Autumn Bridge

Samurai #2

by Takashi Matsuoka

In the year 1311, in the highest tower of Cloud of Sparrows Castle, a beautiful woman sits by the window, watching as enemies gather below and fires spread through the night. As she calmly awaits her fate, she begins to write, carefully setting down on a scroll the secret history of the Okumichi clan…of the gift of prophecy they share and the extraordinary destiny that awaits them.

For six centuries, these remarkable writings lay hidden—until they are uncovered by an American woman, a missionary named Emily Gibson, who arrived in Edo harbor in 1861, in flight from a tragic past. Soon an extraordinary man would enter her life: Lord Genji of the Okumichi clan, a nobleman with a gift of prophecy who must defend his embattled family—and confront forbidden feelings for an outsider in his midst. Emily, too, soon finds herself at a turning point; courted by two westerners, she knows her heart belongs to the one man she cannot have. But Emily has found a mission of her own: translating Genji’s ancestral history, losing herself in an epic tale of heroism and forbidden love.

For here is the story of Lady Shizuka, the beautiful witch-princess who has enchanted Okumichi men for generations…of Genji’s ancestors, Lord Hironobu and Lord Kiyori, and of the terrible betrayals that befell them…and of Genji’s parents: a wastrel father and his child bride whose tragic love has shaped Genji as a leader and as a man. As Emily sifts through the fragile scrolls, she begins to see threads of her own life woven into the ancient writings. And as past and present collide, a hidden history comes to life, and with it a secret prophecy that has been shrouded for centuries, and may now finally be revealed. Takashi Matsuoka’s spellbinding novel is infused with spectacle, intricately woven, magically told. Autumn Bridge is a feast for the senses, a work of truly dazzling storytelling.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Japan, Fantasy, Historical, Japanese Literature, Novels

415 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Takashi Matsuoka is a first-generation Japanese American writer living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Before commiting full time to the writing profession, he used to work at a Zen Buddhist temple. His books, historical novels depicting American missionaries' visits to Japan, are often compared to Shōgun and the rest James Clavell's series. In addition to writing novels, Matsuoka also worked on the script for the 1990 film Pale Blood.

Reviews

[Algernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Restoration of the Emperor, the abolition of the samurai class, the dissolution of the domains, the unprecedented intrusion of foreigners into Japan, the destruction of the last heroic proponents of bushido--all these events had occurred in the span of less than ten years.

The radical late XIX century changes in Japan society offer a rich filon of inspiration for the epic canvas of Takashi Matsuoka. This second 'Samurai' book is more of a companion book than a direct sequel to Cloud of Sparrows . The main characters are the same, but there is a definite change of focus from the cinematic action and political infighting among the elite feudal lords of the Shogunate towards the intimate, the philosophical implications and the personal struggle of the actors to cope with a changing environment. In order to examine in detail the way the Bushido code of honor and the century spanning vendettas between the great houses affected the progress of the Nippon nation into the modern era, the author relies more heavily on the supernatural elements (clairvoyance, communicating with the ghosts of ancestors) that were only hinted at in the first book.The power of seeing the future, more of a curse than a blessing for the Okumichi lords of the Akaoka domain, allows not only an exploration of the Oriental principle of predestination, but also permits the novel to jump forward and backward in time, connecting the fate of the witch princess Shizuka from the 14th Century to the one of Lord Genji, the last Okumichi Lord during the fall of the Shogunate regime.

If you permit a fanciful interpretation on my part, the 'Samurai' duology is structured as an illustration of the yin - yang dialectic concept, with Cloud of Sparrows as the active, aggressive, destructive, fiery yang element and Autumn Bridge as the yelding, mysterious, creative, dreamy yin part. Thus, it may be possible to read the second book before the first, but they work best together. I let more than a year pass between my lectures, and I struggled a bit in the beginning remembering the details of who was who and what they were fighting about, but eventually it came back, with the help of adequate references in the new text.

There are some very convincing female warriors in the epic: samurai and ninja fighting side by side with their lords, but I believe their importance in the later part of the story is more as a counterforce to the self destructive thirst for violence that has ravaged Japan throughout its medieval era. While Lady Shizuka and the American beautiful missionary Emily are interesting enough as principal characters, I found myself attracted more to the fate of the lesser ladies : Hanako, a lady in waiting in Genji household; Midori, a young girl given in marriage to a violent Okumichi lord at only 12 years of age; Lady Nowaki, the young unwed mother of Shizuka, and especially Kimi, a litle peasant girl near Mushindo Monastery that somehow ends up as the Abbess of the place and as a revered spiritual teacher.

The jumps around the timeline and the non-linear plot progression might have been a distraction and gimmicky way of creating tension in the absence of major action sequences, but they come together beautifully towards the end, giving the novel a much larger scope than if it were following only the Lord Genji point of view.

I was also less bothered by predestination and the visions of the future. I thought them unnecessary in the first book, as the historical events were interesting enough on their own, without recourse to the supernatural. But this second volume would not function at all without it, and I have come to the conclusion that this belief in the absence of free will was major characteristic of the Japanese mentality at the times described. One way the author solves the puzzle of prophecy, is by making it as vague as possible and exploring the ways the receivers of auguri misinterpret the message and the way their efforts at escaping their fate leads them down the same path they are trying so hard to avoid:

The foreseen always occurs in unforeseen ways. (Lord Genji)

In the end, there is always a choice, and the reason of the whole exercise of dwelling on the past is beautifully resumed by Mr. Matsuoka in one the few passages I've bookmarked:

Knowing the future was like knowing the past. Events could not be controlled or altered, only one's attitude toward them. Like the earth itself, the heart had directions. Bitterness, anguish, fear, and hatred lay one way; equanimity, gratitude, kindness, and love another. This ability to choose the heart's direction was the true power of the prophet, which was no more than the only true power of every human being.

I was tempted to rate the book only 3 stars, reflecting a drop in the quality of characterization and a slower overall pacing, the penury of action sequences and some dropped/underdeveloped storylines (Makoto, Saemon). But the epic did come together beautifully towards the end, and I realized I learned more than I expected about the people that made history, rather than about the actual historical events (which I cross c hecked on wikipedia). So it ends up with a well deserved 4 stars, and a recommendation to read both 'Samurai' books together before drawing conclusions.

I wish there were more books written by Mr. Matsuoka, as I would be interested to read them too.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is interesting how people react differently to books, just like people. When I finished "Autumn Bridge" I felt as if someone had just died. There was a moment during which I actually felt empty and wanted to grieve. I felt the same way after reading "Cloud of Sparrows", yet when I started to read this, its sequel, I remembered very little of that story... it came back to me in visions, like personal memories. There will be people who will read both books and wonder what all the fuss is about... I can't answer that, how the books affected me is a personal thing and could well be linked to the numerous facets that make up my interests and maybe in the sentimentality (I've chosen a word harsh critics might use) that runs through the stories. "Autumn Bridge" is suffused with a beautiful idea; it is about love and fate and about a period in Japan's history that was as difficult as giving birth (the quite rapid change from a static, almost mediaeval society to a modern, industrial power). When you know the outcome how do you behave? When all is frozen how can things flow?

[Read a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start off, I loved Cloud of Sparrows. Matsuoka is a gifted writer, and it's a shame that he hasn't written more.

When I first started reading this, I was concerned that it wouldn't live up to Cloud of Sparrows, and had a difficult time understanding the book's structure (frequent jumps back and forth between time periods). However, it all began to make sense after about 25% through, and I found myself racing to the finish.

The sheer depth of emotion and description of the flaws of each and every character made the story real. All of the plot holes in Cloud of Sparrows are woven together and answered in ways that were impossible to predict. The reader gets a sense of the rise and fall of the Tokugawa regime, with particular focus on the decline and fall of the samurai class.

The complexity and incredible plot development makes this even better than Cloud of Sparrows. Not as much violence as with the first book, but the ending is masterfully crafted.

[Einahpets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Cloud of Sparrows" when I was a teenager and it had been my favorite book since that day. When I found out that there was a secuel I felt like I had to read it almost as a matter of life or death.
And when I finally got it I found myself getting scared. I didn't want to get disappointed by the second part because the first book was so special for me (I could say that book came to me just in the right moment of my life and it changed me).
It wasn't the case.
"Autumn Bridge" is so good and beautifully written that it just suck my life for the major part of 2 weeks. I couldn't stop myself from reading it. I read it everywhere. I think about it on my work, with my family and friends even on my dreams (I literally dreamt about this book).
In this book we get to know Genji's ancestors their lifes and deaths and how everything was connected. I just love the way how the book show us past, present and future almost at the same time I felt like I myself had the gift of foretelling (which sadly I don't).
I won't lie the book gets pretty confusing some times because it continually jump from past to present and to future every time I flipped the page. I had to reread some parts because I got lost (I think that could also be because I felt so excited about the book that I read it quickly... too quickly some times)
But that wasn't a major problem the story by itself was so catchy that I just wanted to know more.
The book end gaves you an awkward feeling because we already knew how it was going to end almost from the beginning of the book (as I repeatedly say the book shows you present, past and future as they were one) so when you get to the ending part you feel a little helpless because there wasn't anything that could be done to avoid it (and believe me the main characters tried hard) is like sitting and watching a lion eating a baby zebra and you couldn't help it no matter how much you wish you could.
But don't get me wrong I have no complaints about it for me it seem like it had the right end. Everything came to a satisfactory conclusion and we know what happen to almost all the characters that the book show us.
I can't explain myself enough to say why these books (Cloud of Sparrows and Autumn Bridge) are so good and special for me. My best advice could be just read it and judge it by yourself. I would recommend it to anyone but that's just my humble opinion.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If James Clavell's "Shogun" had been as good as "Cloud of Sparrows," I might have finished reading it.

I am serious.

"Cloud of Sparrows" is the story of Lord Genji, a Japanese noble who allows Western missionaries to come to his domain. One member of each generation in his family has the gift of prophecy, and Genji has had a vision that his life will be saved by an outsider one day. So, he allows Westerners into Japan after two centuries of isolation.

The missionaries are led by Reverend Cromwell and his fiance, Emily. They wind up embroiled in internecine warfare by virtue of being Genji's guests. Further complicating matters is the geisha Heiko, whose loyalties are split between Genji and her mysterious master/patron. It becomes apparent far before Matsuoka reveals it officially that both Heiko and Emily nurse a tendresse for Genji ... and this causes additional complications as well.

The characters are interesting, the history is well-researched, and the book is perfectly paced to keep one's interest. I found myself drawn into the time period perfectly, and was reluctant to put this book down even when the necessities of life dictated otherwise.

[Marc Jentzsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy sequel to Cloud of Sparrows, Autumn Bridge fills in the few big gaps left by the previous book. Though it's difficult to say what truly constitutes the present of the narrative in Autumn Bridge, we are also introduced to a slew of new characters, past, present, and future. Perhaps that's the point, though, that for each of the characters, their story is their present and as we read, so it is for us. Throughout the narrative, there is little regard for chronological storytelling and oddly, the book is stronger for it.

If I had to register any complaints about this book it's that too little attention was paid to San Francisco (though what there was, was expertly crafted) and that the end of the book seems to go into a nosedive with its breakneck pacing. It's a little jarring for things to suddenly begin moving so quickly when they have taken their time all along, time that was well spent in developing characters and events and tying them into the time-jumping narrative.

In Cloud of Sparrows, flashbacks were placed well and were used to add detail and show us the raw ends of the characters. This can be hard for a lot of writers, even good writers, to do well. Most do it so poorly that flashbacks are normally an instantly aggravating bit of the text, like songs and poems and dream sequences. They pull me straight out of the story. In Autumn Bridge, the narrative asides move to exist on a different plane altogether, as seemingly random placement of events in the past, present and future congeal into a masterful tale that doesn't seem disjointed at all. Rather, they seem to build the story in ways that build toward the inevitable conclusion, pulling us along like cats chasing the sunlight as it stretches and slides away to the horizon.

More mystical than the first, Autumn Bridge is every bit as grounded. We see a culture in flux and this change is portrayed with a casual mastery reflective - no doubt - of Matsuoka's upbringing. The final denouement is tragic, absurd, even heartwarming all at once and again showcases a talent for the portrayal of the clashing forces at work in Japan for the last 150-odd years.

I cannot recommend this book (or its predecessor) highly enough.

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even tough this book has some high stars reviews I didn't find myself enjoying it. It wasn't my kind of book unfortunately and I will be a little weary going into similar books in the future.

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Segunda parte muy interesante del clan Okumichi, aunque si no te lo lees de continuo a veces con tanto cambio de fechas te puedes hacer un poco de lio. Muy bien ambientado. . 9/10

[Charnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Matsuoka amazed me. I'm eagerly awaiting his next book, because I simply loved both of his books (this one and Cloud of Sparrows).

[Мариша · Rating 4 out of 5]

Сливането на минало и бъдеще във виденията на Шидзука ме затрудни, и според мен ограби романа.... В първата част тази ясновидска дарба бе загадка, около която се наслагваха събитията. Тук се наложи да преживея сюжета в безвремието, беше ми трудно да следя развитието на героите, убягваше ми това, което автора искаше да каже. То вероятно имаше връзка с "отговорите нямат смисъл - разбра отдавна монаха - а сега разбираше, че и въпросите нямат смисъл", но на мен този начин на мислене, на светоусещане, ми е много далечен....
Но за останалото - пълнотата на образите на някои герои, яркостта на действието и обстановката и т.н. - 6 звезди ;)

[Serazhutdin Khappalaev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Поскольку история позднефеодальной Японии с некоторых пор представляла для меня повышенный интерес, я не мог пройти мимо дилогии Такаши Мацуока. Сказать по правде, "Осенний Мост" считается второй книгой, но так уж вышло, что я прочитал её первой и могу сказать, что нисколечко от этого не потерял. Всё дело в том, что обе книги повествуют примерно об одних и тех же событиях, но разительно отличаются хронологией повествования. Трудно сказать, какая книга по отношению к другой является сиквелом или приквелом, скорее уместным будет встреченная в какой-то аннотации позиция, что книги отражают женское (Осенний Мост) и мужское (Стрелы на Ветру) начало в истории клана Окумити.

Героями книги станут князья и вассалы Окумити - небольшого, но воинственного феодального клана, занимавшего проимператорскую позицию, потерпевшего поражение в битве при Сэкигахаре в 1600 году, но сумевшего выжить в условиях сегуната Токугава. Одной из основ могущества клана считается мистический дар (и проклятие) его князей пророчествовать о событиях, которым предстоит произойти. Свой пророческий дар князья Окумити унаследовали от госпожи Сидзуке, в жилах которой текла кровь нюргенов, ставшей супругой первого князя Акаоки. Впрочем, Мацуока создаёт куда более интересную конструкцию - даром обладает сама Сидзуке и ей приходят видения будущего, а также её потомки из числа князей Окумити, с которыми она общается и сообщает о тех событиях, которым предстоит произойти. При этом, указанные явления происходят как бы одновременно в период жизни этих самых потомков, т.е. прокладывается эдакий временной тоннель между поколениями, когда каждая из сторон уверена в собственном существовании и текущем времени и считает своего собеседника призраком. Поклонники творчества Фрэнка Герберта в этом месте должны увидеть интересную схожесть с умениями Преподобных Матерей Бене Гессерит, разве что, в отличией от ведьм Бене Гессерит, общавшихся с внутренней памятью предков, ведьма Сидзуке общается со своими потомками.

Для удобства восприятия, предлагаю считать рваную хронологию повествования, скачущую между 1281-1311 и 1796-1867 годами, кусочками мозаики, постепенно складывающимися для читателя в общую картину происходящего и происходившего с кланом Окумити на протяжении веков. А история, безусловно интересная, потому клану постоянно приходилось бороться с внешними и внутренними врагами на протяжении всей своей истории, причем в той же мере сколь книга может считаться историей клана, она может считаться историей любви, ненависти и предательства основных её персонажей. К слову, это первая для меня книга, главные герои которой находятся в оппозиции к сёгунату Токугава. Да, прославленный Миямото Мусаси, герой одноименной книги, тоже бился против коалиции Токугава, однако, он был всего лишь ронином, а тут речь идёт о князьях и самом поворотном для Японии историческом периоде.

Прекрасное художественное произведение, сочетающее в себе историю любви, политику, интриги и мистику. Крайне рекомендуется к прочтению поклонникам творчества Фрэнка Герберта, а в особенности фанатам Дома Атрейдесов ;)

[Hedoga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qué difícil.

¿ Qué ha pesado más ?

Por una parte, se trata de la continuación del El honor del Samurai, sí, pero por otra parte no es el tema principal, porque podría decirse que son muuuuuchas pequeñas historias ambientadas en la cultura del Japón medieval.

Por otra parte varias de ellas me han parecido fuera de momento, con lo que le cuesta al libro engancharSe en un tema, justo cuando se pone interesante, te corta la acción con una de esas pequeñas historias que aportan, sí, pero ¿ justo en ése momento ?

Y hablando del "momento", éste es otro tema que me hace dudar sobre si me ha resultado positivo o negativo, ¿ de verdad hacen falta taaaaaantos saltos en la linea temporal ? Por momentos al principio hizo que incluso me plantease dejar el libro ... hasta que le cogí el "truco" y se me hizo más llevadero.

Tratando de resumir, no es fácil de leer, pero sí es muy bueno, no es sólo la continuación de la trama, pero no quitaría ni una de ésas pequeñas historias y no es agradable tanto salto en el tiempo pero al final te acostumbras y casi hasta le encuentras sentido.

Le pongo 4 estrellas porque me "toca las narices" ponerle 5

Podría haber estirado un pelín el primero y no haber escrito dos ¿ quién sabe ?

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulgarian review first, followed by the English translation below

Прекрасно продължение на “Облак врабчета”, всъщност двете книги са един цялостен сюжет.

Мостът между минало, настояще и бъдеше; между гняв и прошка; между различните култури, които стигат до една и душа сърцевина.

Събития, хора, възгледи се смесват, за да сътворят красота, която е вечна и не се влияе от стереотипи и предразсъдъци.

A wonderful sequel to “Cloud of Sparrows”—in fact, the two books make up one single, cohesive plot.

The bridge between past, present, and future; between anger and forgiveness; between different cultures that reach the exact same core and heart.

Events, people, and perspectives blend together to create a beauty that is eternal and remains untouched by stereotypes and prejudices.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dramatic, lyrical and creative. I found this book better than Cloud of Sparrows. The going back and forth in time was a bit confusing at first, but it immediately made sense and even added depth to the setting and characters and moved the story forward by tying the loosed ends in Cloud of Sparrows. This book also gives background to the pre-Restoration era. It's the story of Japan just as much as Genji, Emily, Kimi and Lady Shizuka's.

[Liz Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some readers have written very long reviews of this book but I just want to say I really enjoyed reading it. It did remind me in places of James Clavell's Shogun but I liked that book as well. I did get a bit confused with the constant time changes in the story but I sorted it out in the end. If you want a synopsis of the book read other reviews I'm just happy I read it.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved many parts of this story, but found some things about it incredibly problematic. One character arc contains a serial sexual abuser who has a redemption arc, which I find unacceptable.

[Vicki Beyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While some aspects of this tale were interesting and intriguing, it was neither easy nor pleasant to read. The use of unnatural names for the Japanese characters (eg, names not in use in the time period in question, names that weren't names, women's names assigned to me) was distracting and disconcerting, as were certain historical inaccuracies, such as having proselytizing Christians central to the story at a time when Christians were actually persecuted in Japan. Apparently there was another book before this and one that comes after but the author didn't do a very good of writing this book so that it could stand on its own. Consequently it has wound up as a bunch of episodes, but nothing more. I had hoped for much, much more.

[Atte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and fantastic book. Beautifully written, poetic and simple. I adore Emily and Genji, and the way their relationship develops throughout the course of the story. Shizuka's compelling backstory, Heiko's sacrifice for her son and his own journey to reconcile his past in Japan. It's one of my favorite, if not my all time favorite books.

[Ifigenia Grigoriadou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several years ago I 've read the first volume, cloud of sparrows, and fell in love. Now, finishing Autumn Bridge I found myself falling in love again. Very resourceful storytelling, and a wonderful journey going back and forth in time.

[Eric Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka is a challenging read woven into a web of different timelines, prophecies, and lineage. In the beginning, we are introduced to Genji. Genji is a man of many things; Great Lord of Akaoka, wielder of prophectic visions, and lover to Emily Gibson. As leader, Genji is tasked with overseeing and providing his own outlook of the rapid modernization in Japan during the early 1800s. During this time, we are also introduced to Emily, an American foreigner that has tasked herself with researching the history of Genji’s clan. One day, Emily is given a box of scrolls to look at. Puzzled by the scrolls’ message, she travels to Mushindo Abbey with her friend in order to learn more about the scrolls. However, rather than learning about the scrolls, Emily learns about Lady Shizuka, a witch from the early 1300s. As the setting and perspective change to Shizuka’s, we learn that she has been tormented by her own gift of prophetic visions for most of her life. As the setting and perspective shift back to Emily’s, this is where we learn of how Genji’s family gained the gift of prophetic powers. We also learn that the scrolls that Emily was given may very well describe the events that will take place in her future. Later, Emily is attacked at Mushindo Abbey, causing her friend to die. This is where we also learn of Genji’s abandoned son, named Makoto. Makoto has built up a sort of grudge against Genji, causing him to sneak onto a boat to Japan with one goal in mind: find Genji and retrieve answers. We also learn of what happened to Shizuka and how she gave birth to a daughter in order to continue the Okumichi Clan and its curse of prophetic visions before she died. Near the end, we learn of Genji’s family and how his outlook on life his changed as he aged. The setting then fast forwards in time where Makoto reconciles with Genji as Genji admits what he did was wrong, causing Makoto’s hatred for him to dissipate. At last, the Akaoka domain is tranquil as Genji marries Emily, his relationships with others are whole, and the history of his clan is no longer shrouded in mystery.
Autumn Bridge is an interesting blend between the past and reality as the fine lines between tradition and modernization are blurred. Matsuoka’s use of masterfully told imagery and details depicts the change in atmosphere of the once culturally rich Japan to a country who’s seemed to lost its identity. While the alternating timeline and multitude of characters leaves you confused at times, Matsuoka’s unique and vivid storytelling ability easily separates Autumn Bridge from other retelling of Japanese tradition.

[Yanper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is about a period in Japan's history that was difficult. It keeps one’s interest with a very good plot but it’s not as good as the first book, "Cloud of Sparrows". It’s getting a bit confusing with the constant jumping back and forth between time periods.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it!! I forgot how much I loved Cloud of Sparrows, 1st one , until I read this!!

[Yelsa Fahziani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rasanya lega mengetahui Heiko meninggal setelah melahirkan Makoto, alih-alih menjadi istrinya Stark. Huahaha.

[Endah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Di Samurai : Kastel Awan Burung Gereja (buku pertama) dikisahkan pada bagian akhirnya bahwa Genji mengirim Heiko pergi bersama Matthew Stark ke Amerika Serikat sementara Emily Gibson akan tetap tinggal di Jepang di bawah perlindungan Genji, meneruskan misinya semula : mengabarkan injil.

Pada buku keduanya, Samurai : Jembatan Musim Gugur, cerita lebih banyak berkisar pada sejarah asal mula klan Okumichi yang telah ada sejak enam ratus tahun silam (jika bertolak 1860-an, setting tahun kisah ini). Maka, penceritaan kilas balik tak terhindarkan. Kita akan sering tiba-tiba terlempar ke masa nenek moyang Genji untuk kemudian kembali lagi ke masa kini.

Entahlah, tetapi saya merasa tidak seasyik seperti ketika membaca buku pertamanya. Buku kedua ini terkesan agak lebih "serius" dari yang pertama. Mungkin karena berkurangnya porsi penampilan Genji, pada hal bagi saya, ia adalah daya tarik utama buku ini.

Dua puluh tahun setelah kepergian Heiko, Jepang tak lagi bisa tetap keras kepala menutup diri dari dunia luar. Masuknya bangsa-bangsa asing (baca : Eropa dan Amerika Serikat) tak tertahankan lagi. Genji dengan pemikiran moderatnya menerima dengan tangan terbuka hal yang memang harus terjadi itu. Menurut Genji, bangsanya tidak bisa terus hidup dalam tempurung jika hendak berdiri sejajar dengan semua bangsa di dunia. Mereka harus rela meninggalkan masa lalu penuh nostalgia indah dongeng-dongeng kehebatan nenek moyang : para samurai. Jalan pedang (bushido) yang sangat diagung-agungkan itu mesti ditinggalkan, digantikan oleh kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi dari barat.

Jelas saja sikap Genji ini dinilai sangat kontroversial dan kurang ajar oleh kelompok bangsawan dan generasi tua yang amat mencintai tradisi samurai. Sikap Genji telah melukai harga diri dan kebanggaan mereka. Akibatnya, beberapa kali Genji nyaris terbunuh. Namun, Genji tetap bergeming pada keyakinannya. Ia bahkan kemudian menikahi Emily Gibson, misionaris Amerika yang tinggal di istananya itu.

Ya, hanya dalam kurun waktu dua puluh tahun, kejayaan para samurai itu berakhir. Kesoghunan runtuh. Para bangsawan agung seperti Genji kemudian diberi kedudukan di pemerintahan sebagai gubernur penguasa wilayah. Jepang membuka lembaran baru sejarahnya, bergabung menjadi warga dunia dan kelak menjadi salah satu yang terbesar.

Begitulah...

[Quiet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars because of the change in comprehension between this sequel and the first, Cloud of Sparrows.

Cloud of Sparrows hints at prophecy and metaphysical abilities, but it's by and large a novel of the closing of feudal Japan, and focuses more on Japanese lifestyle during that time rather than some fictious adventure.

Autumn Bridge, though, is a fiction story. And by this I mean it rather abandons the more encompassing study of Japan to focus on the prophetic-bloodline of the Okumichi clan.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. The greatest portions of this book are undoubtedly those which focus on Japanese lifestyle rather than some story of being able to see the future.

It's not a decline in Matsuoka's ability as a writer though. It is only that the story, specifically in relation to this being a series o a story, heads in a direction obscure from where it begun, and from where many of its readers wished it angled toward.

[Danny Saputra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn bridge

Timeline is always make me look worse. And there's so many timeline in this book, past or future. And everytime i found the year, i always flipped back pages over and over again to make sure. Yes, timeline make me also look stupid as fuck. So annoyed, but it was great experienced i got from book.

When you read the tittle, you will expect that it's an action book, full of fight or war. But, if you kind of those reader, you will got disappointed. It's supposed to be a political-history book. War of ideology, flavored by mystery, romance and little fight story. And i can figure out how hard when we so idealist and progresive one, but surounded by conservative peoples. That's how Genji's life, a nobleman of Akaoka, the opposite of Tokugawa Shogun.

Too many unexplained answer. Why dont the author just write the 3rd book. I'd be glad to read the further story about the murder of Genji, how Stark build his business, the downfall of Tokugawa Shogun, nor Makoto as Okumichi.

[Maribel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creo que es un libro que esta de mas, te introducen nuevos personajes y sus historias, pero son personajes del pasado; pero lo que nos anunciaron que iba a pasar desde el principio del otro libro no llega hasta el final, y es solo de pasada, no profundizan y solo lo vez en 2 paginas, es decir me hacen leer un libro de casi 500 paginas para que lo que me interesa me lo dejes de lado, no se vale.
El libro maneja constantes saltos de tiempo desde el origen del clan, pasando por su abuelo y la historia de Genji, el el mismo capítulo brinca hace saltos constantes de un tiempo a otro, lo que te saca de contexto de la historía que estás leyendo, lo mismo me provoco no conectar con lo personajes, los únicos que me cayeron mejor fue Kimi y Goro, que en realidad son personajes secundarios. En resumen desde mi punto de vista es un libro innecesario por que no le sacan mas jugo a sus personajes que ya tenía, agregan nuevos pero tampoco llegas a conectar.

[Pringadi Abdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entah berapa tahun yang lalu aku membaca Kastil Awan Burung Geraja, dan baru membaca Jembatan Musim Gugur beberapa tahun lalu.

Apa bedanya masa lalu dan masa depan? Tidak mampu mengubah hal yang akan terjadi atau yang telah berlalu... sama saja.

Di buku ini, aku butuh fokus yang tinggi. Tapi fokus itu nggak akan sia-sia karena pada setiap detail kita akan menemukan kedahsyatan tersendiri. Jalinan karakter, jalinan waktu... terasa sempurna di dalam plot yang dibuat.

Tokoh favoritku Lady Shizuka. Apakah dia dapat mengontrol seberapa jauh dia dapat melintasi ruang dan waktu, itu menjadi pertanyaanku. Aku membayangkan lady ini memiliki mental yang kuat untuk dapat menerima kenyataan kemampuannya. Bayangkan ketika ia masih kecil, lalu bertemu Emily.... Emily yang melihatnya saja bertanya-tanya, tetapi Shizuka kecil belajar memahami pengalamannya.

Keren, buku ini kerenlah.

[Tor Gar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Llevo ¼ (25%) y se está habiendo pesadísimo. Va saltando entre líneas temporales entre hechos históricos que supongo en algún momento tendrán sus ecos en el presente y una historia romántica llevada y contada de forma horrible. Por ahora mal. Es que además no son dos líneas temporales, son varios momentos distintos a lo largo del tiempo y no sigue a los personajes. Muy disperso y caótico.

A la mitad. Mejora la cosa —es que si no mejoraba era para abandonarlo— al centrarse un poco en una única historia y a los personajes les pasan cosas y hacen cosas. Sigue intentando hacer malabares con muchos puntos de vista y no logra que salga bien y también sigue el lastre de la historia romántica. No por romántica sino por como está desarrollada. Pero mejora respecto al inicio e incuso hay algún momento bueno.

Acabado. Horrible. No recomendable. Es más, recomiendo su no lectura.

[Claudio · Rating 3 out of 5]

No alcanza la altura del libro anterior, pero va más allá en el análisis sobre el comportamiento y la sociedad japonesa de la era de los samurai. La forma de narrar, intercalando distintas épocas unidas por los profetas del clan da una sensación de totalidad y de que puedes percibir el tiempo simultáneo, en lugar de verlo como un flujo unidireccional. Me gustó y lo recomiendo.