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Reader Reviews of The Kindness of Dragons:
Another Great Journey to Early Japan (5 stars) - December 26, 2018
After reading all of the previous books, I recently purchased volume 18
in the Sugawara Akitada mystery series, The Kindness of Dragons. Each novel
is engaging (neither too convoluted nor too simple), with characters who
develop as Akitada solves crimes in the nation's busy capital or remote
small towns. The new book is set in one of the latter, as Akitada finally
visits his sister's family who live out in a rice-growing area.
My public library had the first six books, so I began buying the rest of
them. Now I anxiously await each new title, getting the print-on-demand
paperback versions. The books work as stand alones, but I've loved the
realistic progression through the characters' lives as they matured or
become aged, married, had children, or occasionally died. Akitada solves his
mysteries, suffering more than his fair share of troubles, both personal and
professional, but of course he brought many of the dilemmas upon himself. I
especially appreciate that these tales do not include either heroes or
villains with magical, fantasy powers!
Tora is my favorite member of the diverse cast of characters (most
becoming old friends after "we" have solved a few cases together), who
joined Akitada in the very first book and continues into The Kindness of
Dragons. Good looking, cheerful and superstitious, Tora's a common man who
often functions as an alter-ego to the rational and staid upper-class
Sugawara. Between them, readers are introduced to the wide-ranging world of
11th century Japan, from princely life at court and lesser government
officials, to ordinary shopkeepers and the dregs of society; all in
well-researched settings and evocative landscapes.
I. J. Parker's writing is so inviting that I try to read only a chapter
or two a day when each new book arrives so I don't finish it too quickly!
Though I have revisited a few of my favorites several times, I recently
started on the whole series in chronological order again. Obviously, I
recommend all of the Sugawara Akitada mysteries to anyone with an interest
in Heian Japan (more fun and accessible than The Tale of Genji), or folks
who simply want a break from cozy amateur sleuths or the usual cops and
suspects.
A great long-running series -- highly recommended (5 stars) -
September 15, 2018
A beautifully written, fascinating mystery set in 11th century Japan
during the Heian Period. Unlike many long-running series, I.J. Parker's
Akitada Sugawara novels never go stale. All the books are full of
informative historical and cultural details that really bring Heian Period
Japan to life. The mysteries are also compelling and often poignant. The
characters are not static but continue to evolve and develop as they age. I
appreciate that Parker has not made Sugawara into an idealized "Mary Sue"
character, but portrayed him as a complex 3D character with flaws who
undergoes many highs and lows in both his personal and professional life.
The stories are reminiscent of another one of my favorite series, namely the
Judge Dee mysteries by Van Gulik. Readers who enjoyed that series will also
love this one. I highly recommend this series.
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