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Приключения Эраста Фандорина #10
The Diamond Chariot
An Erast Fandorin Mystery. Russia, 1905. Russia is locked in a bloody war with Japan. As enemy spies converge on St. Petersburg, Fandorin is called to investigate an explosion on a railway bridge. Trailing a suspect to Moscow, the detective comes face to face with more adversaries than he's ever met with before. But can he prevent murder on the Trans-Siberian Express?
502 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
69 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Boris Akunin
295 books1,640 followersReal name - Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili (Russian: Борис Акунин; Georgian: გრიგორი შალვას ძე ჩხარტიშვილი; Аlso see Grigory Chkhartishvili, Григорий Чхартишвили), born in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1956. Since 1958 he lives in Moscow. Writer and translator from Japanese. Author of crime stories set in tsarist Russia. In 1998 he made his debut with novel Azazel (to English readers known as The Winter Queen), where he created Erast Pietrovich Fandorin.
B. Akunin refers to Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin and Akuna, home name of Anna Akhmatova, Russian poet.
In September of 2000, Akunin was named Russian Writer of the Year and won the "Antibooker" prize in 2000 for his Erast Fandorin novel Coronation, or the last of the Romanovs.
Akunin also created crime-solving Orthodox nun, sister Pelagia, and literary genres.
His pseudonyms are Анатолий Брусникин and Анна Борисова. In some Dutch editions he is also known as Boris Akoenin.
B. Akunin refers to Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin and Akuna, home name of Anna Akhmatova, Russian poet.
In September of 2000, Akunin was named Russian Writer of the Year and won the "Antibooker" prize in 2000 for his Erast Fandorin novel Coronation, or the last of the Romanovs.
Akunin also created crime-solving Orthodox nun, sister Pelagia, and literary genres.
His pseudonyms are Анатолий Брусникин and Анна Борисова. In some Dutch editions he is also known as Boris Akoenin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
April 13, 2020
The book splurge says it’s the final in the series! If it was planned to be then I can appreciate why it’s longer than most of the other in the series. Pleased to see that the author continued but Im guessing that a significant event will occur by journey’s end of this one.
We start in 1905 in the midst of the Russo-Japan war which puts Erast Fandorin in a bit of a dilemma as his man servant is Japanese as well as his own affinity to the country & customs he so admires.
The book is split into two with the first part covering the detection & chase of a Japanese spy/saboteur in Moscow who is to say the least a highly skilled & a worthy foe for our Fandorin as he wreaks havoc all around him with our erstwhile detective hot on his tail. It’s a grand adventure story which picks up pace as we go, both protagonists POV’s being followed as they prove to be worthy adversaries.
When we encounter Erast, his history since the last book is slowly fed to us with talk of retirement, exile & even threats to his life before a recall to service in Russia’s hour of need. It’s an accident which proves to be an act of sabotage that he’s sent to investigate.
No sooner has the story really got going then it ends!! At about a quarter of the way in & suddenly we are transported back to 1878 for the second book! Where we meet a wide eyed & naïve 22 year old Erast who arrives in Japan for the first time, he, wanting to experience all there is about Japan & we follow his adventure which begins day one it seems with a suspicious death, well to him anyways, whilst everybody else puts it down to natural causes.
This second part was more engrossing as it finally laid out how Erast gained his love/respect for Japanese culture which is so prevalent throughout the series along with a story about Samurai & ninjas! With the ninjas at the hub of the story we also have political ambition, skulduggery & a love interest all to the backdrop of the great nations of the era trying to gain influence in a developing Japan. What’s not to like! AND there’s a twist or two along the way……
The author paints a great picture of the younger Erast whose character traits that we know & love are in evidence but he also captures the impetuousness & naivety of youth grandly as Erast is led by the nose it would appear on occasion by his older & wilier foes.
Quite a long tale for our Erast Fandorin, still it kept me hooked & got better as I got deeper into the book, weighing in at 4.5 stars rounded down to a 4
Addendum - Could be read as a standalone as the majority of the book takes us back to the beginning..... and feels very different to the other books in the series. If you've read the series through to here then I would add this book would have given a satisfactory conclusion to the series.
We start in 1905 in the midst of the Russo-Japan war which puts Erast Fandorin in a bit of a dilemma as his man servant is Japanese as well as his own affinity to the country & customs he so admires.
The book is split into two with the first part covering the detection & chase of a Japanese spy/saboteur in Moscow who is to say the least a highly skilled & a worthy foe for our Fandorin as he wreaks havoc all around him with our erstwhile detective hot on his tail. It’s a grand adventure story which picks up pace as we go, both protagonists POV’s being followed as they prove to be worthy adversaries.
When we encounter Erast, his history since the last book is slowly fed to us with talk of retirement, exile & even threats to his life before a recall to service in Russia’s hour of need. It’s an accident which proves to be an act of sabotage that he’s sent to investigate.
No sooner has the story really got going then it ends!! At about a quarter of the way in & suddenly we are transported back to 1878 for the second book! Where we meet a wide eyed & naïve 22 year old Erast who arrives in Japan for the first time, he, wanting to experience all there is about Japan & we follow his adventure which begins day one it seems with a suspicious death, well to him anyways, whilst everybody else puts it down to natural causes.
This second part was more engrossing as it finally laid out how Erast gained his love/respect for Japanese culture which is so prevalent throughout the series along with a story about Samurai & ninjas! With the ninjas at the hub of the story we also have political ambition, skulduggery & a love interest all to the backdrop of the great nations of the era trying to gain influence in a developing Japan. What’s not to like! AND there’s a twist or two along the way……
The author paints a great picture of the younger Erast whose character traits that we know & love are in evidence but he also captures the impetuousness & naivety of youth grandly as Erast is led by the nose it would appear on occasion by his older & wilier foes.
Quite a long tale for our Erast Fandorin, still it kept me hooked & got better as I got deeper into the book, weighing in at 4.5 stars rounded down to a 4
Addendum - Could be read as a standalone as the majority of the book takes us back to the beginning..... and feels very different to the other books in the series. If you've read the series through to here then I would add this book would have given a satisfactory conclusion to the series.
February 4, 2012
The Diamond Chariot is book number ten in Akunin's Erast Fandorin series, falling timewise in two different parts. According to a few articles I've read about this book, some people are under the impression that it may be the last in the series, but I seriously hope not. I hope we get at least to the Russian Revolution.
Book one, "Dragonfly-Catcher", is set in Russia in 1905. Historically, Russia and Japan are at war, a conflict which will ultimately lead to devastating results for the Romanov dynasty. Rasputin has by now insinuated himself into the court of Nicholas II, and revolutionaries are busy at work trying to steer Russia in a new direction. The action in book two, "Between the Lines," takes place in 1878, some ten years after Japan's Meiji Restoration, when the big empires, Russia included, are vying for domination of influence in Japan. Serieswise, "Between the Lines" is part of a heretofore missing piece of Fandorin's story, falling between Murder on the Leviathan and The Death of Achilles. Although the wide spread of years between the two books in The Diamond Chariot may seem a bit odd at first, all will be made clear as the novel comes to an end.
And what a novel it is! In 1905, Erast Fandorin is once again back in Russia, where after the loss of a Russian battleship and its entire crew, he volunteers his services as a specialist on Japan. The powers that be, however, have different plans for Fandorin, and he is taken on as a "hired gun"/consultant at the Department of Railway Gendarmarie and Police to develop a security system for Russia's railways, the vital supply link for the ongoing war against Japan. He is given great powers, and in his job, he facilitates a number of innovations to keep the railways safe. But it seems that not everyone appreciates his work -- an attack on a train puts Fandorin on the trail of a deadly group of revolutionaries who will stop at nothing, not even the deaths of innocent people, to sabotage any hopes of a Russian victory over Japan. As book one comes to a close, book two begins with Fandorin's arrival in Yokohama as a young, 22-year old diplomat attached to the Consul's office. Fandorin, being who he is, finds himself embroiled in an attempt to foil the killing of a Japanese minister, and soon he is involved in an adventure leading him from a local opium den to the beautiful mountain forests outside the city. Along the way he meets up with a host of potential suspects and has to deal with Yakuza, ninjas, former samurai, and a series of puzzles that must be solved in order to get to the mastermind behind the crime. Here Fandorin will meet his future valet and friend Masa, as well as a most arresting woman who puts him under her powerful spell.
While book one is definitely connected to book two, book one is more like the series novels that Akunin's readers are used to by this point, while book two reaches out into much more depth than the usual Fandorin-to-the-rescue type plot. If I may say so, book two constitutes more of a "cracking good yarn," a solidly-plotted mystery filled with intrigue, double crosses, and humor, while skirting the edges of the metaphysical. But besides the mystery components in the two books, there is much here for readers of historical fiction as well. For example, the author also allows the reader a peek at the contemporary political scene in Japan and Russia, and in book two, delves into the imperialist attitudes of the more "modern" nations which were all hoping to gain a permanent foothold in Japan at the time, as well as the positive and negative effects of Japan's efforts at modernization after the end of the shogunate. Book one also deals with growing disenchantment with the reign of Nicholas II, in a Russia that is "seriously ill," an empire which "had become an anachronism, a dinosaur with a body that was huge and a head that was too small, a creature that had outlived its time on earth."
The entire Fandorin series is fun to read, and The Diamond Chariot is no exception. As a whole, the novel works well, although the jump back so many years may confuse readers for a while until all is revealed. I happen to love Japanese history (one of my specialty areas for graduate study), so much of what was happening in that setting was nothing new for me, but you don't have to be an expert to get what's going on here. Akunin does a good job of setting the scene in both books, but his expertise in Japanese history and culture really shines through in the second part. The first part is good, more on par with the rest of the Fandorin series, but I was totally immersed in the second part, not wanting to let go of the book until I'd finished it, because of the difference in tone and because frankly, it was more like an old-time adventure/mystery story where I seriously couldn't imagine what was going to happen next. And just when I thought myself quite clever for figuring out the evil mastermind in charge of everything that happened, I was a bit stunned that I was wrong. At the same time, I was a bit relieved, because I hate when I guess the who.
The Diamond Chariot may be (imho) Akunin's best work in the series -- it's fun, with a good mystery and a conclusion that ties both parts of the book together in a kind of sad yet satisfying way. My advice: start with the first book in the series, and do NOT make this your introduction to Erast Fandorin. He's a character who grows as time goes on (and if you would take a peek at the pictures of the man on the Weidenfeld and Nicolson covers, he ages a bit in each one), and his backstory is just as important as the action in the book in front of you.
I'm wondering whether or not, as some reviewers have noted, The Diamond Chariot is really the last book in the series; Wikipedia shows that there are already others written but just not translated. If anyone has any info, please let me know.
Book one, "Dragonfly-Catcher", is set in Russia in 1905. Historically, Russia and Japan are at war, a conflict which will ultimately lead to devastating results for the Romanov dynasty. Rasputin has by now insinuated himself into the court of Nicholas II, and revolutionaries are busy at work trying to steer Russia in a new direction. The action in book two, "Between the Lines," takes place in 1878, some ten years after Japan's Meiji Restoration, when the big empires, Russia included, are vying for domination of influence in Japan. Serieswise, "Between the Lines" is part of a heretofore missing piece of Fandorin's story, falling between Murder on the Leviathan and The Death of Achilles. Although the wide spread of years between the two books in The Diamond Chariot may seem a bit odd at first, all will be made clear as the novel comes to an end.
And what a novel it is! In 1905, Erast Fandorin is once again back in Russia, where after the loss of a Russian battleship and its entire crew, he volunteers his services as a specialist on Japan. The powers that be, however, have different plans for Fandorin, and he is taken on as a "hired gun"/consultant at the Department of Railway Gendarmarie and Police to develop a security system for Russia's railways, the vital supply link for the ongoing war against Japan. He is given great powers, and in his job, he facilitates a number of innovations to keep the railways safe. But it seems that not everyone appreciates his work -- an attack on a train puts Fandorin on the trail of a deadly group of revolutionaries who will stop at nothing, not even the deaths of innocent people, to sabotage any hopes of a Russian victory over Japan. As book one comes to a close, book two begins with Fandorin's arrival in Yokohama as a young, 22-year old diplomat attached to the Consul's office. Fandorin, being who he is, finds himself embroiled in an attempt to foil the killing of a Japanese minister, and soon he is involved in an adventure leading him from a local opium den to the beautiful mountain forests outside the city. Along the way he meets up with a host of potential suspects and has to deal with Yakuza, ninjas, former samurai, and a series of puzzles that must be solved in order to get to the mastermind behind the crime. Here Fandorin will meet his future valet and friend Masa, as well as a most arresting woman who puts him under her powerful spell.
While book one is definitely connected to book two, book one is more like the series novels that Akunin's readers are used to by this point, while book two reaches out into much more depth than the usual Fandorin-to-the-rescue type plot. If I may say so, book two constitutes more of a "cracking good yarn," a solidly-plotted mystery filled with intrigue, double crosses, and humor, while skirting the edges of the metaphysical. But besides the mystery components in the two books, there is much here for readers of historical fiction as well. For example, the author also allows the reader a peek at the contemporary political scene in Japan and Russia, and in book two, delves into the imperialist attitudes of the more "modern" nations which were all hoping to gain a permanent foothold in Japan at the time, as well as the positive and negative effects of Japan's efforts at modernization after the end of the shogunate. Book one also deals with growing disenchantment with the reign of Nicholas II, in a Russia that is "seriously ill," an empire which "had become an anachronism, a dinosaur with a body that was huge and a head that was too small, a creature that had outlived its time on earth."
The entire Fandorin series is fun to read, and The Diamond Chariot is no exception. As a whole, the novel works well, although the jump back so many years may confuse readers for a while until all is revealed. I happen to love Japanese history (one of my specialty areas for graduate study), so much of what was happening in that setting was nothing new for me, but you don't have to be an expert to get what's going on here. Akunin does a good job of setting the scene in both books, but his expertise in Japanese history and culture really shines through in the second part. The first part is good, more on par with the rest of the Fandorin series, but I was totally immersed in the second part, not wanting to let go of the book until I'd finished it, because of the difference in tone and because frankly, it was more like an old-time adventure/mystery story where I seriously couldn't imagine what was going to happen next. And just when I thought myself quite clever for figuring out the evil mastermind in charge of everything that happened, I was a bit stunned that I was wrong. At the same time, I was a bit relieved, because I hate when I guess the who.
The Diamond Chariot may be (imho) Akunin's best work in the series -- it's fun, with a good mystery and a conclusion that ties both parts of the book together in a kind of sad yet satisfying way. My advice: start with the first book in the series, and do NOT make this your introduction to Erast Fandorin. He's a character who grows as time goes on (and if you would take a peek at the pictures of the man on the Weidenfeld and Nicolson covers, he ages a bit in each one), and his backstory is just as important as the action in the book in front of you.
I'm wondering whether or not, as some reviewers have noted, The Diamond Chariot is really the last book in the series; Wikipedia shows that there are already others written but just not translated. If anyone has any info, please let me know.
February 6, 2018
Finally, in the 10th book, we get to hear about Fandorin's years in Japan. This is a complicated, cross-cultural tale, in two parts. In the first, Fandorin is still back in Russia, protecting the trans-Siberian lines from the Japanese during the Russo-Japanese war. This naturally brings up his past, more than 15 years earlier, when he spent time in Japan. We learn about how he met his servant Masa and how he came by his ninjutsu skills. This is Akunin at his best!
What to Expect
Each novel is written as a different type of mystery. Akunin set out to rectify the low-brow reputation of the mystery genre in post-USSR Russia by writing worthy literature and exploring the wide gamut of sub-genres. Each novel is therefore excellently written as a different type of detective case. While there is continuity in the protagonist's life between the novels, each is very different in themes and tones.
I've written a condensed review of the whole series on my website.
What I liked
I like the writing style. The prose is intelligent and flowing, the mysteries are complex, and the cast is varied (though those that make repeat appearances tend to die). Fandorin himself is a great character, even though as a main character he still remains an enigma - a tantalising mystery in itself that keeps readers engaged and clamouring to know more.
I love the historical background. Akunin has done his research into Russian culture, mannerisms, environment, personalities, etc. of the late 19th century / early 20th century. Most of the stories take place around Moscow, and Fandorin gets to meet and associate with the people of the times (from the low-life criminals of Khitrovka, to the grand-dukes of the imperial family). In a few cases, Akunin also has Fandorin active around notable events of the era, at times filling in details where history has left us stumped.
Akunin is also a Japanophile, and has Fandorin spend a few years in Japan. While details are sketchy (and we want more! More!), it is clear that he has a great love and deep knowledge of that culture and times.
What to be aware of
Be aware that each of the novel is told in a different style. Besides the obvious (something new and different in each volume), one keyword is 'told'. They are almost all in 3rd person perspective, and quite often not from the point of view of Erast Fandorin (which is both tantalising and frustrating at times). It's this distance that keeps Fandorin an enigma, and keeps us coming back to learn more.
Fandorin has a Sherlockian intellect and impressive physical prowess. He is not without his faults (most notably hubris), but as a hero he is certainly a cut above the rest. He also tends to get involved with a different femme fatale in each book. This suits the detective genre perfectly, regardless of modern sensibilities.
While the books are not really related and have few continuing characters, I'd still strongly recommend to read them in order.
Lastly, and this has nothing to do with Fandorin, since these are professional translations (amazingly done by Andrew Bromfield) via a traditional publisher, the price of ebooks and hardcovers is almost the same. The ebooks are also missing some of the illustrations and other typographical effects that are present in the print. I'd definitely recommend reading the print edition, where possible.
Summary
Should you read these novels? Yes! By all means, if you love historical mysteries these novels are a must read. It is an intelligent, engaging, and just different enough series to be in a class of its own. It's not surprising that in his home country of Russia, Akunin out-sells JK Rowling. In fact, since it's been a few years since I've read them, I think I'll go back and re-read my favourites (Winter Queen, State Counsellor, and The Coronation).
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Each novel is written as a different type of mystery. Akunin set out to rectify the low-brow reputation of the mystery genre in post-USSR Russia by writing worthy literature and exploring the wide gamut of sub-genres. Each novel is therefore excellently written as a different type of detective case. While there is continuity in the protagonist's life between the novels, each is very different in themes and tones.
I've written a condensed review of the whole series on my website.
What I liked
I like the writing style. The prose is intelligent and flowing, the mysteries are complex, and the cast is varied (though those that make repeat appearances tend to die). Fandorin himself is a great character, even though as a main character he still remains an enigma - a tantalising mystery in itself that keeps readers engaged and clamouring to know more.
I love the historical background. Akunin has done his research into Russian culture, mannerisms, environment, personalities, etc. of the late 19th century / early 20th century. Most of the stories take place around Moscow, and Fandorin gets to meet and associate with the people of the times (from the low-life criminals of Khitrovka, to the grand-dukes of the imperial family). In a few cases, Akunin also has Fandorin active around notable events of the era, at times filling in details where history has left us stumped.
Akunin is also a Japanophile, and has Fandorin spend a few years in Japan. While details are sketchy (and we want more! More!), it is clear that he has a great love and deep knowledge of that culture and times.
What to be aware of
Be aware that each of the novel is told in a different style. Besides the obvious (something new and different in each volume), one keyword is 'told'. They are almost all in 3rd person perspective, and quite often not from the point of view of Erast Fandorin (which is both tantalising and frustrating at times). It's this distance that keeps Fandorin an enigma, and keeps us coming back to learn more.
Fandorin has a Sherlockian intellect and impressive physical prowess. He is not without his faults (most notably hubris), but as a hero he is certainly a cut above the rest. He also tends to get involved with a different femme fatale in each book. This suits the detective genre perfectly, regardless of modern sensibilities.
While the books are not really related and have few continuing characters, I'd still strongly recommend to read them in order.
Lastly, and this has nothing to do with Fandorin, since these are professional translations (amazingly done by Andrew Bromfield) via a traditional publisher, the price of ebooks and hardcovers is almost the same. The ebooks are also missing some of the illustrations and other typographical effects that are present in the print. I'd definitely recommend reading the print edition, where possible.
Summary
Should you read these novels? Yes! By all means, if you love historical mysteries these novels are a must read. It is an intelligent, engaging, and just different enough series to be in a class of its own. It's not surprising that in his home country of Russia, Akunin out-sells JK Rowling. In fact, since it's been a few years since I've read them, I think I'll go back and re-read my favourites (Winter Queen, State Counsellor, and The Coronation).
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
January 30, 2018
Това всъщност си бяха два отделни криминални романа, свързани по изключително хитроумен начин чрез последните няколко страници. В първата книга Фандорин се изправи срещу неуловим японски агент, извършващ подривна дейност на територията на Русия през Руско-японската война (1905), а втората книга (1878) ни върна над четвърт век назад във времето, за да проследи перипетиите му като вицеконсул в Йокохама. Именно в нея стана ясно откъде се е пръкнал верният му слуга Маса, много любим мой персонаж. Е, имаше май леко пресоляване на манджата към края с разни будистки ала-бализми, но... простено му е на Акунин - все пак е завършил японска филология и си личи какъв респект питае към тази необятна източна култура - за пореден път се забавлявах на макс!
June 24, 2013
This book has me conflicted. It was entirely too long. However, the ending had me wanting to read the opening portion all over again. Overall, it was great to have Erast in Japan. Great to finally see how Masa meets Erast. Great to have Masa's point of view on the story in places. The narrative/mystery of the book was dull. Also, I couldn't stand lovesick Erast. In my head, Erast is forever tormented by the events of the first book in the series. Although he has had a few distractions here and there, nothing on the level of love. That he went so school boy crush in this book didn't sit right with me.
June 3, 2012
Очень понравилась. Особенно второй (японский) том. Прочел без остановки за пару дней. :)
Быть красивыми
После смерти
Могут только деревья
Быть красивыми
После смерти
Могут только деревья
June 27, 2025
Antras kartas.
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Blogai, labai blogai: visi darbai, visi planai velniop, nes neįmanoma atsitraukti.
Tik ar reikėjo visiems paminėtiems žmonems sukurti istorijas? Čia tam, kad labiau skaudėtų žudant?
May 26, 2022
Книга повествует о двух периодах из жизни Эраста Петровича. Первая часть сконцентрирована на японско-русской войне. Маса, разумеется, пытается как можно подальше держаться от происходящего. Эраст Петрович же тоже не лезет на рожон, поступает обдуманно: он уже не тот отчаянный мальчишка, которому собственная жизнь не дорога. В этой книге он матёрый, порой нудный и заносчивый мужчина, который многое пережил, испытал и теперь пожинает плоды собственных поступков. В Москве его не очень-то подчуют, но тем не менее, пеняют на его опыт в раскрытии подрыва поезда. Тут Эрасту (как, впрочем и всегда) непременно везёт.
В этой, первой части произведения, особенно отчётливо просматривается негаданный интерес Акунина к истории. Каждая страница буквально пропитана атмосферой, событиями и запахами тех времён. А русско-японская война - плодородная почва для очередного детективного романа, из которой, как цветы, вырастают новые персонажи, сюжеты и судьба Эраста Петровича.
Вторая Часть - это события, которые происходили лет за 20 до событий русско-японской войны. Мы знакомимся с тем, как Маса становится послушным "оруженосцем-Ватсоном", как Эраст учится мастерству боя и многому другому (да, любви, мастерству любви). Тут Эраст - молодой, зелёный юнец, который только что приехал в Японию. И разумеется, он тут же ввязывается в дела ниндзя\якудзы и всех всех) Эта часть книги понравилась даже больше, чем первая. Такой контраст мышлений, размышлений, поведения в присутствии кавалеров\дам\гейш и всех всех).
Жалко только одно, (говоря про Фандорина) повезёт в картах, НЕ повезёт в любви...
В этой, первой части произведения, особенно отчётливо просматривается негаданный интерес Акунина к истории. Каждая страница буквально пропитана атмосферой, событиями и запахами тех времён. А русско-японская война - плодородная почва для очередного детективного романа, из которой, как цветы, вырастают новые персонажи, сюжеты и судьба Эраста Петровича.
Вторая Часть - это события, которые происходили лет за 20 до событий русско-японской войны. Мы знакомимся с тем, как Маса становится послушным "оруженосцем-Ватсоном", как Эраст учится мастерству боя и многому другому (да, любви, мастерству любви). Тут Эраст - молодой, зелёный юнец, который только что приехал в Японию. И разумеется, он тут же ввязывается в дела ниндзя\якудзы и всех всех) Эта часть книги понравилась даже больше, чем первая. Такой контраст мышлений, размышлений, поведения в присутствии кавалеров\дам\гейш и всех всех).
Жалко только одно, (говоря про Фандорина) повезёт в картах, НЕ повезёт в любви...
May 25, 2020
Нинджите оживяват от митологията: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/d...
Началото е в изключително интересен период – руско-японската война, която предизвестява новото време, след като за първи път Велика сила е победена от държава без такава идентификация. Цялата империя живее в тревога за случващото се в далечния азиатски край, а основното притеснение е да не бъде прекъсната артерията на транссибирската железница, което би обрекло воените действия на поражение. А легендите за японските шпиони се оказват реалност – и само Фандорин може да се изправи срещи тях, но този път без помощта на верния си Маса, който по патриотични подбуди отказва да участва на коя да е страна. Но това приключение е само ордьовър.
Издателство "Еднорог"
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/d...
Началото е в изключително интересен период – руско-японската война, която предизвестява новото време, след като за първи път Велика сила е победена от държава без такава идентификация. Цялата империя живее в тревога за случващото се в далечния азиатски край, а основното притеснение е да не бъде прекъсната артерията на транссибирската железница, което би обрекло воените действия на поражение. А легендите за японските шпиони се оказват реалност – и само Фандорин може да се изправи срещи тях, но този път без помощта на верния си Маса, който по патриотични подбуди отказва да участва на коя да е страна. Но това приключение е само ордьовър.
Издателство "Еднорог"
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/d...
November 20, 2017
שני סיפורים (קצר וארוך) על פנדורין ויפן. בראשון פנדורין המבוגר רודף אחרי מרגל יפני ובשני פנדורין הצעיר מגיע ליפן ומעורב בסכסוכים ובהתנקשויות. בסוף הסיפורים מתחברים. בין לבין משולב הרבה ידע היסטורי.
נחמד, משכיל אבל ארוך מאוד.
נחמד, משכיל אבל ארוך מאוד.
April 11, 2012
One of the recurring, if slightly problematic, themes of the resolutely liberal Erast Fandorin series of novels has been their orientalist use of forms of Japanese mysticism and cultural practices in Fandorin’s life; one of the perplexities has been the character and forms of his time in Japan. This novel fills the gap between the events of Leviathan – chronologically the third in the series (but second in English) – and The Death of Achilles. It also effectively weaves together two significant points in Russian history – the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 and Russia’s attempts to foster good relations with the newly open-to-the-world Japan of the 1870s. It also helps explain Fandorin's interest and skills in things Japanese.
As is the case with most of the Fandorn series, Akunin builds small, fast moving and engaging stories, but plays them out against a much bigger backdrop where some, however limited, knowledge of late Imperial Russian history makes the tale much richer – but it is not necessary. In these cases, and there are two tales here that become one (I hope that’s not giving anything away), the stories are held together by personal relations as well as the bigger geo-political context in a way that adds a sense of pathos to Fandorin’s character and helps explain much about his personal relationships.
As usual, the writing is crisp (all power here to Akunin and his translator Andrew Bromfield) although there is are two or three very ‘talky’ chapters (totalling no more than about 20 pages of 500) that dragged a little; I guess I have been reading in a frame of mind that needs brisk adventure rather than didactic or meditative (or contemplative?) fiction.
There is, however, a continuing lingering orientalism here – Masa is introduced and although we learn something of his background he remains a fairly two-dimensional character, and the only major Japanese character who demonstrates at any complexity or depth doesn’t last long, although some of the more tangential (but significant to the narrative) Japanese characters – Suga especially, and to an extent Tsurumaki – hint at some complexity. That is, I suspect, one of the weaknesses of a series centred on one character/hero.
All in all, an enjoyable addition to an impressive series: bring on the next one (indications are that there are at least two or three Fandorin books left to appear in English).
As is the case with most of the Fandorn series, Akunin builds small, fast moving and engaging stories, but plays them out against a much bigger backdrop where some, however limited, knowledge of late Imperial Russian history makes the tale much richer – but it is not necessary. In these cases, and there are two tales here that become one (I hope that’s not giving anything away), the stories are held together by personal relations as well as the bigger geo-political context in a way that adds a sense of pathos to Fandorin’s character and helps explain much about his personal relationships.
As usual, the writing is crisp (all power here to Akunin and his translator Andrew Bromfield) although there is are two or three very ‘talky’ chapters (totalling no more than about 20 pages of 500) that dragged a little; I guess I have been reading in a frame of mind that needs brisk adventure rather than didactic or meditative (or contemplative?) fiction.
There is, however, a continuing lingering orientalism here – Masa is introduced and although we learn something of his background he remains a fairly two-dimensional character, and the only major Japanese character who demonstrates at any complexity or depth doesn’t last long, although some of the more tangential (but significant to the narrative) Japanese characters – Suga especially, and to an extent Tsurumaki – hint at some complexity. That is, I suspect, one of the weaknesses of a series centred on one character/hero.
All in all, an enjoyable addition to an impressive series: bring on the next one (indications are that there are at least two or three Fandorin books left to appear in English).
July 15, 2016
Another book of Fandorin that I read, but this one did not thrill me. It also took me quite long to finish, although usually I can't leave them down.
The story runs in two places and two time frames. Russia of 1905 and Japan of 1878.
The first part is smaller and runs much faster, while the second part occupies most of the book and is just full of problems. It is nice though to see how the whole story with Erast and Masa started and put another piece of the puzzle is Erast's character. Nevertheless, somewhere in between all the conspiracies my interest was kind of lost...
The story runs in two places and two time frames. Russia of 1905 and Japan of 1878.
The first part is smaller and runs much faster, while the second part occupies most of the book and is just full of problems. It is nice though to see how the whole story with Erast and Masa started and put another piece of the puzzle is Erast's character. Nevertheless, somewhere in between all the conspiracies my interest was kind of lost...
November 4, 2020
4.25/5
Этот конец был шокирующий и беспощадный, но немного бессмысленный. Я не поняла, зачем делать такой вброс, если он никак не окупается потом герою... В общем, большая грусть у меня по поводу эпилога.
Но сама книга очень понравилась, особенно вторая часть, конечно, о знакомстве с Масой, о Японии, об Оюми. Да и интрига запутанная, все как я люблю.
Немного раздражало влюблённый Фандорин, потому что ну слишком уж он потерял голову. Но это простительно, не принципиально.
Самое интересное было знакомство с Масой, так как люблю этого персонажа и здорово было узнать о нем больше.
Этот конец был шокирующий и беспощадный, но немного бессмысленный. Я не поняла, зачем делать такой вброс, если он никак не окупается потом герою... В общем, большая грусть у меня по поводу эпилога.
Но сама книга очень понравилась, особенно вторая часть, конечно, о знакомстве с Масой, о Японии, об Оюми. Да и интрига запутанная, все как я люблю.
Немного раздражало влюблённый Фандорин, потому что ну слишком уж он потерял голову. Но это простительно, не принципиально.
Самое интересное было знакомство с Масой, так как люблю этого персонажа и здорово было узнать о нем больше.
March 23, 2014
Первая часть, с действиями в России, понравилась, стандартная для БАкунина книжка. Второй раз перечитывать не станешь, но первый раз читать интересно.
А вот вторая часть книги, с действиями в Японии, показалась чрезмерно гротескной в отношении Японии. Это непонятно, поскольку автор именно о Японии знает особенно много. Но, на мой вкус, уж слишком сконцентрировано и акцентировано получилось.
А вот вторая часть книги, с действиями в Японии, показалась чрезмерно гротескной в отношении Японии. Это непонятно, поскольку автор именно о Японии знает особенно много. Но, на мой вкус, уж слишком сконцентрировано и акцентировано получилось.
May 19, 2015
Просто потрясающая книга. Очень хорошо, динамично и со смыслом написано. Бедного Фандорина всё-таки неплохо помотало по жизни. И конец заставляет задуматься... Не знаю, насколько точно описание Японии книге, но книга разожгла желание побольше узнать страну восходящего солнца. Книгу очень рекомендую к прочтению.
January 1, 2015
I feel it's a bit churlish to give it only three stars, but I can't help comparing it with the other Fandorin books. It started very well, and ended very well; but I did feel that it was beginning to drag in the middle. It was hard work to keep at it. But it did pay off, and the climax was excellent.
December 5, 2024
This book is perfect for someone who is tired of predictable plots. Akunin explains scenes perfectly with a good amount of description but leaves just enough space for your imagination. I love that the story takes constant twists and turns throughout the whole book and keeps things interesting. You never know what happens next. This has been my first Erast Fandorin book. Even though it's not the first and refers to other titles from time to time, it has not ruined my experience.
The story is well-crafted and chooses a sort of non-traditional approach when it comes to storytelling.
The next part I'll be referring to the narrative, but I'll avoid spoilers. If you don't want to know anything and be surprised, then stop reading.
The first part of the book is 118 pages long. It is basically the first chapter, and then the story changes completely and goes into the past, 28 years prior. After that, the book is divided into traditional chapters.
The story is wrapped in mysterious Japanese mysticism and does justice to the culture of this beautiful country. The story is well-paced and, at the end, leaves you wanting more. There are some untied loose ends which I suppose will be resolved in other books. Sometimes I do feel like the author relied a bit too much on the mysterious arts of one group present in the book and did not go into detail about their craft. I understand this approach, but personally, I would love to understand this more. Also, the ending concludes a bit too rapidly in my opinion. There is still a lot of room for the story to wrap in a more closing manner, unless the author plans to expand on this in the next book. This opinion is highly subjective. Don't get me wrong, I highly recommend this book. A more accurate rating would be 9/10. Highly recommend.
The story is well-crafted and chooses a sort of non-traditional approach when it comes to storytelling.
The next part I'll be referring to the narrative, but I'll avoid spoilers. If you don't want to know anything and be surprised, then stop reading.
The first part of the book is 118 pages long. It is basically the first chapter, and then the story changes completely and goes into the past, 28 years prior. After that, the book is divided into traditional chapters.
The story is wrapped in mysterious Japanese mysticism and does justice to the culture of this beautiful country. The story is well-paced and, at the end, leaves you wanting more. There are some untied loose ends which I suppose will be resolved in other books. Sometimes I do feel like the author relied a bit too much on the mysterious arts of one group present in the book and did not go into detail about their craft. I understand this approach, but personally, I would love to understand this more. Also, the ending concludes a bit too rapidly in my opinion. There is still a lot of room for the story to wrap in a more closing manner, unless the author plans to expand on this in the next book. This opinion is highly subjective. Don't get me wrong, I highly recommend this book. A more accurate rating would be 9/10. Highly recommend.
July 29, 2017
This is the first book I've read in Fandorin series and I was amazed by the humor and the story. The book is full of Japanese traditions, legends and philosophy. It's a retreat into another world, world of far-east, world with ninjas, samurais, deep philosophy of death and complicated moral.
Higly-recommended for anyone wanting to read a historical detective and a popular etnography as a single book.
Higly-recommended for anyone wanting to read a historical detective and a popular etnography as a single book.
November 5, 2022
A banger from starts to finish. Couldnt take my mind off.
July 30, 2025
Выбираешь себе comfort book, где главный герой красавчик, а добро обязательно побеждает зло, а там бац - и душещипательные повороты, к которым тебя не готовили.
February 21, 2018
Вот и переломная точка всего цикла для меня. После нее оставшиеся книги этого цикла я воспринимаю как «безысходность». Позвольте немного рассказать почему так получилось. Ларчик открывается просто. Когда я прочитал этот цикл в первый раз за один присест, я остановился именно на этой книге. Других тогда просто не выходило. И именно эта книга стала венцом всей эпопеи. Она включилась в то целостное восприятие всего цикла и на нее распространилась аура восхищения всем циклом. На нее все еще действовал тот импульс, который я набрал во время прочтения и поэтому она тоже «пролетела» у меня достаточно быстро и без заметных провалов в логике и динамике.
Ну а те книги, которые вышли позже, я читал отдельно и поэтому они на себя эту ауру не получили. В них для меня стали заметны какие-то приметы вырождения всего цикла, которые я бы не увидел под покровом этой «чудесной ауры». Впрочем, переходим к книге. Прочитав её сейчас, я вижу, что и она тоже не слишком хороша, на самом деле.
Нет, сделать из одной книги по сути две - это интересный вариант. Начинается она довольно стандартно - 20 век только вошёл в свои права, Россия втянулась в войну с Японией, японский шпион планирует несколько диверсий. Фандорин должен найти этого человека и расстроить все его планы. В общем стандартный набор Фандоринщины. Политические игры - немного. Влюбленные женщины - слегка. Думы о России - обильно. Ну и прочие знакомые ингредиенты. Засады, раздумья, интриги между ведомствами. Да и по времени – вполне совпадает. Не выпадает из всего цикла – логично ложится во временные промежутки.
А вот вторая часть - это как раз то самое, чего поклонники так ждали. История Фандорина в Японии. То, чего я ждал после «Левиафана» - тот самый выпавший период времени. В «Смерти Ахиллеса» мы видели героя окрутевшим ниндзя с восточным менталитетом. И я думаю не у одного меня появлялся вопрос: какого и как? С чего это он вдруг настолько изменился, и что на него повлияло. Ну и откуда взялся Маса. И вот нас объяснят сейчас, во второй половине романа.
Кстати, здесь наиболее заметна одна из проблем цикла - слабые взаимодействия между книгами. В предыдущей книге главный герой умудрился спасти честь одного японского подданного. И меня с тех пор занимал вопрос - а куда он потом испарился? В этой книге о нем не было никаких воспоминаний или отсылок. Мне кажется даже его удивительные часы судьбы не упоминали? Или я невнимательно читал?
Героя в этой истории просто кидают одного в чужой стране и ему приходится изучать её практически с нуля. И конечно же вмешиваться в очередную интригу, начинающуюся довольно безобидно. Ну а дальше начинаются приключения в экзотической стране, которая балансирует на грани между двумя идеологиями.
Возможно за счёт этой экзотичности можно было создать что-то интересное. Но проблема в том, что большую часть времени, герою противостоят стандартные злодеи западного образца. Как бы там автор не нагнетал атмосферу вокруг этих злодеев они все равно остаются вполне понятными и логичными. Западный образец, хотя его и пытаются представить, как такого – супер-мега злодея с непостижимой волей и целеустремленностью. Но нет, на мой взгляд – это вполне себе обычные, хотя и довольно интересные персонажи.
Интересное здесь начинается, здесь именно тогда, когда появляется экзотика. Когда Фандорин сталкивается с иным менталитетом. Но такого довольно мало. И автор как-то слишком уж это мистицифицирует. Все эти точки ци, накопление энергии, секретные знания и все такое подобное. Ниндзя, сэр.
Так что, эта книга для меня – последняя из лучших в цикле. Но и сейчас, с высоты своего опыта, я вижу, что она полна недостатков. Но ностальгический дух и та самая волшебная аура – не дает мне поставить оценку ниже.
Ну а те книги, которые вышли позже, я читал отдельно и поэтому они на себя эту ауру не получили. В них для меня стали заметны какие-то приметы вырождения всего цикла, которые я бы не увидел под покровом этой «чудесной ауры». Впрочем, переходим к книге. Прочитав её сейчас, я вижу, что и она тоже не слишком хороша, на самом деле.
Нет, сделать из одной книги по сути две - это интересный вариант. Начинается она довольно стандартно - 20 век только вошёл в свои права, Россия втянулась в войну с Японией, японский шпион планирует несколько диверсий. Фандорин должен найти этого человека и расстроить все его планы. В общем стандартный набор Фандоринщины. Политические игры - немного. Влюбленные женщины - слегка. Думы о России - обильно. Ну и прочие знакомые ингредиенты. Засады, раздумья, интриги между ведомствами. Да и по времени – вполне совпадает. Не выпадает из всего цикла – логично ложится во временные промежутки.
А вот вторая часть - это как раз то самое, чего поклонники так ждали. История Фандорина в Японии. То, чего я ждал после «Левиафана» - тот самый выпавший период времени. В «Смерти Ахиллеса» мы видели героя окрутевшим ниндзя с восточным менталитетом. И я думаю не у одного меня появлялся вопрос: какого и как? С чего это он вдруг настолько изменился, и что на него повлияло. Ну и откуда взялся Маса. И вот нас объяснят сейчас, во второй половине романа.
Кстати, здесь наиболее заметна одна из проблем цикла - слабые взаимодействия между книгами. В предыдущей книге главный герой умудрился спасти честь одного японского подданного. И меня с тех пор занимал вопрос - а куда он потом испарился? В этой книге о нем не было никаких воспоминаний или отсылок. Мне кажется даже его удивительные часы судьбы не упоминали? Или я невнимательно читал?
Героя в этой истории просто кидают одного в чужой стране и ему приходится изучать её практически с нуля. И конечно же вмешиваться в очередную интригу, начинающуюся довольно безобидно. Ну а дальше начинаются приключения в экзотической стране, которая балансирует на грани между двумя идеологиями.
Возможно за счёт этой экзотичности можно было создать что-то интересное. Но проблема в том, что большую часть времени, герою противостоят стандартные злодеи западного образца. Как бы там автор не нагнетал атмосферу вокруг этих злодеев они все равно остаются вполне понятными и логичными. Западный образец, хотя его и пытаются представить, как такого – супер-мега злодея с непостижимой волей и целеустремленностью. Но нет, на мой взгляд – это вполне себе обычные, хотя и довольно интересные персонажи.
Интересное здесь начинается, здесь именно тогда, когда появляется экзотика. Когда Фандорин сталкивается с иным менталитетом. Но такого довольно мало. И автор как-то слишком уж это мистицифицирует. Все эти точки ци, накопление энергии, секретные знания и все такое подобное. Ниндзя, сэр.
Так что, эта книга для меня – последняя из лучших в цикле. Но и сейчас, с высоты своего опыта, я вижу, что она полна недостатков. Но ностальгический дух и та самая волшебная аура – не дает мне поставить оценку ниже.
December 23, 2012
Из архивите - рецензия за в. "Гласове".
Екзотична и мащабна
"Диамантената колесница", Борис Акунин, прев. Владимир Райчев, "Еднорог"
"Акунинът е злодей, но не дребен злосторник, а силен човек. Той има свои правила, които определя сам и ги следва докрай. Те не съвпадат с предписанията на закона, но за него са по-важни от живота и затова акунинът буди не само омраза, но и уважение..." Григорий Чхартишвили (1956), японист и журналист, публикува първата си книга под псевдонима Акунин през 1998 година. Това е "Азазел", където дебют прави поредният чаровен детектив - статския съветник Ераст Петрович Фандорин, "изключителен ум, космополит, голям оригинал" (следват "Турски гамбит", "Левиатан" и другите). Епохата на героя (последната четвърт на ХІХ век, царска Русия) и огромното количество премеждия, през които минава, правят фандориновския цикъл по-скоро приключенски. А "Диамантената колесница" е първо костюмна драма и шпионски трилър (1905 година, Петербург-Москва, времето на руско-японската война), после "ийстърн" а ла Куросава (японски оръжия и техники за съблазняване, хайку, якудзи и нинджи през 1878-а в Йокохама). Втората част, по-разкошна откъм куриозни детайли и много по-емоционална, обяснява и обосновава суховатата, но също интересна първа. Хубавото и лошото тук е обемът на романа, който от удобен за експерименти простор, полека започва да клони към разпиляване. Но това не е беда. Литературният багаж на Акунин проличава още от първите фрази, заимствани от разказа на Александър Куприн "Щабкапитан Рибников": авторът изважда от контекста техния невзрачен протагонист и го превръща в японски саботьор. Освен с този ефектен и добре изпълнен начален трик и магнетичното присъствие на синеокия, мило заекващ Фандорин, щастлив в хазарта, но нещастен в любовта, "Колесницата" може да се похвали и с ред съвсем обективни плюсове: изчерпателните бележки под линия и обясненията на самия автор за история и военно дело, антропология (как така кривите зъби в някои култури са признак на чувственост, с какви думи донските казаци успокояват конете си) и Пушкин.
Екзотична и мащабна
"Диамантената колесница", Борис Акунин, прев. Владимир Райчев, "Еднорог"
"Акунинът е злодей, но не дребен злосторник, а силен човек. Той има свои правила, които определя сам и ги следва докрай. Те не съвпадат с предписанията на закона, но за него са по-важни от живота и затова акунинът буди не само омраза, но и уважение..." Григорий Чхартишвили (1956), японист и журналист, публикува първата си книга под псевдонима Акунин през 1998 година. Това е "Азазел", където дебют прави поредният чаровен детектив - статския съветник Ераст Петрович Фандорин, "изключителен ум, космополит, голям оригинал" (следват "Турски гамбит", "Левиатан" и другите). Епохата на героя (последната четвърт на ХІХ век, царска Русия) и огромното количество премеждия, през които минава, правят фандориновския цикъл по-скоро приключенски. А "Диамантената колесница" е първо костюмна драма и шпионски трилър (1905 година, Петербург-Москва, времето на руско-японската война), после "ийстърн" а ла Куросава (японски оръжия и техники за съблазняване, хайку, якудзи и нинджи през 1878-а в Йокохама). Втората част, по-разкошна откъм куриозни детайли и много по-емоционална, обяснява и обосновава суховатата, но също интересна първа. Хубавото и лошото тук е обемът на романа, който от удобен за експерименти простор, полека започва да клони към разпиляване. Но това не е беда. Литературният багаж на Акунин проличава още от първите фрази, заимствани от разказа на Александър Куприн "Щабкапитан Рибников": авторът изважда от контекста техния невзрачен протагонист и го превръща в японски саботьор. Освен с този ефектен и добре изпълнен начален трик и магнетичното присъствие на синеокия, мило заекващ Фандорин, щастлив в хазарта, но нещастен в любовта, "Колесницата" може да се похвали и с ред съвсем обективни плюсове: изчерпателните бележки под линия и обясненията на самия автор за история и военно дело, антропология (как така кривите зъби в някои култури са признак на чувственост, с какви думи донските казаци успокояват конете си) и Пушкин.
October 29, 2021
I'm a big fan of Fandorin, and when I heard this was going to take place in the 'lost years' when he went to Japan, I knew we were in for a treat! The first thing to note is the length of this novel, which told me already this would be different from the previous in pacing. Indeed, it's basically two for the price of one!
The first story was pretty gripping, and I thought our villain had the makings of a good anti-hero like Green was in The State Counsellor. And I really did want to know who was blowing up the trains! And yet, we seemed to have ended at a bit of a cliffhanger . We then moved swiftly back in time to Fandorin stepping off the ship at Yokohama, slightly changed already from all his previous adventures. I was really fascinated in watching him become the man we met in The Death of Achilles, and it did not disapppoint in that sense!
However, I felt the story became quite long-winded with the twist upon twist upon twist upon twist! It actually got quite tiring. Furthermore, even if I could tell O-Yumi's presence was necessary for something, the way Fandorin acted around her seemed really out of character for him. Even before he was never so obsessed, and so it was difficult to relate to the Fandorin I knew.
It was really nice to hear Masa's origin story however, and it was really exciting to hear about the shin obi and how Fandorin picked up the skills he had in later books!
Overall, I was very entertained and the very final plot-twist - WOW. I was half tempted to read the first half again! I only wish I knew the motivations.
The first story was pretty gripping, and I thought our villain had the makings of a good anti-hero like Green was in The State Counsellor. And I really did want to know who was blowing up the trains! And yet, we seemed to have ended at a bit of a cliffhanger . We then moved swiftly back in time to Fandorin stepping off the ship at Yokohama, slightly changed already from all his previous adventures. I was really fascinated in watching him become the man we met in The Death of Achilles, and it did not disapppoint in that sense!
However, I felt the story became quite long-winded with the twist upon twist upon twist upon twist! It actually got quite tiring. Furthermore, even if I could tell O-Yumi's presence was necessary for something, the way Fandorin acted around her seemed really out of character for him. Even before he was never so obsessed, and so it was difficult to relate to the Fandorin I knew.
It was really nice to hear Masa's origin story however, and it was really exciting to hear about the shin obi and how Fandorin picked up the skills he had in later books!
Overall, I was very entertained and the very final plot-twist - WOW. I was half tempted to read the first half again! I only wish I knew the motivations.
December 19, 2015
This tome consists, actually, of two novels. The first one is set in Russia during the Russo-Japanese War, the second one in Japan of the early Meiji era. Having recently betrayed Edo with Meiji, I was sure I’d like the second book more, and couldn’t wait to get to it. I was wrong. The first book is better, it has a relatively faster pace and way more interesting characters and plot.
The plot of the second book seemed exciting – it’s about the assassination of Okubo Toshimichi, a topic I have a personal interest in – then it jumped the shark with the love story, the appearance of all-powerful ninja, and the general abundance of Orientalist gimmicks. Japanese people in this book are simply magical, nearly every one of them. They have a “way” for everything, and of course are able to precisely foresee the future of the Japanese Empire, in contrast to dimwitted Europeans and vulgar Americans. Yawn. And the story drags and drags… it could have been shorter.
Akunin knows a lot about Japan, but a lot is not enough for a historical novel. Japanese brothels were NOT sex bootcamps, and neither did they have their own doctors – those things did not work that way. And stop with the taking hair down before lovemaking, please. Also, Japanese transcribed into Russian is already a pain in the ass, there’s no need to pretend that Japanese people would pronounce Russian “l” just like “r” – it’s not English, the sound is very often different, in some words it’s closer to “w”, right? No need to pretend that Japanese words are highly inflected, either.
August 9, 2011
Encore une belle réalisation de Boris Akounine. Dernier opus en date des aventures de son héros : Eraste Petrovich Fandorine (le Sherlock Holmes russe), L'attrapeur de libellules est un roman bi-partite.
Dans les premiers chapitres, on y suit le déroulement de la traque d'un espion Japonais durant la guerre russo-japonaise. Fandorine est bien sûr le limier chargé de débusquer le machiavélique nippon.
La deuxième partie, la plus importante du roman, est consacré à un flash-back retraçant le périple japonais de Fandorine lorsqu'il était vice-consul de Yokohama.
Bien que le dénouement final soit prévisible très tôt (car on s'en doute, rien d'innocent à ce flash back. Il y a un lien avec les évènements du tout début), l'intrigue développée est comme toujours excellente, et les personnages convainquant.
Si le dénouement est prévisible (et semble-t-il à dessein), ce n'est pas le cas des évènements se déroulant dans le corps du texte qui réservent leur lot de surprises et de retournements de situation.
Un auteur qui confirme tome après tome son talent. Un roman qui se dévore ! (On notera que l'origine du nom de plume Akounine nous est révélé ici, un akounine étant au Japon un bandit vivant selon son propre code de conduite)
Dans les premiers chapitres, on y suit le déroulement de la traque d'un espion Japonais durant la guerre russo-japonaise. Fandorine est bien sûr le limier chargé de débusquer le machiavélique nippon.
La deuxième partie, la plus importante du roman, est consacré à un flash-back retraçant le périple japonais de Fandorine lorsqu'il était vice-consul de Yokohama.
Bien que le dénouement final soit prévisible très tôt (car on s'en doute, rien d'innocent à ce flash back. Il y a un lien avec les évènements du tout début), l'intrigue développée est comme toujours excellente, et les personnages convainquant.
Si le dénouement est prévisible (et semble-t-il à dessein), ce n'est pas le cas des évènements se déroulant dans le corps du texte qui réservent leur lot de surprises et de retournements de situation.
Un auteur qui confirme tome après tome son talent. Un roman qui se dévore ! (On notera que l'origine du nom de plume Akounine nous est révélé ici, un akounine étant au Japon un bandit vivant selon son propre code de conduite)
February 19, 2014
The Diamond Chariot, alas, is the last novel by contemporary Russian mystery writer Boris Akunin translated into English. All indications are that the rest of the "Erast Fandorin" series will not be translated. Five things I need to say.
I'll miss Fandorin and his trusty Japanese companion Masa, that is one.
In fact this book, containing two somewhat related tales, goes back in time and relates how Fandorin met Masa in Japan when he was a young diplomat there., that is two. Of course no sooner then Fandorin arrives off the boat and he is dragged into a conspiracy to overthrow the current rulers, a conspiracy that involves foreigners, a prostitute and ninja warriors, that is three.
The other, shorter, story, that takes place many years later involves Fandorin trying to arrest an anarchist bomb plot, that is four.
It's not the best Fandorin novel (His earlier works are the best) but at least Fandorin actually has a bigger role in this than in the previous (He Devil/She Devil) series, that is five.
I'll miss Fandorin and his trusty Japanese companion Masa, that is one.
In fact this book, containing two somewhat related tales, goes back in time and relates how Fandorin met Masa in Japan when he was a young diplomat there., that is two. Of course no sooner then Fandorin arrives off the boat and he is dragged into a conspiracy to overthrow the current rulers, a conspiracy that involves foreigners, a prostitute and ninja warriors, that is three.
The other, shorter, story, that takes place many years later involves Fandorin trying to arrest an anarchist bomb plot, that is four.
It's not the best Fandorin novel (His earlier works are the best) but at least Fandorin actually has a bigger role in this than in the previous (He Devil/She Devil) series, that is five.
October 8, 2014
Meni je Akunjin beskrajno simpatičan već godinama: retro krimići u Rusiji XIX veka! Krvi do kolena! Psihologija likova na nivou petog osnovne! Neoruski neoimperijalizam & šovinizam do koske! A ipak se čita bez predaha.
"Dijamantska kočija" nije nikakav izuzetak što se toga tiče. Osim što kao bonus, osim obaveznog Erasta Fandorina, imamo nindže: čitav drugi tom, više nego dvostruko obimniji od prvog, dešava se u Japanu, sa obaveznim orijentalizmom i filozofiranjem o razvoju imperija kroz istoriju. I ima nindže. Lustbader da pozavidi.
Sve u svemu, krajnje zabavno štivo, ako mu se priđe sa pravilno kalibriranim očekivanjima.
"Dijamantska kočija" nije nikakav izuzetak što se toga tiče. Osim što kao bonus, osim obaveznog Erasta Fandorina, imamo nindže: čitav drugi tom, više nego dvostruko obimniji od prvog, dešava se u Japanu, sa obaveznim orijentalizmom i filozofiranjem o razvoju imperija kroz istoriju. I ima nindže. Lustbader da pozavidi.
Sve u svemu, krajnje zabavno štivo, ako mu se priđe sa pravilno kalibriranim očekivanjima.
November 8, 2021
Книга интересная, но очень длинная: слушала в аудио-версии, за это время прочла 3-4 книги, хоть и слушала очень регулярно.
Понравилось, как описываются такие непохожие на нас правила жизни японцев в целом и приверженцов Алмазной Колесницы в частности.
Сюжет тоже довольно увлекательный, но к концу немного надоели финты со сменой "главного акунина". Хоть непосредственно концовка-концовка прямо понравилась.
Понравилось, как описываются такие непохожие на нас правила жизни японцев в целом и приверженцов Алмазной Колесницы в частности.
Сюжет тоже довольно увлекательный, но к концу немного надоели финты со сменой "главного акунина". Хоть непосредственно концовка-концовка прямо понравилась.
November 17, 2016
These were two totally different books for me. I read the first part because I promised my friend I would, but the second book literally turned my life upside down, making me re-think some life principles. It may seem too long at first, but afterward, you find it difficult finishing the book, because the characters became too close and dear to you. Just as it often happens with good books :)
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