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Eight Million Gods and Demons
A haunting portrait of a fascinating age-Japan between the Meiji Era and the end of World War II
In Meiji-era Japan, where the standard of beauty is the graceful geisha and the greatest joy a woman can hope for is to produce healthy heirs for her husband, an idealistic Japanese politician named Taku takes Emi as his child bride. Emi, a gifted koto player, cherishes Taku's doting love. But the couple can't conceive, and Taku's work takes him away more and more often.
When she finally gives birth to a healthy son, Emi dares hope that the preternaturally intelligent Jun will help mend the rift in her marriage. That is, until she meets Hana, an extraordinarily beautiful and wicked geisha, and discovers a betrayal so devastating it would take the aid of eight million gods and demons-the number of deities in the Japanese pantheon-to overcome.
In Meiji-era Japan, where the standard of beauty is the graceful geisha and the greatest joy a woman can hope for is to produce healthy heirs for her husband, an idealistic Japanese politician named Taku takes Emi as his child bride. Emi, a gifted koto player, cherishes Taku's doting love. But the couple can't conceive, and Taku's work takes him away more and more often.
When she finally gives birth to a healthy son, Emi dares hope that the preternaturally intelligent Jun will help mend the rift in her marriage. That is, until she meets Hana, an extraordinarily beautiful and wicked geisha, and discovers a betrayal so devastating it would take the aid of eight million gods and demons-the number of deities in the Japanese pantheon-to overcome.
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 18, 2007
From the blurb on the back of the book I was expecting a story where a good woman fights a geisha to get her man back. Tragic consequences are mentioned...as is the "evil" geisha.
Turns out that this book looks at life and social mores in Japan between 1900 and the end of WWII. I learned much about art, culture, good manners and Japanese dress and customs. You learn about all these thing through the story of a man, his epileptic wife, his ex-geisha mistress (who while irritating and unpleasant, is not evil) and the children of both wives, their spouses and children. It's a good story, well told, and certainly better than the potboiler the back cover led me to expect.
Fascinating to see some of the events of the first half of the last century from a viewpoint other than American or European. Japanese Imperialism, the Rape of Nanking, the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki...it looks a lot different from the other side.
A quiet book, but worth reading.
Turns out that this book looks at life and social mores in Japan between 1900 and the end of WWII. I learned much about art, culture, good manners and Japanese dress and customs. You learn about all these thing through the story of a man, his epileptic wife, his ex-geisha mistress (who while irritating and unpleasant, is not evil) and the children of both wives, their spouses and children. It's a good story, well told, and certainly better than the potboiler the back cover led me to expect.
Fascinating to see some of the events of the first half of the last century from a viewpoint other than American or European. Japanese Imperialism, the Rape of Nanking, the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki...it looks a lot different from the other side.
A quiet book, but worth reading.
January 3, 2021
The delights of browsing through much-loved bookstores! I found ‘Eight Million Gods And Demons’ tucked away in one of Bangalore’s most famous bookstores. The geisha on the cover looked rather forbidding, but I was tempted nevertheless to get this.
Set in Japan just at the beginning of the 19th century and moving on to World War II, this was an engrossing read. Sweeping in its scope and vast in its telling, Sherwin has done a marvellous job. I felt there were bold indications of polyamory as well in the book - quite an interesting angle when I look back on it.
Set in Japan just at the beginning of the 19th century and moving on to World War II, this was an engrossing read. Sweeping in its scope and vast in its telling, Sherwin has done a marvellous job. I felt there were bold indications of polyamory as well in the book - quite an interesting angle when I look back on it.
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March 22, 2021This book was very different than what I thought it was going to be like after reading the back cover.
I enjoyed the writing style of the author. She wrote beautifully and really helped capture each character. The story basically follows certain members through pre and post WWII in Japan. I can't really give a plot because I don't think there was one. The story was nice but didn't necessarily have a point. That is fine in my opinion, this book was interesting and was well written. I could almost give this book a 3 but found that I couldn't put it down so I gave if a 4.
I enjoyed the writing style of the author. She wrote beautifully and really helped capture each character. The story basically follows certain members through pre and post WWII in Japan. I can't really give a plot because I don't think there was one. The story was nice but didn't necessarily have a point. That is fine in my opinion, this book was interesting and was well written. I could almost give this book a 3 but found that I couldn't put it down so I gave if a 4.
December 3, 2012
As another reviewer said, this was a very melodramatic story. I had high hopes for this book. However, I came away feeling that the author took a good premise and ruined it. It felt a bit too put on and soap opera-ish.
March 30, 2020
A fascinating account of Japan before and during WWII. Very realistic characters along with insight into the culture and views of the era. Highly recommend this book.
July 18, 2024
As I read further into this book, I continued to think about "To Kill a Mockingbird". Ms Sherwin's voice is the same as Ms. Lee: she had one novel inside of herself and that novel was going to be written no matter what.
The dual family of Taku - Emi/Yumi did not seem abnormal, only real with blemishes and beauty. But the true story was not on the individuals, but the effects that the years preceding and the war were superceded by the global events around them - even though the families vehemently disagreed with their country's direction. Though they acted as independently as possible the defeat defeated them as well.
The dual family of Taku - Emi/Yumi did not seem abnormal, only real with blemishes and beauty. But the true story was not on the individuals, but the effects that the years preceding and the war were superceded by the global events around them - even though the families vehemently disagreed with their country's direction. Though they acted as independently as possible the defeat defeated them as well.
January 25, 2024
I originally picked up this book thinking it would follow the story of Emi. I didn’t know it would follow the story of her child and the stepfamily’s struggle with war. Every loss felt real to me, and there were moments where I had to set the book aside to mourn those who died. Reading how the war affected each person in the family till they died, from the brutality of the Japanese military and propaganda, to how each character loved and loss, this was was an unforgettable experience where each page bleed with honesty and tragedy.
March 7, 2018
A beautiful written book about three generations of a Japanese family, from the decades leading up to World War II to the Japanese surrender. Â The cast of characters is wide and varied - a betrayed wife, a geisha, an idealistic politician, a madman, a weapons manufacturer, proponents of the nationalist propound and good-natured people doing their best to survive. I was very much taken in by the story. Recommended.Â
July 12, 2024
First of all, this book is nothing like the description on the back.
Otherwise, pretty good story, but I feel like it was a little shallow. Covering over 60 years with several characters probably needs more than 325 pages. There were quite a few nice heartfelt moments, but why oh why have Jun and Yumi in love with each other. IMO, it added nothing to the story and it was just ick.0
Otherwise, pretty good story, but I feel like it was a little shallow. Covering over 60 years with several characters probably needs more than 325 pages. There were quite a few nice heartfelt moments, but why oh why have Jun and Yumi in love with each other. IMO, it added nothing to the story and it was just ick.0
February 29, 2020
Fascinating book about Japan from the late 1800s through WWII. What happens to families and soldiers.
June 28, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Odyssey of generations that addressed how Japans people were also victims of misguided leadership. Beautiful characters and story.
July 23, 2025
A really interesting portrayal of Japanese life in the time leading up to WWII and then during WWII. The characters were engaging and engrossing, as was the landscape and environment. Very good.
December 10, 2010
A delicate story developing through the pre WWII and WWII era. Powerfull characters in a very understated way. Un varnished treatment of Japan's place in the war with equally harsh treatment of the US. Well worth the read and by extension a commentary on America's two distant, remote surreal wars of today. The further removal of the killer from the killed by the use of drones. Chilling added meaning as I finished the book right near the anniversery of Pearl Harbor. My father was there in 1941 and our family visited on the 50th anniversery in 1991
February 26, 2008
I began this book in the fall of '07 and by early spring '08 I have given it up! I love all things Asian and I'm greatly intrigued by this Japanese cultural comment on Korea but I found it bogged me down. Intriguing characters but not intriguing enough.
February 1, 2011
I wasn't very involved for most of the book. It was only in the story of the third generation and around the time of WWII and the decade before that I felt any attachment to any of the characters. The plot meandered and focused from person to person.
October 24, 2012
Amazing book showing the social dynamics of life,women and family in that time in history. I was moved by the kindness and understanding some had and the narrowness others had. Just a really good read.
July 27, 2007
melodramatic, slow paced story.
It tells the story of two generation, mother and son in the time between japanese meiji era and world war II. not one of my favorite though....
It tells the story of two generation, mother and son in the time between japanese meiji era and world war II. not one of my favorite though....
October 18, 2008
Japanese WWII setting - again depicts the struggles of oppressed women in Asian cultures. Just can't get enough of that theme.
April 7, 2009
It was a bit confusing.
September 25, 2011
beautiful imagery throughout.
January 18, 2013
Very depressing, but a great read!
May 6, 2014
Read it in 4 days, but I must mention I love history and japanese culture
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews