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frombethanysbookshelf's review
5.0
The young lord Asunaro, son of a powerful feudal lord, has enjoyed a privileged life in his family castle so far. But now he's grown, he's finding the title he's inheriting appears to be in name only. He isn't trusted with important decisions or discussions, isn't allowed to speak on matters of war or famine and is growing restless. Much like the Asunaro tree, he is always waiting for tomorrow, for someday, but it never comes so instead he finds pleasure in women and poetry.
"Lord though he was in name, not one important task in the governance of the domain ever came his way, despite having reached maturity."
For such a short read, coming in just over 70 pages, still manages to be a multi-layered and complex, acting not only as a factual biography but a somewhat dry and witty comedic retelling of a tale not many have heard. In a feat very difficult to achieve in such few pages, the setting was vivid and vibrant, beautifully descriptive and immersive.
This short story toes the line between fact and fiction, leaving the reader with plenty to think about while providing interesting historical insight. Lord Asunaro is a real historical figure - and a complex one at that. He didn't achieve much (aside from having over 70 children!) and was selfish and childish - not the type of life you'd usually chronicle. But he also broke the societal divides of his time, happy to dine and drink with people others would consider below him and advocated for peace and pacifism. I can definitely see why Hanawa chose him as a subject. Of course there is a definite objectified view towards women but only so far as would've been sadly normal at the time and this isn't shown as favourable or justified.
Asunaro is, despite his position, an unremarkable man, simply trying to find space for himself in a world he has no place in - and he's peculiarly relatable for an Edo era Japanese lord. This is quite simply the chronicle of a life.
"Lord though he was in name, not one important task in the governance of the domain ever came his way, despite having reached maturity."
For such a short read, coming in just over 70 pages, still manages to be a multi-layered and complex, acting not only as a factual biography but a somewhat dry and witty comedic retelling of a tale not many have heard. In a feat very difficult to achieve in such few pages, the setting was vivid and vibrant, beautifully descriptive and immersive.
This short story toes the line between fact and fiction, leaving the reader with plenty to think about while providing interesting historical insight. Lord Asunaro is a real historical figure - and a complex one at that. He didn't achieve much (aside from having over 70 children!) and was selfish and childish - not the type of life you'd usually chronicle. But he also broke the societal divides of his time, happy to dine and drink with people others would consider below him and advocated for peace and pacifism. I can definitely see why Hanawa chose him as a subject. Of course there is a definite objectified view towards women but only so far as would've been sadly normal at the time and this isn't shown as favourable or justified.
Asunaro is, despite his position, an unremarkable man, simply trying to find space for himself in a world he has no place in - and he's peculiarly relatable for an Edo era Japanese lord. This is quite simply the chronicle of a life.
booksandmoomins's review
5.0
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The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro - Kanji Hanawa - Red Circle Minis Blog Tour
A Japanese tale, not about daring ninja or battling samurai, but a warlord with a very different penchant.
Based on an actual historical figure, the Akutagawa Prize-nominated master short story writer Kanji Hanawa takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, as Lord Asunaro inherits his own Japanese fiefdom and grapples with his role and ultimate legacy.
I loved this little book and the Lord Asunaro. I liked his development from an innocent boy to a naughty youth to a womaniser and a man with a penchant for fun. When, without a lady to please him, he is said to have written this poem
The Chronicles of Lord Asunaro - Kanji Hanawa - Red Circle Minis Blog Tour
A Japanese tale, not about daring ninja or battling samurai, but a warlord with a very different penchant.
Based on an actual historical figure, the Akutagawa Prize-nominated master short story writer Kanji Hanawa takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, as Lord Asunaro inherits his own Japanese fiefdom and grapples with his role and ultimate legacy.
I loved this little book and the Lord Asunaro. I liked his development from an innocent boy to a naughty youth to a womaniser and a man with a penchant for fun. When, without a lady to please him, he is said to have written this poem
nursingthepages's review against another edition
5.0
Another brilliant short story part of the red circle series! Full review to come.
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