Lian Hearn

It is often observed that the proven quality of the first work in a trilogy is what ensures it's sequels; that the quality of the second work cannot be known until the third is complete; and that the quality of the third work will redeem or condemn the ambiguity of the second. I regret to say that Brilliance of the Moon does not live up to the promise of Across the Nightingale Floor, and reveals Grass for his Pillow as being a lesser work than it could have been.

How does it fall so far short of the promise offered by the series? Simply by failing to take advantage of the opportunities set up by the first two novels. Kaede's strength and independence are made a mockery of; Takeo's greatest victories are delivered to him in a Deus Ex Machina; the mystery of the Hidden is revealed and wasted; the dramatic potential of Takeo's prophecy is handled clumsily at best; and to add insult to injury, many of the most important and anticipated moments of the series were presented obliquely in the Afterword.

Regarding the second book, Grass for his Pillow, I commented that the loss of Shigeru so early in the story left the rest of the plot feeling like a tripod lacking the third leg. When Brilliance of the Moon yanks out the second leg of the tripod as well, by abandoning Kaede to the role of damsel in distress, disaster becomes inevitable.

However poorly the resolution of the series is handled, there are some good points to note about the book. The hints of a historical parallel to the plotline were borne out in the end (though I decline to identify them precisely, as it would constitute a spoiler). I could perhaps forgive some of the poorly handled plotting if it was intended to make the parallel match more closely. Even if that was the case, it could still have been better handled. I'm reviewing a fantasy novel rather than a piece of historical fiction, after all.

My advice on this series is to stop after the first book if you're reading it as a fantasy novel. Across the Nightingale Floor can stand alone, and the remainder of the series is downhill all the way, although the slope is mild and the journey not terribly unpleasant. Those with an interest in the subject matter may still find it worthwhile to finish the series, as the characterization of individuals and their societal values remains well handled, and the historical parallels add a level of interest to the story.

Lian Hearn continues his practice of subtle suggestion through sparse description, rather than the more traditional detailed exposition or florid prose. The characters move in front of a backdrop cunningly painted by suggestion and shadow, their own feelings and interactions sometimes added by subtle coloration and at other times bold, strong strokes.

Although Grass for his Pillow is skillfully written, it falls short of genius. Part of that judgement results from its nature as part of a series; the rest from several shortcomings that, while visible only under close examination, nevertheless represent a lack of artistry.

On the book's website, Tales of the Otori, the author indicates that the first book came to him as a story unto itself, and it was only upon finishing it that he realized the characters had more to say about their lives. That division shows here. While Across the Nightingale Floor has, in truth, three main characters: Takeo, Kaede, and Shigeru, Grass for his Pillow only has the two. Shigeru's destiny was completed in the first book, and the result feels somewhat like a tripod whose third leg is weak and prone to collapse.

Even in death (which occurred in the first book), Shigeru's presence is felt strongly. His strategy remains the guiding force behind the main character's lives, and the strength of the filial piety the characters feel towards their ancestors only makes the gap more apparant. As a storytelling decision, Shigeru's death occurred in the optimal position for the first novel, but the remainder will suffer for the lack. (It should be noted that although Shigeru's early death detracts somewhat from the story, it also serves to enhance the cultural depiction; the characters and their pseudo-Japanese society stop just short of ancestor worship in their devotion).

As with all "middle" books, how this novel is viewed depends widely upon how the series is concluded. Presumably that will happen in the third novel, Brilliance of the Moon.

I have a mild interest in certain elements of Japanese history and mythology, mainly those associated with the martial arts. This book creates authentic characters that pass my sense of realism for a pseudo-Japan, but does less well in the aspect of the martial arts; the author lends little flavor or attention to the combat, preferring to explore the ramifications of actions taken in the heat of the moment. Only by subtle hints can the reader differentiate between a duel between samurai and ninja in Hearn's world, and a more generic battle between two European knights on foot.

But these flaws apply only to the martial aspects of the work. The culture and the characters come through clearly in the manner of Sumi-e (ink painting), where simple and bold lines suggest the image to the mind rather than laying out the intricate details. I am no student of Japanese history, but I feel that there are rich parallels lurking just beneath the surface of my knowledge. This is a book that rewards contemplation, rather than merely a rousing tale of adventure.

This book is well worth the read.