Cloud of Sparrows

By: Takashi Matsuoka

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Enter a world of samurai and geishas, ninjas and Zen masters in this “rousing tale of Shogun Japan” (New York Post) from the acclaimed author of Autumn Bridge.

“Triumphant . . . terrific . . . This is a riveting read, alternately playful and suspenseful.”—People

The year is 1861. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has opened its doors to the West. And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has arrived to spread the word of their God. They have yet to realize that their future in Japan has already been foreseen. For a young nobleman has dreamt that his life will be saved by an outsider in the New Year . . . and it is said that Lord Genji has the gift of prophecy.

What happens next—when the handsome lord meets an apparently reformed gunslinger and a woman in flight from her own destructive beauty—sets the stage for a remarkable adventure. For as this unlikely band embarks on a journey through a landscape bristling with danger, East and West, flesh and spirit, past and future, collide in ways no one—least of all Genji—could have imagined.©2002 Takashi Matsuoka (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Exotic, entertaining ... [an] exceptional first novel.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

"The book seizes you from start to finish.” (The Washington Post)

“Adventure-filled.” (Entertainment Weekly)

Good Quality Semi-historical Fiction

An enjoyable read, Lots of blood and guts, honor, and some pretty good characters. A bit of a slow start, but an excellent choice while you are waiting for the third book in The Otori Trilogy. Not the same level as Across the Nightingale Floor, but close.

Very entertaining

I really liked this book, its characters, and its subject matter. I saw one review that compared it to Lian Hearn's books. The topics are similar but the style, plot, tone and overall feeling are all very different. That comparison doesn't seem justified or accurate. I think this is an enjoyable book and very fascinating in its own way. I recommend it.

Just "OK"

I was hoping for the beautiful imagery that was brought to life by a great narrator in a book like Across the Nightingale Floor, but I was disappointed. This is an OK book but not one I would move to the top of someone’s must read list. Again this wasn’t bad it was just OK.

Tremendous piece of Art

The book contains the Japanese traditions intertwined within subliminal take of love, bravery & sacrifice which find it’s path within each reader.

The book takes you into a time of Japan transformation & unfolding a new era of prosperity & advance.

The book is an epic tale that shall take you into your deepest consciousness depths...

A Very Enjoyable Listen!

Oh to have lived in that time and place! A great story of honor, duty, and betrayel. If you liked Shogun, you'll enjoy cloud of sparrows.

Sense of change

The story takes us to the time when Japan was thrust into the Industrial Age of Europe and the U.S. They adopted quickly to modern arms but held onto the old samari code as we saw in WWII.
Sometimes the names were confusing but the principle characters remained clear.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and narrator.

If you like Shogun you should like this

Awesome on book 2 now, interesting the author seems to have stopped writing, that is a true shame as this book is fantastic and part 2 starting off very good.

Solid escapism, a good read.

Set before the Meiji Restoration, East meets West with both protagonists from both cultures using each other to achieve personal and political gains. Throw in a little mysticism and ninja action and you have an entertaining story. Grover Gardner keeps the listener engaged and delivers a fine performance.

Fun listen.

The story was exciting. Kept me going during workouts. Didn't like narrator very much. Narrator sounded a bit pompous or condescending at times, or overly dramatic. But overall, definitely worth listening.

Very good!

I enjoyed this story, somewhat reminiscent of Clavell's Shogun but written with a greater perception of the Japanese viewpoint - well, of course since the author is Japanese.
Very well written and translated, good balanced characterizations, likable characters, fast moving plot and a satisfying outcome. What more could one want? The next book by the same author!