves time and time again she can do just fine without Nicco, the captain who has stolen her heart. Matter of fact, she turns him down at first.
I'm not done. Read the rest on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
June 8, 2013
I always enjoy Courtenay’s books, but this is my favorite so far. First of all, I love the Japanese-English heroine Midori. She prefers kimonos to corsets, and swings the sword rather than toss her hair. The hero, Nico, is quite wonderful, straightforward and plainspoken (and totally hunky of course). The opening scene is quiet and melancholic, but soon Midori must flee for her life. The pace is good throughout the novel, with just enough pause between the dramatic scenes so you don’t get exhausted. I like the realistic descriptions of everyday life with all its dirt, mud and odors – not to mention the vividly described battle scenes in the second part of the novel. Who said historical romance had to smell of rose water! Courtenay’s unusual historical settings are also fascinating, and this novel is no exception. She must have spent quite a lot of time researching the civil war in England (the novel takes place in the early 1640s), 17th century Japan and the European trade with the Far East. Thoroughly enjoyable entertainment!
March 4, 2013
Disclosure: I received a free copy of The Gilded Fan by Christina Courtenay via GoodReads First Reads, courtesy of ChocLit Limited.
The heroine of The Gilded Fan, Midori, is an appealing character: bold but modest, proud but dutiful. She is both admirable and sympathetic. Unlike so many ladies in romantic historical fiction, she is a true lady, and it is understandable why the hero, Captain Nico, finds her so attractive.
Courtenay fills her entire narrative with cultural and historical detail that makes the dual settings of the shogun's Japan and Puritan England jump off the page in vivid color. The themes of honor, faith, and the importance of family are intertwined with an entrancing tale of romance and adventure, which is populated with unique and colorful characters. Despite the quirky improbability of the connections in Nico's and Midori's family past, their story as a whole rings true, and the ending leaves the reader wanting to read more about their life together.
The heroine of The Gilded Fan, Midori, is an appealing character: bold but modest, proud but dutiful. She is both admirable and sympathetic. Unlike so many ladies in romantic historical fiction, she is a true lady, and it is understandable why the hero, Captain Nico, finds her so attractive.
Courtenay fills her entire narrative with cultural and historical detail that makes the dual settings of the shogun's Japan and Puritan England jump off the page in vivid color. The themes of honor, faith, and the importance of family are intertwined with an entrancing tale of romance and adventure, which is populated with unique and colorful characters. Despite the quirky improbability of the connections in Nico's and Midori's family past, their story as a whole rings true, and the ending leaves the reader wanting to read more about their life together.
March 30, 2013
*I won this book as part of a Good Reads Giveaway*
Although I wasn't grabbed from the start of the book, the characters grew on me and it was a really enjoyable read.
I enjoyed reading a little about Japan in the 1600's, which I've not read about before and I liked the historical details about the Shoguns expulsion of all foreigners, hence what started Japans 200 year isolation from the rest of the world. The love story between Midori and Nico is very sweet and the whole book has the 'will-they-won't-they' vibe that keeps you reading. There are also a lot of good action parts from opium smoking and abduction to sword fighting in the English Civil War.
This is the second book of a series but can be read on it's own. I really appreciated that since I read it was the second book and thought I might be a bit lost, but now I want to read the first one! lol
Although I wasn't grabbed from the start of the book, the characters grew on me and it was a really enjoyable read.
I enjoyed reading a little about Japan in the 1600's, which I've not read about before and I liked the historical details about the Shoguns expulsion of all foreigners, hence what started Japans 200 year isolation from the rest of the world. The love story between Midori and Nico is very sweet and the whole book has the 'will-they-won't-they' vibe that keeps you reading. There are also a lot of good action parts from opium smoking and abduction to sword fighting in the English Civil War.
This is the second book of a series but can be read on it's own. I really appreciated that since I read it was the second book and thought I might be a bit lost, but now I want to read the first one! lol
February 13, 2013
Of course, the romance is an important part of the plot but it is not the only part of it, and this is why I enjoyed The Gilded Fan so much. The other characters become more than just peripheral objects around the romance but an interesting part of the story in their own right. As someone who loves reading in general, I crave a book with a good story and characters and The Gilded Fan delivered on this.
For the full review, please visit my blog:
http://sophiesjapanblog.com/2013/02/1...
For the full review, please visit my blog:
http://sophiesjapanblog.com/2013/02/1...
February 3, 2018
I lifted this book from the “cancelled book” pile at the local library and took it home, primarily because I A. Am obsessed with Japan and B. Really liked the cover design.
I didn’t actually realise it was a “chic lit” romancey kind of book until after I started reading it. I had assumed it would be about a samurai woman struggling in unknown society. It soon became apparent that the main thread was less about her cultural struggles and more about the developing romance between herself and the ship’s captain who takes her from Japan on her journey to England.
The romance didn’t swamp the story however, which was really nice as I generally find that romance novels can be... how to politely put it??? More than a little “twee” if you get me.
The story is based during the reign of King Charles and is full of historically correct references and this was a nice touch.
All in all I enjoyed this book and it wasn’t too difficult for me to read which is a nice change to the norm, as anyone who knows me knows I suffer asd related processing delay, and it hampers my reading drastically. Anyways the point is, I liked this book. It was a nice character driven read. I don’t think I would be fussed about reading it again though, and for that reason we have a nice solid 3.5 stars (only Goodreads won’t allow half stars so it is a 3 for here)
I didn’t actually realise it was a “chic lit” romancey kind of book until after I started reading it. I had assumed it would be about a samurai woman struggling in unknown society. It soon became apparent that the main thread was less about her cultural struggles and more about the developing romance between herself and the ship’s captain who takes her from Japan on her journey to England.
The romance didn’t swamp the story however, which was really nice as I generally find that romance novels can be... how to politely put it??? More than a little “twee” if you get me.
The story is based during the reign of King Charles and is full of historically correct references and this was a nice touch.
All in all I enjoyed this book and it wasn’t too difficult for me to read which is a nice change to the norm, as anyone who knows me knows I suffer asd related processing delay, and it hampers my reading drastically. Anyways the point is, I liked this book. It was a nice character driven read. I don’t think I would be fussed about reading it again though, and for that reason we have a nice solid 3.5 stars (only Goodreads won’t allow half stars so it is a 3 for here)
May 9, 2017
Evantaiul auriu este o foarte frumoasă poveste de dragoste, transpusă într-o perioadă istorică zbuciumată, a cărei acțiune ne duce în ținuturi exotice îndepărtate, ne poartă într-o călătorie periculoasă peste mări și oceane, aruncându-ne apoi în vâltoarea războiului civil din Anglia. Autoarea dovedește o mare atenție la detalii și o foarte bună documentare istorică. Deși cei doi eroi, ambii cu o personalitate fascinantă, proveneau din două culturi diferite, chimia dintre ei este evidentă încă de la prima întâlnire. Dar până să își găsească împlinirea vor trebui să treacă peste mari obstacole…
Recenzia mea:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/eva...
Recenzia mea:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/eva...
November 24, 2017
I wont be continuing on with the series
Its really a mills and boons book. Not even a very good one. Any trials and tribulations of the couple are overcome far too quickly.
Also - why on earth does the heroine almost have to get raped - she never is just almost so the male lead can rescue her. In last book as well.
At least in the first book it was set in Japan which is so fascinating.
Boring religious people from America are not very exciting.
Its really a mills and boons book. Not even a very good one. Any trials and tribulations of the couple are overcome far too quickly.
Also - why on earth does the heroine almost have to get raped - she never is just almost so the male lead can rescue her. In last book as well.
At least in the first book it was set in Japan which is so fascinating.
Boring religious people from America are not very exciting.
May 25, 2017
Promising start with a female samurai and a stimulating captain. But the story soon fizzled out as he wouldn't make a move and she lost her fire and spirit subjugating to her puritanical british relatives
October 20, 2019
The Gilded Fan
Enjoyed the book very much.
Had plenty of interesting facts.
Kept the imagination ready for each chapter.
Had trouble closing the book, and do something else.
Cantwaitforthe third book.
Enjoyed the book very much.
Had plenty of interesting facts.
Kept the imagination ready for each chapter.
Had trouble closing the book, and do something else.
Cantwaitforthe third book.
November 18, 2017
Great pass time
Read
August 7, 2021to-read
March 9, 2022
Romance
I truly enjoyed this book!Full of high adventure romance and fun! Loved it! The beauty in the story is quite feisty! She made the read fun to read.
I truly enjoyed this book!Full of high adventure romance and fun! Loved it! The beauty in the story is quite feisty! She made the read fun to read.
April 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
Book 2 in the Kumashiro series. Follows the story of Midori who is Hannah's daughter (Hannah being the English girl who flees England and a predatory fiancé ending up in Japan married to a Daimyo, a Japanese Lord, in Book 1)
Midori is forced to leave Japan by the Emperor, he has applied a new law that doesn't allow any foreigners or mixed race people to remain in Japan (true fact called Sakoku!) She finds herself on a Dutch trading boat with a handsome captain but he is not all that he seems. There are misunderstandings, a civil war and a puritan English family for Midori to navigate before she gets what she wants.
Solid read - historical fiction again, little romance and obvs Japan.
Book 2 in the Kumashiro series. Follows the story of Midori who is Hannah's daughter (Hannah being the English girl who flees England and a predatory fiancé ending up in Japan married to a Daimyo, a Japanese Lord, in Book 1)
Midori is forced to leave Japan by the Emperor, he has applied a new law that doesn't allow any foreigners or mixed race people to remain in Japan (true fact called Sakoku!) She finds herself on a Dutch trading boat with a handsome captain but he is not all that he seems. There are misunderstandings, a civil war and a puritan English family for Midori to navigate before she gets what she wants.
Solid read - historical fiction again, little romance and obvs Japan.
June 20, 2022
MIDORI & NICO AHHHH
August 20, 2022
Amazing as all of here books
September 27, 2023
Historical romance
May 22, 2013
Award-winning author Christina Courtenay expertly blends rip-roaring adventure, atmospheric period drama and heart-pounding desire in her latest romantic epic, The Gilded Fan.
In 1641, Midori Kumashiro is still reeling from the sudden death of her beloved parents. Heartbroken and devastated, the orphaned warlord’s daughter just wants some time to mourn the passing of her parents when a shocking turn of events compels her to flee the only home she has ever known and head for England, where she hopes to be reunited with her mother’s estranged family. With the Shogun killing foreigners whom he suspects of practicing Christianity, Midori must act fast if she is to leave Japan unscathed. Luckily for Midori, her half brother manages to persuade Captain Nico Noordholt to allow her to travel to England aboard his ship. But little does she realize that her troubles are only just beginning…
Captain Nico Noordholt cannot fathom what possessed him to agree to let Midori Kumashiro onto his ship! He had come to Nagasaki for business – he had certainly never imagined that he would end up saddled with a most beguiling and alluring creature on his vessel. Determined to keep
Midori safe from the lecherous eyes and lascivious hands of the sailors working on his ship, Nico is adamant that Midori must speak to nobody on the ship but him. However, Nico soon learns that Midori is not a woman who easily consents to doing an autocratic man’s bidding. Midori is no blushing wallflower who recoils from danger and faints at the sight of blood, but a strong, skilled and intelligent woman who manages to get under his skin and break the defenses which Nico had built around his heart. Despite his many protestations that he will not fall in love with another woman ever again, Nico soon begins to fall for Midori. But does their love stand a chance of surviving when there are so many obstacles standing in their way?
On their arrival in England, Nico and Midori are stunned when they discover that the country is on the brink of war. But there are further revelations in store for the two of them. When Nico and Midori realise that their destinies are intertwined, they realise that they must not only fight for survival, but also overcome the many dangers jeopardizing their final chance of happiness.
Christina Courtenay can always be relied on to deliver a sweeping historical novel richly imbued with atmosphere, passion and intrigue and The Gilded Fan is certainly no exception. Exciting, daring and wonderfully emotional, The Gilded Fan transports readers back to the past and sweeps them up into a world of peril, danger and romance which they will never want to leave.
Christina Courtenay’s characters leap off the pages and I couldn’t help but admire Midori’s strength of character, her courage and her tenacity and neither could I stop myself from falling in love with her dashing and honourable hero, Nico!
With The Gilded Fan, award-winning author Christina Courtenay once again proves that when it comes to writing evocative and enthralling historical romances, she simply cannot be beaten! If you haven’t discovered the magic of Christina Courtenay’s spellbinding historicals, then rush to your favourite book store and get ready to become addicted to her wonderful stories! Once you read one of her books, you will want to read them all!
In 1641, Midori Kumashiro is still reeling from the sudden death of her beloved parents. Heartbroken and devastated, the orphaned warlord’s daughter just wants some time to mourn the passing of her parents when a shocking turn of events compels her to flee the only home she has ever known and head for England, where she hopes to be reunited with her mother’s estranged family. With the Shogun killing foreigners whom he suspects of practicing Christianity, Midori must act fast if she is to leave Japan unscathed. Luckily for Midori, her half brother manages to persuade Captain Nico Noordholt to allow her to travel to England aboard his ship. But little does she realize that her troubles are only just beginning…
Captain Nico Noordholt cannot fathom what possessed him to agree to let Midori Kumashiro onto his ship! He had come to Nagasaki for business – he had certainly never imagined that he would end up saddled with a most beguiling and alluring creature on his vessel. Determined to keep
Midori safe from the lecherous eyes and lascivious hands of the sailors working on his ship, Nico is adamant that Midori must speak to nobody on the ship but him. However, Nico soon learns that Midori is not a woman who easily consents to doing an autocratic man’s bidding. Midori is no blushing wallflower who recoils from danger and faints at the sight of blood, but a strong, skilled and intelligent woman who manages to get under his skin and break the defenses which Nico had built around his heart. Despite his many protestations that he will not fall in love with another woman ever again, Nico soon begins to fall for Midori. But does their love stand a chance of surviving when there are so many obstacles standing in their way?
On their arrival in England, Nico and Midori are stunned when they discover that the country is on the brink of war. But there are further revelations in store for the two of them. When Nico and Midori realise that their destinies are intertwined, they realise that they must not only fight for survival, but also overcome the many dangers jeopardizing their final chance of happiness.
Christina Courtenay can always be relied on to deliver a sweeping historical novel richly imbued with atmosphere, passion and intrigue and The Gilded Fan is certainly no exception. Exciting, daring and wonderfully emotional, The Gilded Fan transports readers back to the past and sweeps them up into a world of peril, danger and romance which they will never want to leave.
Christina Courtenay’s characters leap off the pages and I couldn’t help but admire Midori’s strength of character, her courage and her tenacity and neither could I stop myself from falling in love with her dashing and honourable hero, Nico!
With The Gilded Fan, award-winning author Christina Courtenay once again proves that when it comes to writing evocative and enthralling historical romances, she simply cannot be beaten! If you haven’t discovered the magic of Christina Courtenay’s spellbinding historicals, then rush to your favourite book store and get ready to become addicted to her wonderful stories! Once you read one of her books, you will want to read them all!
February 17, 2013
The Gilded Fan by Christina Courtenay was published by Choc Lit at the beginning of February this year. This is Christina Courteney's fifth novel and although it is a sequel to her second novel, The Scarlet Kimono, it is easily read as a stand-alone novel. In fact, The Gilded Fan is the first of Courteney's books that I've read, but I will most certainly be on the look out for her earlier novels if this is anything to go by.
Historical fiction is not usually my first choice of genre, and I'll admit that when I realised that The Gilded Fan was set in the 1600s, and in China, I was pretty dubious as to whether I would enjoy it. I really shouldn't have worried, the writing is so accessible, not in the least bit dry and old-fashioned - it's a really fast moving and exciting story.
Beginning in 1641 in China, the reader is introduced to Midori Kumashiro, the daughter of a Japanese warlord and his English wife. Midori's parents are both now dead and the new Shogun has declared that all residents of foreign extract must leave or die. Midori hates the thought of leaving her homeland, the place where she had a happy and loving life, but realises that she has no alternative. Her step-brother risks his own life to enable her to get a passage to Amsterdam on a cargo ship.
Nico Noordholt is the captain of the ship and the last thing he wants or needs is a solitary female passenger on board his ship, amongst his crew for months on end. Despite this, Midori shows courage and cunning when dealing with him and before Nico knows it, he has a passenger.
The story then follows Nico and Midori's journey to Europe, but not before Midori has to fight for her life after being captured by the Shogun's forces. The journey takes many months and Midori faces many dangers throughout.
The Gilded Fan is steeped in history; from China, to Amsterdam and finishing with the Civil War fought between the Royalists and the Parliament in the South of England. Christina Courteney has obviously researched her subject very well and has produced a story that both informs and excites the reader. Midori and Nico are wonderful lead characters. Midori's strength and beliefs inform her actions, she is a strong-minded, and fair person whose passion sometimes allows her to get carried away. Nico is something of an enigma, often surly but always loyal, he struggles to stop his heart ruling his heart.
The clash of different cultures is highlighted when Midori reaches England, and finds that her family are Puritans - they wear no bright colours, own nothing that could be considered pretty and live a very simple and quite frugal life. Midori has been brought up with beautiful silks, servants and good food. She is a trained warrier and has a mind of her own. Her internal struggle to be accepted by her new family whilst remaining loyal to the memory of her parents often causes her a lot of pain and grief.
I have been very impressed by The Gilded Fan, the historical detail is stunning, and Courteney has a real skill in transporting the reader back. Her characters are colourful and realistic, often troubled and flawed, but realistic and honest.
Historical fiction is not usually my first choice of genre, and I'll admit that when I realised that The Gilded Fan was set in the 1600s, and in China, I was pretty dubious as to whether I would enjoy it. I really shouldn't have worried, the writing is so accessible, not in the least bit dry and old-fashioned - it's a really fast moving and exciting story.
Beginning in 1641 in China, the reader is introduced to Midori Kumashiro, the daughter of a Japanese warlord and his English wife. Midori's parents are both now dead and the new Shogun has declared that all residents of foreign extract must leave or die. Midori hates the thought of leaving her homeland, the place where she had a happy and loving life, but realises that she has no alternative. Her step-brother risks his own life to enable her to get a passage to Amsterdam on a cargo ship.
Nico Noordholt is the captain of the ship and the last thing he wants or needs is a solitary female passenger on board his ship, amongst his crew for months on end. Despite this, Midori shows courage and cunning when dealing with him and before Nico knows it, he has a passenger.
The story then follows Nico and Midori's journey to Europe, but not before Midori has to fight for her life after being captured by the Shogun's forces. The journey takes many months and Midori faces many dangers throughout.
The Gilded Fan is steeped in history; from China, to Amsterdam and finishing with the Civil War fought between the Royalists and the Parliament in the South of England. Christina Courteney has obviously researched her subject very well and has produced a story that both informs and excites the reader. Midori and Nico are wonderful lead characters. Midori's strength and beliefs inform her actions, she is a strong-minded, and fair person whose passion sometimes allows her to get carried away. Nico is something of an enigma, often surly but always loyal, he struggles to stop his heart ruling his heart.
The clash of different cultures is highlighted when Midori reaches England, and finds that her family are Puritans - they wear no bright colours, own nothing that could be considered pretty and live a very simple and quite frugal life. Midori has been brought up with beautiful silks, servants and good food. She is a trained warrier and has a mind of her own. Her internal struggle to be accepted by her new family whilst remaining loyal to the memory of her parents often causes her a lot of pain and grief.
I have been very impressed by The Gilded Fan, the historical detail is stunning, and Courteney has a real skill in transporting the reader back. Her characters are colourful and realistic, often troubled and flawed, but realistic and honest.
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