I really loved the First book in this series and I believe this book follows through with alot of the same styles and portrayals of the characters. The one things I have to say about his book is the continuous undertone of anit-male sediment in half of the story line. In the first book, Lian writes accurately of the male dominance role of the time and within the Japanese culture and seems to fit well within the story line. However, I felt with Grass in the Pillow, the continuous anti-male story segments seemed to be a little over the top where the segments fit less into the story line and more towards the bias of the Author.

All 3 books are very enjoyable

this book was even better than the first story. but you had to have heard the nightgale story first. the details and story line was fabulous. i was so captivated by this story, i listened to parts over and over before progressing forward. i felt in love with the two main characters of the book.

This book was a miserable, half hearted, poorly crafted, unimaginative pile of poop. Hey! Give me break!! I have read The Arabian Nights and I can recognize Scarlet O'Hara when I see her. I don't mind a little plagiarism but lifting hold story lines is just laziness. This author will have to use those creative powers to be a little more original.

The book is well written - entertaining and intriguing. The audio presentation is delightful. The voices and presentation compliment the text - it highlights the duality of the story. As I listen, I hear not only the tale, but also the conversation between two lovers as their fate unfolds.
Few good works capture the essence of companionship, even when isolated, as well as this trilogy. Fewer still audio presentations faithfully capture that undercurrent and weave it into the reading itself.
I recommend this to other audiobook newbies like myself as an example of when the medium can compliment the author's tale.

I enjoyed book one of this trilogy but this second book is unbearable! Throughout book one the female main character dealt with the patriarchal society in which she lived by using her intellect, her wit and, at times, her physical strength and skill with weapons. Usually she anticipated her opponent's next move. Always she was subversive. I wanted her to win.

Book two however, has a lot of in-your-face male bashing. It's over the top with its preaching.

Sorry but I just can't finish listening to this one.

This is a entertaining book that is well written. Make sure to read this after the first one.

Boring, predictable, shallow story and characters...couldn't finish this one, or part 1 either. These stories will wind up in the "read and please don't bother to return" scrap pile at the library in no time.