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The Flowers of Edo
Kenji Kobayashi is a decorated intelligence officer during World War II. Recently assigned to a battleship in the Pacific, Kenji fears that he may no longer see Japan again. Worried that his twin brother Tomoyuki may have fallen during a battle in the South Pacific, he briefly prays to a makeshift altar he has created in the cramped officers cabin he has been secretly stowed into. Only a handful of officers and military brass are aware he is on this ship, so his prayers, like his actions, may not ever go noticed. Still he clutches a prayer amulet given to him by his mother in his hand as smoke from a stick of incense surrounds him hoping to someday be reunited with them all; either in this life or at a burial plot in the Imperial Military shrine Yasukuni Jingu.
Preparing himself for a briefing with the ship's captain, he quickly begins to dress himself. Materials are scarce everywhere now, and he is wearing a suit previously worn by a fallen soldier. It is loose on his small frame, even though Kobayashi is exceptionally tall for a Japanese officer. Once dressed, he arms himself leaving his small sword behind, while holstering his pistol.
With a knock on the cabin door, he is then quickly and stealthily lead away to the ship's war room. His presence brings a once loud and smoke-filled room to a complete standstill. The response he receives is frigid at best, almost hostile. Clearly this officer is not welcomed here. Intelligence, or not, he is not going to make the acquaintance of most in the room, nor does he want to. The captain, however approves, and calls him into his quarters to meet with a other officers of high rank to plan their attack and potential invasion...of Japan.
Lt. Kobayashi is now face to face with an Admiral in the US Navy on board USS Missouri! He is not only the guest of honor for this meeting at sea, the intelligence he has gathered while living in Japan and in campaigns across Asia is partially why the brass are welcoming him this evening. Operation Downfall is about to commence and the fate of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from Britain, Australia, China and the U.S. hang in the balance as the Allies attempt to engage on the largest land invasion in history!
"It is a gripping, historical novel focused on the final months of WWII, with an authentic Japanese setting and an intriguing plot. Both entertaining and educational--a delightful adventure and experience!" --Admiral James. R. Hogg, Naval Commander Seventh Fleet (retired)
"The Flowers of Edo is an imaginative account of Japan's final days of World War II as seen through the eyes of Ken Kobayashi...from the Philippines to Japan in a complex plot whose twists and turns produce a fast-paced drama filled with the larger-then-life personalities of the time, large doses of Japanese history and culture, and a surprising conclusion." -- Edward J. Drea Ph.D author of Japan's Imperial Army.
"The author's detailed research gives authenticity to the narrative, making the story very believable indeed. Should be enjoyed by younger generations as well as those of us who lived through the Pacific War." --Linda Goetz Holmes, Pacific War Historian, author of Under the Rising Sun.
Preparing himself for a briefing with the ship's captain, he quickly begins to dress himself. Materials are scarce everywhere now, and he is wearing a suit previously worn by a fallen soldier. It is loose on his small frame, even though Kobayashi is exceptionally tall for a Japanese officer. Once dressed, he arms himself leaving his small sword behind, while holstering his pistol.
With a knock on the cabin door, he is then quickly and stealthily lead away to the ship's war room. His presence brings a once loud and smoke-filled room to a complete standstill. The response he receives is frigid at best, almost hostile. Clearly this officer is not welcomed here. Intelligence, or not, he is not going to make the acquaintance of most in the room, nor does he want to. The captain, however approves, and calls him into his quarters to meet with a other officers of high rank to plan their attack and potential invasion...of Japan.
Lt. Kobayashi is now face to face with an Admiral in the US Navy on board USS Missouri! He is not only the guest of honor for this meeting at sea, the intelligence he has gathered while living in Japan and in campaigns across Asia is partially why the brass are welcoming him this evening. Operation Downfall is about to commence and the fate of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from Britain, Australia, China and the U.S. hang in the balance as the Allies attempt to engage on the largest land invasion in history!
"It is a gripping, historical novel focused on the final months of WWII, with an authentic Japanese setting and an intriguing plot. Both entertaining and educational--a delightful adventure and experience!" --Admiral James. R. Hogg, Naval Commander Seventh Fleet (retired)
"The Flowers of Edo is an imaginative account of Japan's final days of World War II as seen through the eyes of Ken Kobayashi...from the Philippines to Japan in a complex plot whose twists and turns produce a fast-paced drama filled with the larger-then-life personalities of the time, large doses of Japanese history and culture, and a surprising conclusion." -- Edward J. Drea Ph.D author of Japan's Imperial Army.
"The author's detailed research gives authenticity to the narrative, making the story very believable indeed. Should be enjoyed by younger generations as well as those of us who lived through the Pacific War." --Linda Goetz Holmes, Pacific War Historian, author of Under the Rising Sun.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
544 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 11, 2025
The Flowers of Edo by Michael Dana Kennedy is a historical fiction novel set in 17th-century Japan, during the Edo period, a time marked by relative peace and the flourishing of culture. The book follows the journey of a young man named Takeshi, who embarks on a personal and spiritual quest amid the vibrant yet politically complex landscape of Edo.
Kennedy does an admirable job of bringing the Edo period to life, skillfully describing the culture, traditions, and aesthetics of the time. The novel’s setting is one of its greatest strengths, with rich details that allow the reader to immerse themselves in the world of feudal Japan. The depiction of Edo’s bustling streets, the elaborate rituals, and the layered social hierarchy are compelling, and the author’s passion for the time period is evident.
However, the story’s pacing and character development fall short in some areas. While the plot presents an interesting concept—Takeshi's journey of self-discovery and his struggle to reconcile his ambitions with the expectations of his society—it occasionally meanders. There are moments where the narrative feels bogged down by excessive descriptions, which, although vivid, sometimes take away from the momentum of the story. The characters, too, while interesting, don’t always feel fully fleshed out. Takeshi’s internal conflict and growth are explored, but not with the depth and nuance that could have made him a truly unforgettable protagonist.
Additionally, the dialogue can be stilted at times, with characters speaking in ways that don’t always feel authentic to their time or circumstances. This detracts from the emotional resonance of key moments.
Overall, The Flowers of Edo is a visually rich and historically informative novel that offers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period. While its setting and cultural exploration are engaging, the storytelling and character development leave something to be desired. For readers who are passionate about historical fiction and Japanese culture, it’s an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, read.
Kennedy does an admirable job of bringing the Edo period to life, skillfully describing the culture, traditions, and aesthetics of the time. The novel’s setting is one of its greatest strengths, with rich details that allow the reader to immerse themselves in the world of feudal Japan. The depiction of Edo’s bustling streets, the elaborate rituals, and the layered social hierarchy are compelling, and the author’s passion for the time period is evident.
However, the story’s pacing and character development fall short in some areas. While the plot presents an interesting concept—Takeshi's journey of self-discovery and his struggle to reconcile his ambitions with the expectations of his society—it occasionally meanders. There are moments where the narrative feels bogged down by excessive descriptions, which, although vivid, sometimes take away from the momentum of the story. The characters, too, while interesting, don’t always feel fully fleshed out. Takeshi’s internal conflict and growth are explored, but not with the depth and nuance that could have made him a truly unforgettable protagonist.
Additionally, the dialogue can be stilted at times, with characters speaking in ways that don’t always feel authentic to their time or circumstances. This detracts from the emotional resonance of key moments.
Overall, The Flowers of Edo is a visually rich and historically informative novel that offers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period. While its setting and cultural exploration are engaging, the storytelling and character development leave something to be desired. For readers who are passionate about historical fiction and Japanese culture, it’s an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, read.
February 2, 2022
Very good overall and seemingly well researched
A bit too much detail in some parts. Could have benefited from some critical editing.
A bit too much detail in some parts. Could have benefited from some critical editing.
January 26, 2015
Pluses and minuses.
I thought this book in places was much too detailed and technical, almost like the author was showing off his knowledge or research rather than helping the reader. Also the plot was not very compelling. That is a problem with some historical fiction as you know what is going to happen in general, but even the fictional characters had some extraordinary coincidences. There was little dramatic tension.
On the positive side, the empathy created with certain real events such as the internment of Japanese American citizens, the fire bombing of Tokyo, and the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima were really well done. How these events affected peoples lives was profound and as a reader I felt moved, almost like an eye witness.
I thought this book in places was much too detailed and technical, almost like the author was showing off his knowledge or research rather than helping the reader. Also the plot was not very compelling. That is a problem with some historical fiction as you know what is going to happen in general, but even the fictional characters had some extraordinary coincidences. There was little dramatic tension.
On the positive side, the empathy created with certain real events such as the internment of Japanese American citizens, the fire bombing of Tokyo, and the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima were really well done. How these events affected peoples lives was profound and as a reader I felt moved, almost like an eye witness.
May 7, 2015
This book could have been 100 pages less and better for it. Several points were hard to read because of the detail and unnecessary love story. Overall entertaining but I would not recommend it to others without a disclaimer.
April 24, 2012
Interesting history of Japan during WWII.....well written until a really bad sex scene. The author should stick to history.
August 26, 2012
A daring Japanese-American seeks a win-win solution to World War II.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews