While this is more interesting than most history texts, it still isn't as riveting as a story with more details. Stanley, of course, only knows so much about Tsuneno and so the book contains very little dialogue that would serve to bring it more to life; there are also many instances of "maybe this happened," "perhaps she felt this way," which is understandable, but unfortunate.

There were some cultural tidbits I learned and found of interest, so in that sense, the book was a success. ( )

Liked this book surprisingly well. A 19th century Japanese woman, Tsuneno, from a priestly family and not fitting the stereotype of the subservient wife, but independent and called "selfish" by her family, strikes out for herself in Edo [Tokyo] after enduring three unsuitable marriages, leaving her small town for the big city where she spends the rest of her life. She endures poverty, menial work and marriage to a ronin [samurai without a master]. The author has constructed the life of this common woman from letters and other family writings from that period, the end decades of the Tokugawa Shogunate. She then describes the rise of Tokyo from Edo and its subsequent development. ( )

I got bored and didn't feel like wasting any more time. ( )

A wonderfully researched book that takes place in mid nineteenth century Japan. The story centers on a woman (girl) who tries to lead an independant life in a cultrure in which that is not the norm. She suffers through three arranged marriages and one of necessity and divores all four men. She eventually escapes the control of her older brother to live a more independant life is Edo (Tokyo). Here she meets a man she chooses and they put together a pretty happy properous life.but is always nagged by thoughts of her home village. A great biography of an anonymous woman of that time. ( )

A fascinating insisght into one woman's slightly irregular life in early 19th century Japan. Amazingly, the tale is anchored in documentary evidence brought together by a professional researcher.
A great read. ( )