The Cloud Pavilion

Sano Ichiro #14

by Laura Joh Rowland

Japan, 1701. A woman is brutally attacked within a bamboo prison as clouds swirl around her head. Meanwhile, at Edo Castle, samurai detective turned chamberlain Sano Ichiro is suspicious of his old rival, Yanagisawa, who has been oddly cooperative since returning from exile.

But just as Yanagisawa’s true motives begin to emerge, Sano’s estranged uncle comes to him for help: His daughter has disappeared, and he begs Sano and his wife—who once suffered through the kidnapping of their own son—to find her before it is too late.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Japan, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Asia

295 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Granddaughter of Chinese and Korean immigrants, Laura Joh Rowland grew up in Michigan and where she graduated with a B.S. in microbiology and a Master of Public Health at the University of Michigan. She currently lives in New Orleans with her husband. She has worked as a chemist, microbiologist, sanitary inspector and quality engineer.

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book, although most members of a book club I belong to did not. I'm uncertain if it is the demographics of the group or something else.

FIVE STARS. "The Cloud Pavilion"by Laura Joh Rowland is a historical mystery novel that is set in seventeenth century feudal Japan in the Genroku period. Chamberlain Sano Ichiro is one of the two lead investigators working at the behest of the Shogun to solve all manner of crimes within and against his empire. Sano, together with the main antagonist, Yanagisawa and their samurai brethren work together to solve the mystery of the abduction and rape of a nursing mother, elderly nun and a young girl. Sano's estranged uncle, Major Kumazawa, reluctantly asks Sano for help in finding his missing cousin, Chiyo who is one of the rape victims. The main story is artfully woven within several subplots that keep the reader engaged. Rowland enriches the story with information about the Japanese culture, politics and structure of the empire, as well as elements of the mystical. Several strong women characters, including Sano's wife, Reiko who helps with the investigation, provide grace and balance to the story. The book is a good, steady read. Although there are some surprises, the main strength of the book is the tapestry of characters, images and plots. This was a thoroughly entertaining read for me. I kept going back to it as though I was spending time, comfortably with a good friend.

Go to http://barryterenna.blogspot.com/ for more reviews!

[Sensitivemuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was good, and I admit I was wondering what in the world Yanagisawa is upto as he's always constantly plotting and neverending in his plot to get rid of Sano. Although it is getting somewhat stale and repetitive for the last several books and I'm wondering if there's anything new to this. At least the mystery case is new and different from previous cases. It's the same format, with Sano dealing with personal issues while trying to solve the case at the same time. It surprised me that this time the shogun did not threaten with his usual death threat when Sano wasn't doing his job "right". However, lo and behold, the shogun threatens him later in the book (which induced eye rolling on my part, as it is tending to get extremely formulaic by now).

However, I still enjoy reading the well written historical descriptions of feudal Japan and its social mores and customs. It is interesting to read and I could picture the setting clearly in my head while reading. This is what I like the most about reading these books. The political intrigue was still there and I used to like reading about it in the past, this time however it was subtle and I kept on guessing what was going to happen. It was a nice little surprise once I read Yanagisawa's vile little plot (and here I thought he couldn't get any worse).

Regarding the mystery, it was all right to read. Although it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. The suspects weren't that great to begin with, and I felt myself not really guessing who was the perpetrator. There wasn't much to it and when it was solved, there was a great big climax which I did enjoy reading as I did sympathize with these women who were violated and then horribly ostracized and treated as if they were the ones at fault by their own families and friends. It offered them closure, and it was a good way of ending the mystery. The political intrigue however just got started and just got really interesting however, it was at the end of the novel and I was stuck pulling my hair as to what was going to happen now to Sano and his family.

What really annoys me in this series lately is Hirata. I'm not into this mystic martial arts thing and it all makes him sound like he's superman. However I find that he doesn't do much with the plot and only continues to be annoying with using his powers. Although the introduction of the "mystery ninja" who's stalking Hirata got my interest, it wasn't enough to make me accept this mystic martial arts plot. I still prefer the "old" Hirata before he became a martial arts master.

Overall, a long time fan isn't missing much in terms of mystery but the political intrigue packs a huge punch at the end. I'd say read it just because you've probably read the previous 13 books before. Those new to Sano Ichiro may or may not like this one however if you ask me, try reading The Concubine's Tattoo (which is my personal favorite).

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

At this point in the series, there's definitely a pattern going on. Sano succeeds-all is well, Sano fails-escapes death-works his way back up. Over and over, from book to book. More and more often, the crimes in each book are sexually charged, as if rape is Rowland's default. Not meaning that sex can't be interesting, though. Black Lotus was crazy entertaining. Cloud Pavilion, not so much.

It's a personal preference, but I enjoy these books the most when Rowland takes the feudal Japanese setting and runs with it, full tilt, utilizing the most history, folklore and legend she can get her hands on or dream up. Screw believability or accuracy. When this happens, I feel like the story and characters are at their full potential and the crimes are wilder and more entertaining.

What I enjoy less- Cloud Pavilion being a good example- is when Rowland "normalizes" her stories, introducing things like marital strife and financial challenges, with lots of day-to-day life activities for filler. Maybe this is supposed to allow us into that world, or create some connection with the characters, I don't know. For me, it just downplays so much of what's available.

I love the Sano Ichiro series, but Cloud Pavilion was lack-lustre, too much build-up, not enough action, and then what felt like a premature finish. I'll be waiting for the next one.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this series is sadly continuing to be weak, although with so many books invested into Sano I can't stop. This was a bit easier readability-wise compared to the previous, but it still felt super formulaic and like all the characters are really just going through the motions a this point.

This also deals with some really horrific themes of sexual abuse towards women, which historically have been dismissed as a "real problem." It can make for some uncomfortable and frustrating reading at times, although Rowland was obviously criticizing how society at the time was so accepting.

Will still be sticking with the series, but it really feels like she's bored of writing them.

[Mililani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast read following the sleuthing adventures of Ichiro Sano. Now his wife Reiko and son Masahiro are really getting into the plot of the story. Reiko is proving herself to be quite a warrior in protecting others. Son Masahiro is honing his skills as a spy. Drugs, sex, and kidnapping are part of the things that happen in the cloud pavilion. Broken family ties are mended.

[Abigail Pankau · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good continuation of the series, but did not enjoy as much as I have others in the series. There were a few too many plot holes and lucky coincidences, and it felt rushed. And the court intrigue is becoming tiresome as it’s the same people, and I felt like we lost what little character development we gained a few books ago.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If anyone has suggestions for other historical fiction/mysteries set during this same time period in Japan, I'd love to hear them. While the author does a fantastic job with the atmosphere and capturing the time period, her characters are terrible.

Sano seems to be taking more of a backseat as these novels progress. There have been so many minor characters added over the course of the series that I'm starting to forget that these novels are suppose to be about Sano in the first place. He has so many people helping him try to solve cases that it's a minor miracle he gets anything solved to begin with. We've always had the loyal Hirata. Eventually Reiko gets involved (and not for the better) with investigations. There's various other loyal retainers who either assist Sano or Reiko. Now it seems we are going to get the interference of Sano and Reiko's ten year old son, Masahiro.

The author clearly intends for us to think of Masahiro as precocious. Typically I find that when authors present the reader with a precocious child, that child is really just obnoxious and has a hard time listening. Masahiro proves to be no different and with the way his parents "punish" him, he's hardly going to learn a lesson or go away any time soon. The child clearly takes after his mother. Reiko has often been referred to as stubborn and it is suppose to be an endearing quality. Usually this leads to Reiko doing whatever she wants despite multiple warnings from others and ending up being dramatically rescued from a dangerous scenario of her own creation. Based on the set up in this novel, I'm guessing something similar is in store for Masahiro in very near future. But of course we will forgive any reckless and stupid actions by Masahiro because much like his mother, he'll stumble upon a huge piece of evidence that inevitably leads to the case being broken wide open.

If I wasn't so close to being finished with this series, I would probably call it quits. However, I'm at the point where I want to see things through to the end with some of these characters. Honestly, I'm kind of hoping for some kind of mass attack on Sano and family at the hands of his throw away and often ignored daughter, Akiko.

[Dr Susan Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed yet another Sano-san story and this one seems to have entered into the women's world of Edo and basically it wasn't very good - where even high-born women could be cast aside and lose access to children, and rape wasn't even a crime. Well, I suppose there is much of the world still suffering in the same way and we've just seen equal atrocities proliferating - Laura Joh unravells the horrors of human behaviour with panache

[Jim Prevott · Rating 3 out of 5]

for the audiobook. Another detective story from Sano Ichiro the chief investigator of the Shogun. Blending detective story with political intrigue and a dose of historical and cultural background it sometimes loses the focus on the mystery to be solved. Sano with the help of his wife who aids with his investigation it comes together at the end. Not sure if all the side plots are needed though.

[Sae-chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book is trying a bit too hard to impose the current point of view of sex crime to a (supposed to be) jidaigeki.

[D. Wickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery involves Sano's estranged family and Sano's and Reiko's growing son. I always enjoy these books.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subjugation of women in Edo-era Japan was horrific

[Paschalis]

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[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[Liz C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good. I have read a few of these novels.

[Susan Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow read. I didn't feel absorbed until about halfway through. Perhaps if I persist to read the others in this series it might grow on me. 16th century Edo but eternal topics.

[Frohnatur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dieses Buch habe ich in meinem Bücherregal gefunden und ich weiß wirklich nicht mehr wie es dorthin gekommen ist. Erst beim Lesen wurde mir klar, dass es Teil einer Reihe ist. Allerdings hat das mein Lesevergnügen nicht getrübt. Ich hatte den Eindruck, dass ich für das Geschehen in diesem Buch alle wichtigen Informationen und Eindrücke bekommen habe, es gab aber auch immer wieder Rückgriffe auf frühere Ereignisse, die ich, wenn ich die Serie von Anfang an verfolgt hätte, wahrscheinlich noch besser hätte einordnen können.
Dieser Krimi spielt im Japan zu Beginn des 18. Jahrhunderts. Hauptperson ist der Samurai Detektiv Sano, dessen Aufmerksamkeit auf den Fall von mehreren entführten und vergewaltigten Frauen gelenkt wird. Eine davon ist seine (ihm bis dahin eigentlich unbekannte) Cousine Reiko. Die Frauen tauchen zwar alle nach wenigen Tagen wieder auf, aber Sano macht es sich zur Aufgabe, ihre Schänder zu finden und zu bestrafen. Das ist gar nicht so einfach, vor allen Dingen, weil Sanos Rivale Yanagisawa sich verdächtig ruhig verhält und bestimmt irgendetwas im Schilde führt.
Insgesamt hat es Spaß gemacht, dieses Buch zu lesen und in ein vergangenes Japan einzutauchen, in dem Gebräuche, Umgangsformen und Machtgefüge so anders und ein bisschen verwirrend, aber auf jeden Fall spannend sind. An ein paar Stellen hat mich die Geschichte aber auch irritiert. Die Nebenhandlung, die in der ersten Hälfte immer wieder auftaucht, verschwindet in der zweiten und wird am Ende nur noch sehr stiefmütterlich zu einem abrupten Ende gebracht. Die Ermittlungsmethoden belaufen sich (geühlt) manchmal darauf, die Verdächtigen zu besuchen, zu beschludigen und dann, weil diese ihre Tat natürlich abstreiten, ohne weitere Fragen wieder zu gehen. Und die leicht übersinnlichen Kräfte eines in die Ermittlungen eingebundenen Freundes fallen praktischerweise immer dann aus, wenn sie nützlich sein könnten.
Dennoch alles in allem ein nettes "zwischendurch Buch", dass neben einem Einblick in die Geschichte für mich vor allem Machtverhältnisse zwischen den Geschlechtern aufgezeigt hat. Sollte mir ein anderer Teil der Serie über den Weg laufen bin ich nicht abgeneigt ihn zu lesen, aktiv suchen werde ich ihn aber nicht.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but then I have enjoyed all of Rowland's Sano Ichiro series. This series of stories are an intriguing mix of crime detection, political intrigue and the ins and outs of Japanese culture at the end of the 1600s. All these elements come together well in "The Cloud Pavillion".
Sano is approached by his estranged uncle who wishes him to investigate the abduction (and later rape) of his daughter, Sano's cousin. Rape, apparently, was not a crime in 17th century Japan. The husband, and family, could cast out the victim because of the "dishonour" she has brought on the family. The only reason why this "crime" is being investigated is because it is a matter of seeking revenge. In the process of investigating Sano uncovers two other abductions and rapes and the plot becomes more complex. There is a degree of predictability in the "crime". The villains turn out to be quite predictable in the end but the investigation, and all the complications attached to it, are quite interesting.
Then comes the politics. I have read criticism of the rolling feature of the political fighting between Sano and Yangisawa but don't totally agree with it. We are, after all, in the Shogun's court, in the almost neurotic and highly dangerous atmosphere of Samurai Japan. In the case of "The Cloud Pavillion" the politics becomes more subtle and the outcomes leave us with new possibilities.

[Sallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery in the Sano Ichiro series finds that Sano's cousin has been kidnapped and his estranged uncle comes to him for help. While looking for her, a yound girl and an elderly nun are also kidnapped and raped and all are found wandering in the streets, Sano tries to find who is doing this and when the Shogun's wife is kidnapped, the stakes are feven higher. Reiko, Sano's wife gets involved in the investigation at physical risk to herself. As the story comes to a conclusion, Sano finds out his enemy, Lord Yanagisawa has been plotting against him even as he pretended to working in concert with Sano as both are sharing the Lord Chamberlain job which is second in comand next to the Shogun. The end of this story finds Sano demoted to his former job and Yanagisawa in his former job. He now has to regain the Shogun's esteem. However, the rapists are found and punished. Court intrige and politics swirl and the Shogun's power is such that he can have anyone executed at whim.
Everyone walks on eggshells while conniving for power and wealth. Perhaps the next book will find Sano restored to power.

[Viccy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to this series. Sano is approached by his estranged uncle to find his missing daughter. Sano finds her, but she has been raped and dumped in the rain near the temple from which she was abducted. Her husband disowns her and she returns to her father's house in disgrace. Life in Edo (Tokyo) is hard in the 17th century. Reino and Sano determine they will find the kidnapper and bring him to justice. Sano is still feuding with the former chamberlain who has returned from exile to a place of honor with the shogun. Sano knows Yagishara is fomenting dissension, but he cannot prove it. This series is always full of information on the life of a samurai and the intricate details of walking the edge between offending the shogun and the rules of bushido, that govern the life of a samurai.

[Justin Yan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably my first real mystery book that I have read. I have to admit it is a bit mature for my age with the sexual references and such as that, but was truly well-written and intriguing. Basically Sano Ichiro is investigating the rape of his uncle's daughter. Gradually everything becomes more complicated and more rapes occur, with a varying age of women. Two suspects are eventually tried but are found in no ways guilty. Sano now has to worry for the safety of his children and family as he is investigating these rapes as everything discovered leads to more and more roads of mystery. It's been a while since I have read this book, but I can confidently say that for someone looking for a mystery book combined with a mild sense of suspense and teamwork, this is right book for you!

[Brett Bydairk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrilling adventure in the career if Ichiro Sano, Chamberlain to the Shogun.
This time his estranged uncle comes to him to find his kidnapped daughter. Sano agrees, but two days later, she is found near where she disappeared, having been drugged and raped.
While investigating the kidnappers, Sano finds that two other women have had the same thing happen to them.
Meanwhile, co-chamberlain Yanagisawa is helping him find the villain(s) responsible; or is he? And what other game(s) is he playing?
Then the Shogun's wife disappears.
Well-written novel about life and tensions in 18th C. Edo.
Recommended.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Japan, 1701. A woman is brutally attacked within a bamboo prison as clouds swirl around her head. Meanwhile, at Edo Castle, samurai detective turned chamberlain Sano Ichiro is suspicious of his old rival, Yanagisawa, who has been oddly cooperative since returning from exile.

But just as Yanagisawa’s true motives begin to emerge, Sano’s estranged uncle comes to him for help: His daughter has disappeared, and he begs Sano and his wife—who once suffered through the kidnapping of their own son—to find her before it is too late.

I gave up on this one because of the theme and descriptions of rape.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

# 14 in the Sano Ichiro Japanese historical mystery series. Story opens in June, 1701 about a year after the previous one. As is usual in this series, the story develops out of previous ones: Sano's rivalry for power with his antagonist through the series, Sano's efforts to retain his position in the government, his up and down relationship with the Shogun and continued from the last novel Sano's developing relationship with his mother's family.

The primary mystery here is Sano's attempts to stop and solve the kidnapping of women who are sexually assaulted and then abandoned.

[Marian Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several of these books and, as the stars in my review say, I like them. I've liked other ones better than this one, though. For one thing, this one was about rapes, and I'd always rather not read about rapes. I didn't get a good immersive feel about the time and culture, as I have in other books. If you like books about Japan, historical mysteries, books with strong female characters, and maybe a touch of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this series is for you. Maybe don't start with this particular book, but it isn't a BAD book. I liked it. I just wasn't crazy-go-nuts about it.

[Shomeret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a favorite series of mine at one time. I still love Sano Ichiro and his wife Reiko, but Rowland got repetitive. The Snow Empress was a definite change of pace which I enjoyed. This book, however, is fairly usual. I did like the role that Reiko played in helping a couple of the woman victims and the way the book resolved.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

More samurai goodness from Rowland. I'm liking the character development that has happened over the last fourteen books. The world and its characters are things I will continue to enjoy following. While some have found the storyline to be somewhat repetitious, I think that it is just a strong backdrop on which to develop the future stories. I still look forward to future volumes in the series.

[Richard Etzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowland's many books centered on 16th century Japan are always spellbinding. This time Sano, a chamberlain of the shogun is called upon to investigate crimes against women. The author explains the various twists and turns of the plot in such a way that one never loses sight of the the characters and what they are about. The chapters are short making it possible to keep track. Recommend this book as a great read.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book landed in my lap and I picked it up. After 20 pages if it hadn't been set in the 1700s in Japan, and hadn't had a starred PW review, I would have dropped it. I should have. I'd never read Rowland before, and won't again, although I love the time period. Its characters were cookie-cuttered, laughably sexist and transparent; the storyline was simple and obvious; the "dangers" were regular and predictable; the feudal Japan details were interesting, but not nearly enough. Oh well.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read once I started it. It is an exciting mystery that takes place in Japan, during the early 1700's. It was a fast paced mystery about daughters that were being raped and disgraced, including Sano Ichiro's cousin. I have read most of the books in this series and feel I know more about feudal Japan thanks to the author's careful research.