شمشیر محکوم

Sugawara Akitada #6

by I.J. Parker, سمیرامیس بابایی (Translator)

The latest in the "terrifically imaginative" (The Wall Street Journal) Akitada mystery series brings eleventh-century Japan to life

I. J. Parker's phenomenal Akitada mystery series has been gaining fans with each new novel. The latest, The Convict's Sword, is the most fully realized installment to date, weaving history, drama, mystery, romance, and adventure into a story of passion and redemption. Lord Sugawara Akitada, the senior secretary in the Ministry of Justice, must find the mysterious killer of a man condemned to live in exile for a crime he did not commit. Meanwhile, Akitada's retainer, Tora, investigates the sudden death of a blind street singer, whose past life is a bigger mystery than anyone thought. Told in Parker's clever, vivid prose, The Convict's Sword is a must-read for those who love well-written mysteries in an exotic setting.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Japan, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Crime

460 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Saeed abedi · Rating 3 out of 5]

اگر علاقمند به مواردی درباره خانم پارکر نویسنده کتاب و رمان معمایی -تاریخی هستید پیشنهاد میکنم به ریویوی دروازه راشومون بنده مراجعه کنید
شمشیر محکوم هم مثل دو. کتاب دیگر خانم پارگر به دو معمای موازی می پردازد که در آخر به هم پیوند میخورد
شیوع آبله خیابان های خلوت نزدیک شدن آکیتادا به هسته قدرت بازار شمشیر سازان و روش آنان در ساختن آن فاجعه خانگی از نکات قابل توجه و جالب داستان بودند
بعد از خواندن این سه کتاب نظرم را صادقانه بخوام بگم اینه که اگه کتاب دیگری از این نویسنده ترجمه شد مشتاق خواندن آن هستم و نمره قبولی از من گرفته

[Meghan Samberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started reading this book not realizing it was the 6th in a series; I figured I would go back and read the first five after finishing this one.

I won’t be doing that, unfortunately, as I found the “hero” protagonist to be entirely unlikeable and idiotic, the “mystery” was completely obvious, and the decision by the author to kill off a character that felt needlessly heartbreaking. It was a painfully drawn out book that I forced myself to finish. I did enjoy the very nice imagery though.

[judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her books are convoluted but this one was beyond the pale. Apart from that, I've never encountered an author who could turn her appealing main character into a detestable jerk six books into the series. Have to admit I may not want to spend time with this doofus again.

[Jim Bogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, set in Heian Japan. It is a fascinating time period, and the author has done excellent research. She clearly shows the kinds of views, and prejudices, that an Imperial official from a famous, if declining, family would hold.
What keeps this from a five is that when he changes, he continually seems to regress. And there is a bit too much perils of Pauline cliff hanging for my taste.
Here Sugiwara chances on a possible solution to a past puzzle. With the aid of his loyal, if not always logical, assistants and advice from his wife he plugs on.

[Victoria Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a great fan of the Akitada series. The books are well researched and paint a vivid picture of 11th century Japan. All books centre around a murder mystery or two, but if you are anything like me, then it is the character development over the series of books that will keep you looking out for the next release. Highly recommended

[آبتین گلکار · Rating 2 out of 5]

برای من خسته‌کننده بود و بی‌علاقه تا آخر خوندمش. همه‌چیزش یک‌کم خوب بود: یک‌کم ماجرای خانوادگی و رابطه‌ی زن و شوهر در جامعه‌ی سنتی ژاپن، یک‌کم ماجراهای سلسله‌مراتب کاری و اجتماعی در ژاپن، یک‌کم ماجرای شیوع آبله، یک‌کم معماهاش، ولی هیچ‌کدومشون از همین حد «یک‌کم» بالاتر نمی‌اومدن. کلاً در مقایسه با خیلی از کتاب‌های دیگه‌ی این مجموعه‌ی نشر قطره پیشنهادش نمی‌کنم

[Ardyth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realized today that I truly dislike the lead character in these books, and I have no idea why I keep reading them. He's a self-absorbed jerkface. (This may be accurate for the time and place. Probably is. You might like the book because of or in spite of the jerkface.)

Tora is cool, though.

[Ric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex story with some mystery and more than one murder. A few parts seemed to get off track, but overall was a good read.

[Barbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Our hero, Akitada, is becoming a self righteous jerk.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[David C Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several intertwined family histories - and crimes. Plus work place problems for Akitada and a smallpox epidemic. Very complicated! The anti Buddhist theme in these books is interesting

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whirlwind of happenings that finale let Akitada keep his 5 year old promise. More on the home front and office life that brings out bad behavior from him, lots of self refection.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent mystery. The seventh in the series. I highly recommend the series.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brutal murder of Tomoe, a blind street singer, offers a stark contrast to the beautiful morning that greets Lord Sugawara Akitada and his beloved wife Tamako. Akitada, who serves as Senior Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, has recently been testy and restless at work. The solution, he realizes, is to fulfill a past promise to ferret out the killer of his friend Haseo, even though this could imperil his position in the royal court. The only clue in the murder of Haseo, a former convict unjustly condemned, is the weapon: a sword. Tomoe's killing presents a more pressing mystery. The prime suspect is Tora, one of Akitada's three lieutenants, reportedly apprehended near the body with knife in hand. Amazingly, Tora's elder cohort Seimei theorizes that the hotheaded young man might indeed be guilty. Akitada uneasily presses for Tora's release so that he can help find the killer. The case only grows more complex when it's discovered that Tomoe may have been a prostitute. A rift in Akitada's marriage and a health scare for Seimei provide further complications. At length, despite a scarcity of clues, the investigation comes full circle, leading to the solution of Haseo's murder as well.

[Cheryl A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A selection of my mystery book club's International Crime theme, this was an author and series I was not familiar with. Sugawara Akitada is a senior secretary in the Ministry of Justice in 11th century Japan. While setting out to fulfill a promise to a dying friend, Haseo, exiled for a crime he did not commit, Akitada and his retainer, Tora, fall into the shadowy world of criminal gangs that plague the city. When a blind street singer is found murdered with Tora standing over her, Akitada must put his quest aside to help prove Tora's innocence. As Akitada and Tora search the city for the singer Tomoe's killer, both quests come together.

There were a number of different plot lines that were well woven and meshed at the end for a satisfying conclusion. The setting of feudal Japan was interesting, but there seemed to be alot of modern speech patterns, which may have been necessary to appeal to modern readers, but was at times a little off. Akitada is an interesting character, flawed and struggling at times to conform to societies expectations. An enjoyable read, but not quite compelling enough to read more in the series.

[Silverblue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Historical fiction, but this book somehow reads like a 20th/21st century story plugged into 11th century. The story has two stories that are told in parallal and they come together in the end - Akitada, a law official in the palace, promises his wrongly convicted friend Matsue, who died on his arms, that he would clear his name as the dying man with his last breath declared his innocence. Somehow, Akitada gets carried away with life, work and family and years goes by. Then, one day his conscious pricks him into action; although he felt bad whenever he remembered his promise, and begins to invstigate the crime for which his best friend lost his name, family and property and died while exiled.

The other story is about Tora, who is a very witty and lovable character, lives in Akitada's household. One day though he gets caught in a house of his blind market singer friend with a bloody knife in his hands, the dead singer sprawled on the floor. The story then takes twists and turns with a good vs. evel ending.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked, and almost loved, this detective story set in 11th century Japan. It was fantastically well researched (even the preface and the notes were informative) and the story was instantly engaging. In Sugawara Akitada, Parker has created a fully modern character who struggles with his conscience as much as his adversaries. I felt the ghost of (Mankell's) Kurt Wallander and Andy Sipowitcz (NYPD Blue), the good but flawed detective who is easily misunderstood but perseveres on the path of righteousness. The male dominated, class system of ancient Japan adds too the weight on his shoulders. His sense of honor and duty create a perfectly contained world where right and wrong are in stark but fleeting contrast. I look forward to finding the rest of the series. In this chapter, Sugawara must repay a debt to a dead friend and solve the mystery of disgraced air that will claim his only son.

[Joe Slavinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite some significant similarities to Laura Joh Rowland's "Ichiro Sano", Parker's "Akitada Sugawara" is an excellent read. This is the 6th book in the series, which takes place in 11th century Japan, and feels, to me, right about the period. Parker's books tend to use the actual history of Japan as the backdrop for the story, as opposed to Rowland's use of historically accurate details, of a different period(when Edo was the capital, and the Tokugawas were the ruling family). Rowland's books tend to be more melodramatic, and more explicit regarding sex, and violence, but both are very entertaining. I recommend all 6 of Parker's books, and all 14 of Rowland's. Also, if you're into feudal Japan, you should check out Lian Hearn's 5 book series "Tales of the Otori", a completely fictional account, of a metaphysical clan of pseudo-Japanese people, which is VERY entertaining.

[Viccy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this series of books over a number of years and never fail to be fascinated by this glimpse into life in 11th-century Japan. Sugawara Akitada is a samurai who is now a functionary in the Department of Justice. He is investigating the murder of the man who saved his life in a previous book (Black Arrow), Akitada (in Japan, first names follow family names) search to find Haseo's family and discover why he was exiled to the far northern penal colony. A family retainer, Tora, tries to interest him in a blind market singer, but Akitada is too intent on his investigation. Then the singer is murdered; a smallpox outbreak strikes Heian-Kyo (modern Kyoto) and his career is in peril as he alienates his allies.

[Clint · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, This was billed as a murder mystery set in Feudal Japan. It was a Murder Mystery, but it was not set in Feudal Japan. It felt more like a weird Twin Peaks dream combo of Feudal Japan costume, CSI Miami, and Law & Order.

The unfortunate part is, I could care less about the Murder Mystery aspect, which could have been done brilliantly for all I know. I don't really care. I was in it for the setting, and the setting was as inauthentic as a bad hairpiece. I can overlook minor inaccuracies, but the whole "feel" was all wrong. It felt nothing like Japan, let alone Feudal Japan.

I made it to chapter 17 and had to give up in disgust. I just couldn't stand it anymore.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always interesting to see what intrigues Akitada gets himself into and how seemingly unrelated sideshows suddenly are linked to the major plot. Unrelenting pursuit of the truth and justice by both Tora and Akitada keep the pages turning but lots of sadness and tragedy leave you wondering how they will endure. Also tempting and perhaps mandatory to analyze the character and his interaction with others, especially women, by today's concept of morality and from a Western perspective. Looking forward to the next one.

[Scilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this novel, taking place in 11th century Japan, Sugawara Akitada is trying to solve a 5 year old mystery. His friend, Haseo, was wrongly accused and convicted of killing his parents, and died in exile. Akitada has only Haseo's sword as a clue. Meanwhile, his retainer, Toro, is accused of murdering a blind street singer, and the city has a smallpox outbreak which kills Akitada's son, Yori. Both Tori and Akitada suffer several attacks in their search for answers, and gradually, the clues come together.

[Brett Bydairk · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 years after the events in Island Of Exiles, Akitada is finally able to investigate the story Haseo told him before he dies. After many wrong trails, he finally discovers the truth Haseo's family has been trying to hide. Along the way, he and his helpers are beaten up, get in sword fights, and chased by bad men, while trying to avoid the smallpox epidemic that is running through the capitol. and who exactly was the blind street-singer?
well written as usual, with the tight plotting we have come to expect of Ms. Parker, the customs and sights of 11th C. Japan are brought vividly to life.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally found out the author of this series is a woman, although her main character is a man. That partly explained for me why I rate the books 3 rather than 4 stars - something in her writing feels simplistic or off. That said, this current book starts off as her best book to date, but then fizzles - my husband commented that she presents the characters with modern sensibilities rather than keeping true to ancient Japan.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done historical fiction, as always with Parker's Akitada mysteries. However, I found Sugawara as a character a bit more annoying in this 6th entry in the series. He seemed more ineffectual especially regarding his relationship with his wife. The 11th century Japanese attitude towards women is responsible for part of that but he has previously been more of a rebel albeit a quiet one.

The mystery itself was fine although I did foresee some of the solution...

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable mystery set in ancient Japan. An interesting view of what life and marriage were like back then. The mystery is moderately interesting and keeps ones attention but it is the character and setting that really shine in these books. I read Hell Screen by this author a couple of years ago and remember it fondly.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanted to try something different for a mystery and picked this up. Like many murder mysteries, you have an idea of who is responsible but enjoy watching the story develop. There were enough unanswered questions to merit another book, but not so many that it just makes you mad. I didn't even realize this was a part of a series--I'll be looking for other titles by this author.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last of the Sugawara Akitada audiobooks that our library has available. I'll miss having these "comfort" reads available to me. They are easy listening, Roy Vongtama does a fine job with all the characters. I do still have issues with Akitada's view of women, but most likely it is directly related to the time (11th century Japan) in which he lived.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in what is a very consistent series. A very enjoyable read. I skipped several titles in the series due to local unavailability. Not necessary to have read the others, but there was a bit of missing background.

[Epicreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found some aspects predictable, it was a good story and the characters seemed true to their time and place (unlike some historical fiction, where the characters seem to have 21st century viewpoints).