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The Peony Lantern
The spellbinding new historical novel from multi-award-winning Australian author Frances Watts
Ages 12+
When Kasumi leaves her remote village for the teeming city of Edo, her life is transformed. As a lady-in-waiting in a samurai mansion she discovers a rare talent for art and falls in love with a young samurai. How could she ever return to the life of a simple mountain girl?
But Kasumi must set aside her own concerns. Her country is on the brink of change and Edo is simmering with tension. And her mistress has a dangerous secret-a secret that Kasumi is gradually drawn into...
Set against the vivid backdrop of nineteenth-century Japan, THE PEONY LANTERN is a powerful story of art, love and friendship, and finding your own path.
Ages 12+
When Kasumi leaves her remote village for the teeming city of Edo, her life is transformed. As a lady-in-waiting in a samurai mansion she discovers a rare talent for art and falls in love with a young samurai. How could she ever return to the life of a simple mountain girl?
But Kasumi must set aside her own concerns. Her country is on the brink of change and Edo is simmering with tension. And her mistress has a dangerous secret-a secret that Kasumi is gradually drawn into...
Set against the vivid backdrop of nineteenth-century Japan, THE PEONY LANTERN is a powerful story of art, love and friendship, and finding your own path.
289 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Frances Watts
37 books46 followersFrances Watts was born in Switzerland and grew up in Australia. She has published 20 books for children, including picture books and books for younger readers, including Goodnight Mice!, the winner of the 2012 Prime Minister’s Award for Children’s Fiction, and 2008 Children’s Book Council of Australia award-winner Parsley Rabbit’s Book about Books. Her latest book, The Raven’s Wing, is her first novel for young adults. Frances lives in Sydney and divides her time between writing and editing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 6, 2017
5 stars. I loved everything about this book! Best book I've read so far this year.
June 29, 2017
{Original review & giveaway, closing July 29th 2017 at my blog!}
4/5
I am in awe. 'The Peony Lantern' was unlike anything I have previously read before, and while it started off quite slow I was glued to the pages by the end! Watts is sure to be an Aussie YA author I will need to follow closely from now on. If you're interested in reading a YA historical fiction set in Feudal Japan, you need to read 'The Peony Lantern'!
'The Peony Lantern' is set in Japan in Ansei (安政) 4, 1857. Clumsy and outspoken 16-year-old Kasumi is selected by a respected samurai from Edo (now Tokyo), Lord Shimizu, to travel with him and his nephew back with them to be his wife's lady-in-waiting. His father agrees to the proposal, for there is no refusing a samurai. There, she quickly falls into a routine with her mistress Misaki, and they eventually become friendly. But there is something unusual about her behaviour, and when attacks by anti-Shogun rebels become increasingly frequent and deadly, Kasumi is worried that somehow she has fallen into unsafe territory. Will she ever live to see her family again?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am a massive Japanophile, so I'm all over anything that has any ties to Japan in it, but that eagerness is always met with some apprehension. I needn't have worried that this book wouldn't accurately portray Feudal Japan culture respectfully, however. I felt like I was truly sent to that world, and through the main character's narration I was able to see and experience many places and things that I will probably never see. I travelled to Japan for a month last year, so there were some familiar sights and smells that Watts beautifully captured in her writing and I felt a bit wistful at times. The description in this book is phenomenal - you can tell that the author has done her research and that she has also travelled to Japan herself, there is no way you can fake it. Watts didn't just write a historical fiction set in Japan for the heck of it, or to cater to a trend. She must have truly believed in the story, and worked hard to bring it justice. She also brings up lots of food, festivals and ghost stories, which all seemed accurately portrayed to me.
I could seriously harp on about the beautiful writing forever, but I'll move on. While it is well written, I also need to mention that it didn't really sound realistic for an illiterate, uneducated mountain girl to speak so eloquently and poetically, but that's okay, I can forgive the author. Kasumi herself isn't anything special, she's pretty much just an average girl who was born in the wrong time. She's loud and forgets her manners often enough to land her in trouble; her family worries that she may never land a husband. Her life is pretty much laid out before her: to become someone's wife. But when she is whisked away to Edo, she is allowed to be a new person, and she discovers ikebana - flower arrangement - painting, samurai life, Noh theatre and more than she possibly could have imagined. While she herself is quite bland I didn't mind too much because the real star of the story, in my opinion, was the side characters and the setting.
Misaki, the wife of Lord Shimizu, was such an interesting character to learn more about! I simultaneously adored her, and was wary of her. I love the relationship that blossoms between her and Kasumi, strained as it must have been under the weight of so many secrets. They share some fun moments, like playing a game that involves swapping Japanese ghost stories, and they just seemed to have great energy together. She is a sympathetic character, and I never really knew whether she was good or bad until the very end!
There are other characters that you will come across, who aren't all too interesting, other than the fact that they all come from samurai families. I feel like the backstories and general character development was sorely lacking, but I was fine to just go along for the ride and not worry too much about all that stuff. This is where this book faltered and lost a star, but I was still engrossed in the story and emotionally invested in knowing the character's overall fates. Oh, and there is also a love interest, and I certainly was invested in his fate and I quite liked him, and I always enjoyed scenes that included him!
The ending was shocking to me. I'm sure many other readers will have guessed it from ages away, but I'm terrible when it comes to solving mysteries. While the resolution was quite abrupt, and I wish there was MORE to it, I was glad about the directions in which all the characters were headed after the last page. However, I was left wondering what each character would do next, after that last page, and I'll admit I was a bit sad to let the story end. I suppose that's another indication that I truly did enjoy reading this book! As I said before, I'll be watching for more historical fiction from Watts - I'll be sure to pick up The Raven's Wing sometime in the future! :)
'The Peony Lantern' is a thoughtfully crafted narrative about a young mountain girl's experiences in Edo/Tokyo in Feudal Japan, beautifully woven with descriptive prose and illuminating insights into the life of a lady-in-waiting at a high-ranking samurai home. Frances Watt's dedicated research and planning shine through as the reader is transported to a completely different world in her triumphant representation of an interesting time and place in history.
4/5
I am in awe. 'The Peony Lantern' was unlike anything I have previously read before, and while it started off quite slow I was glued to the pages by the end! Watts is sure to be an Aussie YA author I will need to follow closely from now on. If you're interested in reading a YA historical fiction set in Feudal Japan, you need to read 'The Peony Lantern'!
'The Peony Lantern' is set in Japan in Ansei (安政) 4, 1857. Clumsy and outspoken 16-year-old Kasumi is selected by a respected samurai from Edo (now Tokyo), Lord Shimizu, to travel with him and his nephew back with them to be his wife's lady-in-waiting. His father agrees to the proposal, for there is no refusing a samurai. There, she quickly falls into a routine with her mistress Misaki, and they eventually become friendly. But there is something unusual about her behaviour, and when attacks by anti-Shogun rebels become increasingly frequent and deadly, Kasumi is worried that somehow she has fallen into unsafe territory. Will she ever live to see her family again?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am a massive Japanophile, so I'm all over anything that has any ties to Japan in it, but that eagerness is always met with some apprehension. I needn't have worried that this book wouldn't accurately portray Feudal Japan culture respectfully, however. I felt like I was truly sent to that world, and through the main character's narration I was able to see and experience many places and things that I will probably never see. I travelled to Japan for a month last year, so there were some familiar sights and smells that Watts beautifully captured in her writing and I felt a bit wistful at times. The description in this book is phenomenal - you can tell that the author has done her research and that she has also travelled to Japan herself, there is no way you can fake it. Watts didn't just write a historical fiction set in Japan for the heck of it, or to cater to a trend. She must have truly believed in the story, and worked hard to bring it justice. She also brings up lots of food, festivals and ghost stories, which all seemed accurately portrayed to me.
I could seriously harp on about the beautiful writing forever, but I'll move on. While it is well written, I also need to mention that it didn't really sound realistic for an illiterate, uneducated mountain girl to speak so eloquently and poetically, but that's okay, I can forgive the author. Kasumi herself isn't anything special, she's pretty much just an average girl who was born in the wrong time. She's loud and forgets her manners often enough to land her in trouble; her family worries that she may never land a husband. Her life is pretty much laid out before her: to become someone's wife. But when she is whisked away to Edo, she is allowed to be a new person, and she discovers ikebana - flower arrangement - painting, samurai life, Noh theatre and more than she possibly could have imagined. While she herself is quite bland I didn't mind too much because the real star of the story, in my opinion, was the side characters and the setting.
Misaki, the wife of Lord Shimizu, was such an interesting character to learn more about! I simultaneously adored her, and was wary of her. I love the relationship that blossoms between her and Kasumi, strained as it must have been under the weight of so many secrets. They share some fun moments, like playing a game that involves swapping Japanese ghost stories, and they just seemed to have great energy together. She is a sympathetic character, and I never really knew whether she was good or bad until the very end!
There are other characters that you will come across, who aren't all too interesting, other than the fact that they all come from samurai families. I feel like the backstories and general character development was sorely lacking, but I was fine to just go along for the ride and not worry too much about all that stuff. This is where this book faltered and lost a star, but I was still engrossed in the story and emotionally invested in knowing the character's overall fates. Oh, and there is also a love interest, and I certainly was invested in his fate and I quite liked him, and I always enjoyed scenes that included him!
The ending was shocking to me. I'm sure many other readers will have guessed it from ages away, but I'm terrible when it comes to solving mysteries. While the resolution was quite abrupt, and I wish there was MORE to it, I was glad about the directions in which all the characters were headed after the last page. However, I was left wondering what each character would do next, after that last page, and I'll admit I was a bit sad to let the story end. I suppose that's another indication that I truly did enjoy reading this book! As I said before, I'll be watching for more historical fiction from Watts - I'll be sure to pick up The Raven's Wing sometime in the future! :)
'The Peony Lantern' is a thoughtfully crafted narrative about a young mountain girl's experiences in Edo/Tokyo in Feudal Japan, beautifully woven with descriptive prose and illuminating insights into the life of a lady-in-waiting at a high-ranking samurai home. Frances Watt's dedicated research and planning shine through as the reader is transported to a completely different world in her triumphant representation of an interesting time and place in history.
January 15, 2020
OMG. THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK!!!! ♥️♥️♥️ As foolish as I was, I initially thought nothing could ever come close to "Fangirl" this year, but then this book appeared out of nowhere (literally, I was looking for other books in the library but they were all checked out). It brought tears to my eyes and made me giggle like an absolute dork! Brilliant characters and story. The "plot twists" that everyone keeps talking about in the comments are SO WORTH the read! Just don't get spoilt first though, it's so much better to read it blindfolded 🥰
March 11, 2016
Didn't see that twist coming! This book had one of those endings where you need a good 5 minutes of silent reflection to absorb the shock and the "how did I not see this?" moment. Another great plot-driven book by Frances Watts. You can see the extensive effort and research she has put into writing this story set in Edo Japan. The idea of a peasant girl selected to work as a lady's maid for a Samurai's court immediately sounded intriguing, and indeed it was! If you're after mystery, class systems, friendships, betrayals, journeys, beauty, love, culture and history in a plot gripping YA quick-read, I highly recommend this book.
We were also very lucky to have a read along with author Frances Watts. It definitely enhanced our reading experience with pictures per chapter on what inspired her writing. Thank you Frances for this unique experience.
We were also very lucky to have a read along with author Frances Watts. It definitely enhanced our reading experience with pictures per chapter on what inspired her writing. Thank you Frances for this unique experience.
August 31, 2015
officially one of my favourite books.. I learnt a lot about 19th Century Japan, Japanese art and culture.. I also had the privilege of a unique read along experience with my girls and the author!!! the plot really gets your mind ticking and I really did not see the twist coming towards the end.. was such a roller coaster ride!!! Thankyou for dazzling us once again, Frances Watts!!!
October 22, 2018
3.5 stars
I really liked the historical Japanese setting. I felt like I was there in the natural settings, and it was good to get into the festivals as well.
I didn't find the mystery elements of the story as well done.
Though the 'romance' isn't really established until the end, I really liked the protagonist's love interest. I expected him to be some samurai version of Mr. Darcy...as in, unnecessarily brooding and haughty. But he was cool and had a sense of humour and was a warrior...who was getting trained in painting. (Sorry to put down Darcy. I'm more into Henry Tilney!)
Finally, I liked the resolution that took the heroine in an empowering, artistic direction.
I really liked the historical Japanese setting. I felt like I was there in the natural settings, and it was good to get into the festivals as well.
I didn't find the mystery elements of the story as well done.
Though the 'romance' isn't really established until the end, I really liked the protagonist's love interest. I expected him to be some samurai version of Mr. Darcy...as in, unnecessarily brooding and haughty. But he was cool and had a sense of humour and was a warrior...who was getting trained in painting. (Sorry to put down Darcy. I'm more into Henry Tilney!)
Finally, I liked the resolution that took the heroine in an empowering, artistic direction.
January 4, 2022
this book was filled with rich imagery and wonderful description - making you feel immersed within the landscape and world. the plot twist towards the end had me shocked and hooked, however, some plot points were cliche and slightly predictable. i really enjoyed this book for the writing style and intriguing storyline filled with mystery, charm and a hint of romance (which is integrated extremely well). each character creates curiosity within the reader - especially those like Shimizu. the peony lantern is definitely a worthy read!
January 17, 2018
This was such a diverse, intricate tale and it really put me in an emotional roller coaster.
Kamusi was such an interesting heroine, instead of using violence or even intelligence to outsmart people, she let her curiosity lead the way. She was determined to find out who she really is, without any restrictions or expectations set upon her. She was also incredibly smart, she may have taken a few wrong turns but she was still way ahead of everyone else when it came to finding the traitor. This young girl came from a village family and adapted to the life of a Samurai, while also searching out the secrets that resided in her mistress’ house. Kasumi remained loyal, yet intelligent, and she is to be admired for that.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the plot and all the *spoiler alert* twists it takes you on. You never expect Shimizu to be a traitor and the letters from him to the painter were such a clever plot. The codes in the paintings was such an unexpected part of the story. The most heartbreaking twist would have to be Isamu’s death. I was so certain he was dead and to have him be alive was a happily unexpected twist.
The ending was executed so well. It was such an open ending which I love because this is a 16 year old girl who has no idea where her life will take her. She’s only just begun to scrape the surface of who she is and wants to be as a person, and her road to self discovery will continue whether we are there to witness it or not. And it’s so incredibly wise of her to know that one can change incredibly in the span of a year and that finding herself and doing what she loves takes first priority to having and loving Isamu. (Of course I do secretly wish they get together but whatever) 5 stars.
Kamusi was such an interesting heroine, instead of using violence or even intelligence to outsmart people, she let her curiosity lead the way. She was determined to find out who she really is, without any restrictions or expectations set upon her. She was also incredibly smart, she may have taken a few wrong turns but she was still way ahead of everyone else when it came to finding the traitor. This young girl came from a village family and adapted to the life of a Samurai, while also searching out the secrets that resided in her mistress’ house. Kasumi remained loyal, yet intelligent, and she is to be admired for that.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the plot and all the *spoiler alert* twists it takes you on. You never expect Shimizu to be a traitor and the letters from him to the painter were such a clever plot. The codes in the paintings was such an unexpected part of the story. The most heartbreaking twist would have to be Isamu’s death. I was so certain he was dead and to have him be alive was a happily unexpected twist.
The ending was executed so well. It was such an open ending which I love because this is a 16 year old girl who has no idea where her life will take her. She’s only just begun to scrape the surface of who she is and wants to be as a person, and her road to self discovery will continue whether we are there to witness it or not. And it’s so incredibly wise of her to know that one can change incredibly in the span of a year and that finding herself and doing what she loves takes first priority to having and loving Isamu. (Of course I do secretly wish they get together but whatever) 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2023
I haven't read a really good novel in a couple of years now - at least not a new one. I was immediately draw to this point because of the cover. I knew it would have something to do with Japan and as you all know I do love the culture, history and language of Japan.
As mentioned this book does detail some facts about the Edo period in Japan (which is also known as the Tokugawa period). Some of these include about samurai family structure, how the classes of people are divided and fashion - including the blackened teeth (I must admit I just couldn't picture poor Misaki with the blackened teeth however much I tried).
The story includes many keywords in Japanese which you may find some are more familiar than others such as ikebana (art of flower arranging) and samurai vs. tanuki (racoon dog) and kaiawase (a game of matching shells with pictures on them). Any Japanese words mentioned as explained so you don't need a dictionary on hand.
There are also references to traditional Japanese stories including my favourite about Yuki-Ono/Minokichi. I shall have to do a post about the resources available to use with this book as many are available free online.
The ending is somewhat satisfactory but I did find myself annoyed at the last paragraph. It felt like just when there was a conclusion to the story that paragraph got shoved at the end. I am hoping perhaps it is a sign the author may choose to continue to follow Kasumi over the following year with her life. For me at least I feel her story is not yet finished.
As mentioned this book does detail some facts about the Edo period in Japan (which is also known as the Tokugawa period). Some of these include about samurai family structure, how the classes of people are divided and fashion - including the blackened teeth (I must admit I just couldn't picture poor Misaki with the blackened teeth however much I tried).
The story includes many keywords in Japanese which you may find some are more familiar than others such as ikebana (art of flower arranging) and samurai vs. tanuki (racoon dog) and kaiawase (a game of matching shells with pictures on them). Any Japanese words mentioned as explained so you don't need a dictionary on hand.
There are also references to traditional Japanese stories including my favourite about Yuki-Ono/Minokichi. I shall have to do a post about the resources available to use with this book as many are available free online.
The ending is somewhat satisfactory but I did find myself annoyed at the last paragraph. It felt like just when there was a conclusion to the story that paragraph got shoved at the end. I am hoping perhaps it is a sign the author may choose to continue to follow Kasumi over the following year with her life. For me at least I feel her story is not yet finished.
March 26, 2016
Frances Watts, during a session I attended at Somerset Literary Festival, explained her research of Japan. I loved the layer after layer of sensory images filling my mind. I discovered her story had the added depth of the smallest details. How the people travelled, the distances from one district to the other. The dress and seasonal festivals were all entwined in this story.
Kasumi is an Inn Keepers daughter, she who loves her mountain village and its surrounding forest. She is outspoken and difficult for her father to manage. When a Samurai Master takes her to the teeming city of Edo as lady-in-waiting to his new wife, she thinks it is an escape. Learning to fit in is difficult with a distant mistress as her companion. There are secrets she must keep. They are dangerous for her mistress and herself. Her master’s nephew is a distraction with his love of art and her own artistic talents revealed.
The setting is a time of upheaval in Japan. The black ships from America arrived to force Japan to accept trade. The opposing factions of loyalty to the Shogun and the Emperor make it a dangerous place to live. Could Kasumi solve the mystery of who the spy could be? Could she find true love? Would she have to return to her village and marry the yam man her father would arrange for her?
Kasumi is an Inn Keepers daughter, she who loves her mountain village and its surrounding forest. She is outspoken and difficult for her father to manage. When a Samurai Master takes her to the teeming city of Edo as lady-in-waiting to his new wife, she thinks it is an escape. Learning to fit in is difficult with a distant mistress as her companion. There are secrets she must keep. They are dangerous for her mistress and herself. Her master’s nephew is a distraction with his love of art and her own artistic talents revealed.
The setting is a time of upheaval in Japan. The black ships from America arrived to force Japan to accept trade. The opposing factions of loyalty to the Shogun and the Emperor make it a dangerous place to live. Could Kasumi solve the mystery of who the spy could be? Could she find true love? Would she have to return to her village and marry the yam man her father would arrange for her?
August 3, 2015
This the second book I've read by this author, and my second three star read. I like her work, but this one was a little convoluted and confusing. I never really understood much, but I still liked Kasumi's ending. I wondered where that would go. I loved all the historical references, especially not knowing very much about the history of Japan or the Samurai. I hope the things I learned are actually true and not just fiction.
This one was only just released, but if you can get a copy then I still recommend giving it a go. I definitely think life circumstances of my own contributed to me not liking this as much as I should have; I injured myself at work when I first started this, cutting a finger and making it hard to turn pages and hold the book. Definitely a little different from what I normally read anyhow.
This one was only just released, but if you can get a copy then I still recommend giving it a go. I definitely think life circumstances of my own contributed to me not liking this as much as I should have; I injured myself at work when I first started this, cutting a finger and making it hard to turn pages and hold the book. Definitely a little different from what I normally read anyhow.
June 29, 2016
The Peony Lantern was like stepping back into my Middle Grade devouring childhood. It felt like Jackie French, Anna Ciddor, like the authors I used to love, whose stories were weaved creatively and took me to places I didn't know and would leave having understood in a way I, at that point, hadn't imagined possible, really. And I loved that, being able to relive and re-experience elements of that. I never felt wholly connected with the characters, and didn't particularly like what were large facets of their being, and the romance... didn't go well for me. Nor did the ending. But the memories, they were good, and the story certainly carried me along well.
Thanks to Harper Collins for this review copy!
Thanks to Harper Collins for this review copy!
September 12, 2018
Didn’t see that twist coming!! This book had one of those endings where you need a good 5 minutes of silent reflection to absorb the shock and the “how did I not see this?” moment. Another great plot-driven book by Frances Watts. You can see the extensive effort and research she has put into writing this story set in Edo, Japan. The idea of a peasant girl selected to work as a lady’s maid for a Samurai’s Court immediately sounded intriguing and indeed it was! If you’re after mystery, class systems, friendships, betrayals, journeys, beauty, love, culture and history in a plot gripping YA quick read, I highly recommend this book!!!
-NJ
..........
This is officially one of my favourite books.. I learnt a lot about 19th Century Japan, Japanese art and culture.. The plot really gets your mind ticking and I really did not see the twist coming towards the end.. the book was such a roller coaster ride!! So elegantly written, so insightful, you can tell the author has put in a lot of effort and research into this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it – one I could not put down!!!
-Annie
..........
I was late in starting this book yet I finished it about 48 hours before everyone else did. This book is fantastic, a lot of research was put into this and the storyline is very gripping. One of my favourites…
-Meredith
..........
The plot itself was truly enjoyable. The first half wasn’t slow but the pace was ramped up in the second half and it really became un-put-down-able then. You just want to keep going to find out what the secret really is (I guessed correctly for this part) and then, you want to find out the answer to the mystery (this was a twist I appreciate). The Peony Lantern engaged my interest from the beginning and had me enthralled to the end. If you’re a parent, let me assure you that this book is clean. There’s a bit of romance but Kasumi was quite the sensible girl to the end (and I just love her all the more!). There are many themes / topics for good conversation of gender, rank, education, culture, etc. I won’t hesitate in presenting this book as gifts to my nieces.
-Tien
-NJ
..........
This is officially one of my favourite books.. I learnt a lot about 19th Century Japan, Japanese art and culture.. The plot really gets your mind ticking and I really did not see the twist coming towards the end.. the book was such a roller coaster ride!! So elegantly written, so insightful, you can tell the author has put in a lot of effort and research into this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it – one I could not put down!!!
-Annie
..........
I was late in starting this book yet I finished it about 48 hours before everyone else did. This book is fantastic, a lot of research was put into this and the storyline is very gripping. One of my favourites…
-Meredith
..........
The plot itself was truly enjoyable. The first half wasn’t slow but the pace was ramped up in the second half and it really became un-put-down-able then. You just want to keep going to find out what the secret really is (I guessed correctly for this part) and then, you want to find out the answer to the mystery (this was a twist I appreciate). The Peony Lantern engaged my interest from the beginning and had me enthralled to the end. If you’re a parent, let me assure you that this book is clean. There’s a bit of romance but Kasumi was quite the sensible girl to the end (and I just love her all the more!). There are many themes / topics for good conversation of gender, rank, education, culture, etc. I won’t hesitate in presenting this book as gifts to my nieces.
-Tien
October 28, 2020
'The Peony Lantern' transports you to 1800s Japan through the eyes of Kasumi, a fifteen-year-old daughter of a rural innkeeper. When not immersed in her natural environment, Kasumi often forgets her place in the social landscape, where her own outspokenness unexpectedly takes her to Edo as a maidservant for the mistress of a prominent samurai household. While grossly underqualified for this new role, Kasumi's experiences immediately consume you as she navigates the dimensions of culture and class against the backdrop of volatile political change during the pre-Meiji Period. In order to keep her head, literally, Kasumi has to learn when to silence her feelings and observations, especially towards Isamu, a young samurai boy who soon becomes her friend. Despite being kindred spirits from their love of painting, Kasumi learns Isamu may be hiding something and she soon discovers that all those around her wear masks that veil their true identity and intentions. As her master and his men, who support the Shogun, begin being ambushed and attacked at their secret political meetings, Kasumi begins to uncover clues that point to a string of deaths and the truth of her strange appointment to the Edo estate. 'The Peony Lantern' is a lyrical novel that features a stunning sensory experience, encapsulating the essence of feudal Japan through an undercurrent of Japanese ghost stories, seasonal changes and masterful haikus.
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Follow me @BookPilgrim on Instagram
October 22, 2016
Absolutely captivating, I couldn't stop reading. Amazing twist at the end, I really couldn't figure out what actually happened until I read to the end.
Having been to Japan recently myself it was great to have a little understanding of where exactly they were going. Especially the Shrine in Asakusa.
Having been to Japan recently myself it was great to have a little understanding of where exactly they were going. Especially the Shrine in Asakusa.
September 22, 2020
Read this for my "middle grade book set outside the US/UK" challenge in read harder and it was really enjoyable! Bit of a reading slump and COVID travel pangs, but this really hit the spot and was easy to read.
September 12, 2018
Fantastic book.
January 4, 2020
Very enjoyable read, and I learned a few things about historical Japan and it’s culture, which is why I go for this genre.
March 16, 2020
A lovely Japanese romance with a great little twist of story at the end.
November 4, 2020
I really expected to like this as much as the Raven's Wing and I was sadly disappointed. I think I would have enjoyed the book a lot more, had I not gone in with the idea that I would adore it.
August 17, 2021
A sweet little read. Short, some mystery, and exciting. Set in Japan in mid 1800s.
June 2, 2016
I had the privilege of a read along of this book with some girls from Read3r’z Re-Vu on Whatsapp featuring the lovely Frances Watts, the author. I was deliriously ecstatic and probably, then, read it so very closely so I can come up with ten thousand more questions than I would have if I read normally. However, Frances was so very gracious and answered them all with aplomb. I’ll be posting some of these Q&A in the next couple of days.
[edited: if you're interested in the Q&A, you can find my post here]
I have this fascination of the Japanese culture since my early teen years. I still remember vividly waiting for what feels like forever for the first volume of Sailor Moon and when the day arrived, hurriedly left school to get my hands on a copy. I’ve never since looked back though I have extended my tastebuds to include other Japanese flavoured literature. Nevertheless, I found that I still had lots to learn about Japan from my reading of The Peony Lantern.
Kasumi is a wonderful heroine. Born as a peasant, she lacks education and yet, she has the natural ability of observation. Needless to say, this often gets her into trouble. Her parents (we must believe, out of concern of her wellbeing) continue to remind her that
“the stake that sticks up gets hammered down.”
As the novel is told from Kasumi’s perspective, the readers are treated to her insights. And this ranged from her search of own identity to some hilarious conspiracy theories. Kasumi does not kick ass but is much fun to be with and with whom readers can identify with ease.
Firework Festival (ukiyo-e / woodblock print)
An inspiration to write this story was a woodblock print (not necessarily this one)
The plot itself was truly enjoyable. The first half wasn’t slow but the pace was ramped up in the second half and it really became un-put-down-able then. You just want to keep going to find out what the secret really is (I guessed correctly for this part) and then, you want to find out the answer to the mystery (this was a twist I appreciate). The Peony Lantern engaged my interest from the beginning and had me enthralled to the end.
If you’re a parent, let me assure you that this book is clean. There’s a bit of romance but Kasumi was quite the sensible girl to the end (and I just love her all the more!). There are many themes / topics for good conversation of gender, rank, education, culture, etc. I won’t hesitate in presenting this book as gifts to my nieces.
[edited: if you're interested in the Q&A, you can find my post here]
I have this fascination of the Japanese culture since my early teen years. I still remember vividly waiting for what feels like forever for the first volume of Sailor Moon and when the day arrived, hurriedly left school to get my hands on a copy. I’ve never since looked back though I have extended my tastebuds to include other Japanese flavoured literature. Nevertheless, I found that I still had lots to learn about Japan from my reading of The Peony Lantern.
Kasumi is a wonderful heroine. Born as a peasant, she lacks education and yet, she has the natural ability of observation. Needless to say, this often gets her into trouble. Her parents (we must believe, out of concern of her wellbeing) continue to remind her that
“the stake that sticks up gets hammered down.”
As the novel is told from Kasumi’s perspective, the readers are treated to her insights. And this ranged from her search of own identity to some hilarious conspiracy theories. Kasumi does not kick ass but is much fun to be with and with whom readers can identify with ease.
Firework Festival (ukiyo-e / woodblock print)
An inspiration to write this story was a woodblock print (not necessarily this one)
The plot itself was truly enjoyable. The first half wasn’t slow but the pace was ramped up in the second half and it really became un-put-down-able then. You just want to keep going to find out what the secret really is (I guessed correctly for this part) and then, you want to find out the answer to the mystery (this was a twist I appreciate). The Peony Lantern engaged my interest from the beginning and had me enthralled to the end.
If you’re a parent, let me assure you that this book is clean. There’s a bit of romance but Kasumi was quite the sensible girl to the end (and I just love her all the more!). There are many themes / topics for good conversation of gender, rank, education, culture, etc. I won’t hesitate in presenting this book as gifts to my nieces.
October 12, 2015
The book was in between average and great. At the beginning it was great then halfway in between I kind of stopped reading it but then decided to pick up the book and finish it before returning it to the library. This book follows Kasumi a young teenage girl who is taken to Edo (a place in Japan) to serve as a lady in waiting to a samurai's wife. During her time there, it involves a lot of secrets, betrayal and love. Kind of an average book I'd have to say..which is why I stopped in between to take a break from it all. This is a great read for anyone who likes samurai and all things Japanese. :) <3 <3
March 8, 2017
I have once again been sucked into a brilliantly written story set in another time and another place. I loved the Peony Lantern and couldn't put it down until I knew the fate of Kasumi. Kasumi is a character I could relate to and I enjoyed following her journey of mystery, love and self-discovery. I recommend this book! :)
March 29, 2016
Set in 19th century Japan this story gives you an idea of the culture and thinking of the time. The main character is a girl who is taken for granted in her own family. She is chosen to be a servant to a Samurai mistress and her life changes forever. I liked the main character, she is intelligent and thoughtful- the story is told mostly from her perspective.
June 30, 2016
I really REALLY wanted to like this book.
The Raven's Wing was one of my favourite books ever and I was so excited for this book.
But to be honest this book was so boring and uneventful and the romance literally only happened on the last page.
I predicted the ending and the romance and the main character was kind of dull and I am very disappointed in this book.
#letdown
The Raven's Wing was one of my favourite books ever and I was so excited for this book.
But to be honest this book was so boring and uneventful and the romance literally only happened on the last page.
I predicted the ending and the romance and the main character was kind of dull and I am very disappointed in this book.
#letdown
February 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this book not because of the romance and poor young girl makes good but for the info and atmosphere of old Japan before the foreigners took over. Likeable characters and lots of atmosphere with a Japanese twist.
October 12, 2016
Frances Watts is the queen of engaging detail and beautifully researched historic settings. I particularly loved her way of seeing through a painter's eyes. And her descriptions of Japanese interiors and exteriors has fed my Japanese fixation. Most enjoyable!
October 27, 2015
A wonderful book. Learnt so much about Japanese culture and arts, plus a great story.
July 1, 2016
I truly enjoyed this beautifully written and researched YA historical novel set in the days of the Samurai.
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