Review: The Harsh Cry of the Heron

In the last of the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the Portuguese arrived at the port of Kagoshima in southern Kyushu to bring western trade and religion to Japan. In the country, the feudal lords (daimyo) achieved an unparalleled level of power, with the Ashikaga shogun an effete figurehead in southern capital of Kyoto. In the years after the political fragmentation of the country in the Onin Wars and before the country’s vigorous reunification under the Tokugawa shogun Oda Nobunaga, Hearn brings us the last tale of the Otori clan. Unfortunately, this book echoes little of that era, giving few historical place names or figures by which to anchor the story or its times.

Lord Otori, the head of the Otori clan, and his headstrong and beautiful wife Kaede, have ruled the middle islands with temperance and justice, raising their eldest daughter Shigeko to continue a pacific rule. But, in rising to power, Otori Takeo fanned the anger of revenge in clan members Kikuta Akio and Arai Zenko. Both scheme to violently displace Otori Takeo, actively harnessing a prophecy about the manner of Takeo’s death. The story spans several years, and is set against the backdrop of loyalty and intrigue among shifting familial alliances, fear of and desire for the innovations of the West.

Hearn creates a large well-nuanced cast, with the story’s magical aspects fairly believable in an age of superstition, prophecy and portents. She captures much of the marvel of the Japanese language, at once polite and alive with derogatory innuendo. Though this book is a continuation from three prior works, the reader can appreciate it as a stand-alone work. Those unfamiliar with Japanese history will enjoy this book in the breadth of its violent and poignant story. Hearn introduces each character with skill and sufficient background to make each memorable. For those familiar with medieval Japanese history, as this reviewer is, the story and setting will seem but a surface imitation of stories far better told in 12th century Lady Murasaki’s “The Tale of Genji” and James Clavell’s “Shogun”.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, A. Rolfingsmeier

Book Review: The Harsh Cry of the Heron