Blossoms and Shadows (2010)

When the rumblings of a new age are upon your life, what would you do? Grasp it by both hands and give into the storm, I hope. That’s exactly what Tsuru, the heroine from Blossoms and Shadows, does and guess where that takes her. Just where she wants to be, surrounded by the possibilities of modernity.

Written by Australian author Lian Hearn (or Gillian Rubinstein) of the Tales of the Otori fame, Blossoms and Shadows is a courageous tale of a woman who dares to subvert traditional norms and aspires to new heights reserved only for her male compatriots.

Set in Japan, the novel is a work of historical fiction, which covers events leading up to the Meiji Restoration of 1868. It is seen through the eyes of Tsuru, a young woman with a deep seated desire to learn medicine, explore her world and be a part of all the changes taking place around her.

Tsuru is a perceptive, thoughtful and sensitive woman, which does nothing to detract from being strong-willed, determined and adaptable. It’s the making of a wise woman and you can’t help but be drawn to her. She wants to be a doctor, and that remains her constant aim in life. Practising medicine gives her an identity devoid of the traditional roles, and brings her respect and authority.

The novel begins with a sense of unease. The new generation is looking for change, modernity and education. They can feel the advance of foreign powers, but suspect their traditional methods will not stand the test when the day comes. Turmoil and disputes reign between the shogun, samurai, bakufu and the rebelling youth.

Author Lian Hearn (© www.lianhearn.com)

What leads on from there is a tumultuous unravelling of events that touch on every aspect of Tsuru’s life. Her family life, marriage, friendships, kinships and community are challenged alike. Some go mad because of an innate sense of repression; others go far away in search of new beginnings; most die violent deaths – escape and release come in all forms. It takes great courage for her to deal with these changes and still keep her place in this rapidly changing world.

Blossoms and Shadows is like a gathering storm; forces are summoned, meetings are held, deals are made and plans are agreed on. The ensuing wars and their ravages are haunting, with injuries and treatments equally horrific. Although Tsuru is caught up in all of this, quick thinking and the ability to adapt ensure her survival.

Our heroine is not so fortunate in love. Although I’d like to believe that what doesn’t break her, makes her, it’s still hard to watch the agony of desire. There is passion and adventure in store for her, and what she does in the name of this love adds wonderful shock value to the whole narrative.

Another cover of Blossoms and Shadows
(© www.lianhearn.com)

Foreign powers dazzle the Japanese youth with their scientific and technical advances. The latter’s hunger for similar knowledge is insatiable, but traditions and mistrust hold them back. Education forms a key part of their lives, and their heated debates and philosophical musings reveal much of their personalities. But playing politics can be confusing and deadly, and it breaks a heart to see such wasted youth.

The different narrative voices can be a little confusing at times, but they add variety and depth to the characters and the events. It’s also indicative of what is not accessible to Tsuru, being a woman. At the same time, it is a clever way to delve into the innermost thoughts of intensely private individuals who show no trust in another.

Blossoms and Shadows makes for pleasant reading, with plenty of excitement and intense moments. I especially admire the simplicity of expression that magnifies the triumphs and tragedies alike. Of course, the new age is not without its complexities and unresolved tensions. But what really matters is the survivors, for they are the leaders and the thinkers who have placed Japan on the world map, and we are called on to live through Tsuru to see what this world has to offer these men and women.