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I[ngrid] J Parker

I[ngrid] J Parker

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Mysteries of the East > Japanese > I[ngrid] J Parker
1955?- ; German, American
The Sugawara Akitada novels of I.J. Parker
TitleDate originally publishedeBook available?In print?
Rashomon Gate2002NoYes
The Hell Screen2003NoYes
Dragon Scroll2005NoYes
Black Arrow2006NoYes
Island of Exiles2007YesYes
The Convict's Sword2009YesYes

 Announcements

Ordering of titles 
by Michael Robert BroschatNo presence information
 1/24/2009 7:54 PM
According to her Wikipedia entry, Ms Parker prefers the chronological ordering of her books, as reflected in the story contents.
 
See the Wikipedia entry, for said ordering.
 

 Reviews of Sugawara Akitada novels

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Review text
Review of The Convict's Sword
Although it is recommended that one read these books in order, The Convict's Sword stands alone nicely.
The story centers on Lord Sugawara Akitada, a senior member of the Justice Department during the 11th century, and Tora, who works for Lord Sugawara as member of his household.  Lord Sugawara is trying to find out the truth behind his friend's double murder conviction.  Meanwhile, Tora is trying to find out who killed his friend, the blind street singer.  All this becomes intertwined.  Lord Sugawara faces conflict with both family and social duty and his job.  The ending is both happy and sad. 
 
The setting shows us how different life was in the 11th century compared to modern day Japan.  Women could either marry or become prostitutes.  Legitimate careers for women were practically nonexistent.  If a woman's husband died, the woman would face real hardship, often losing her home and sometimes her children, too.  This novel describes what could happen to unfortunate women.
 
The Convict's Sword is worth reading.
--Teresa Tokuno Franks, Aug 2009
 
 
 
I[ngrid] J Parker

 Links

 Wikipedia entry
 Author's personal site
 Page on CrimeSpace