Across the Nightingale floor by the British Australian authoress Lian Hearn, was first published by Macmillan in 2002.
Wrapped Up In the Mystycism
Within the first few pages, one becomes absorbed in the folkloric world of ancient Japan, where tribes compete for control of vast areas of wilderness. The ancient land of complex codes, artistry and tradition are described in vivid detail.It doesn't seem too far-fetched when the main character battles against the tyrants and succeeds in disappearing during a violent exchange. He creates a 'second self', who then outwits his enemy and flees to the mountains. In any other novel such a supernatural occurrence would seem bizarre, but the author cleverly weaves her words to create a mythological world where the surreal becomes commonplace.
Warriors In a Faraway Land
The young man in question is rescued from the clutches of the tyrannical oppressors by Lord Otori. He is given the name Takeo and is welcomed into the new tribe. Here he will learn new battle tactics and be privy to the secret techniques of the Otori clan. Takeo very quickly becomes an adopted son of Lord Otori and has all of the privileges bestowed on him which the title carries.
Fidelity and honour are held as the highest attributes of the Otori tribe. The clan knows that their territory is susceptible to barbaric invasions from all sides.
The author injects some romance into the proceedings with the emergence of Kaede, a young woman who is living a slave-like existence with a nearby tribe. She accepts her lot in life for the sake of her parents and the family honour, and it is not until the mysterious Takeo makes an appearance that she is jolted out of her stupour.It could quite easily become a mushy love story, but instead it remains a sweet and uplifting tale.
Hidden Secrets
We are lulled into a false sense of security as Hearn describes how Takeo's violent past is safely behind him in the bosom of a new family. Lord Otori however , holds several secrets ,and Tasheo's future path will be a dangerous one. Takeo comes from the Hidden-a secret band of warriors who have powers beyond human capability. From extraordinary aural skills to the ability to create 'second selves', the elite tribe are much sought after.
The suspense in the final chapters is built up to a crescendo of activity as Takeo pushes himself to the limits. Lord Otori is his family by honour, if not by blood, and Tasheo will never ignore his duty. But he is torn , not only between two tribes but also because of a new love in the form of Kaede.
Duty becomes a more complex issue when warring tribes and familial connections clash. Moral dilemmas rear their ugly heads and Takeo must wrestle with his own conscience to find an answer. Which ties are stronger-blood lines or tribe lines? Lord Otori has treated him like a son, yet the Hidden are Takeo's blood relatives.
In a distant Japanese land, Lian Hearn has created a land of fierce fighting, strict codes and mystical places. Enemies are not just killed. They are cruelly tortured for their crimes against honour.
To escape into such a book is to escape into another place and time. She creates a novel where we know that the willing suspension of disbelief is part and parcel of the enjoyment. She does however, include some interesting cultural facts along the way.
Lian Hearn was sponsored by Yamaguchi Prefecture's Akiyoshidai's International Arts Village, which assisted her in creating such an imaginative book.She was also awarded an Asialink Foundation in 1999 to spend three months in Japan. Her well-crafted piece of literature is all the better for it. The trilogy continues, with Grass for His Pillow published soon after.
Citation- Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn. Published originally by Macmillan in 2002 and subsequently by Picador.
Moya McDermott - Moya is interested in British cinema and literature ( both British and world literatures). On holidays she can be found in amusement ...
Join the Conversation