Grass For His Pillow: Tales of Otori, Book Two

Grass for His Pillow, the second book in the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn, continues the captivating narrative set in the medieval Japan of Hearn's creation. This land, marked by harsh beauty and deceptive appearances, is the backdrop for a complex social hierarchy, where dissembling clans and fractured allegiances leave no room for passionate young love.

The first book in the series, Across the Nightingale Floor, was an international bestseller and critical success, praised for its epic scope and descriptive detail. It was named by the London Times as "the most compelling novel to have been published that year." Now, with Grass for His Pillow, readers are once again immersed in this richly imagined world.

At the heart of the story are the protagonists, Takeo and Shirakawa Kaede. Takeo, an orphan, has been condemned to work as an assassin, an enforced occupation that his father sacrificed his own life to escape. Meanwhile, Kaede, the heir to the Murayama and alone in the world, must find a way to unify the domain she has inherited, all while fending off the advances of would-be suitors and clinging to the hope that Takeo will return to her.

The series, which also includes the related tale The Tale of Shikanoko, has been praised for its immersive and captivating storytelling. Readers are transported to a world where the lines between loyalty and betrayal, love and duty, are often blurred. The intricate social dynamics and the characters' personal struggles are woven together to create a rich and compelling narrative.

Lian Hearn's masterful use of descriptive detail brings the medieval Japanese setting to life, allowing readers to feel the harsh beauty of the land and the weight of the characters' choices. The complex social hierarchy and the dissembling clans add an element of intrigue and drama, as the characters navigate the treacherous world they inhabit.

Through the narrative, Hearn explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the power of love to transcend the constraints of a rigid social order. The characters' journeys, filled with both triumph and heartbreak, resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impression.

The continuation of the Tales of the Otori series in Grass for His Pillow promises to captivate readers once again, taking them deeper into the intricate world of Lian Hearn's creation. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, this book is a must-read for fans of epic historical fiction and those seeking a truly immersive reading experience.

product information: