Cover image credit: Amazon.com
This well-researched historical novel totally drew me in. Sumi, a samurai’s daughter in the mid-19th century, respects her culture’s traditional Japanese ways, yet finds them too restrictive. She has dreams beyond needlework and flower arranging–dreams that shock most of her relatives.
In The Year of the Barbarian, Boyles paints a lovely portrait of a girl who is curious about and intrigued by the Americans who are starting to work in her city–but at the same time, bewildered and even scandalized by their strange manners. Her curiosity and open-mindedness threaten her safety more than once. Worse, they could cause trouble for her family.
I highly recommend this book as a Great Weekend Read. And don’t miss Dragonfly Wings, the next in the trilogy.
You can get acquainted with the author at her website by clicking here.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
Jan C Johnson, Writer 
Jan, What a lovely surprise to open your blog and find the review and recommendation! It brought bright sunshine into a difficult evening for me. The Lord has given me a beautiful promise in Psalm 92:14-15, but I often lose my focus on His truth. Your kind article helped me turn my eyes on the Lord’s goodness and possibilities,
Thank you so very much! ?? (And I hope some readers take your advice. ?? ) ________________________________
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I was happy to recommend both books! (I’d normally add a “trackback” to notify you of the post, but I’m kind of rusty and forgot.)
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Sounds good!
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