Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka

I loved this book! Besides simply being in love with Japanese culture, I read this book with great enjoyment. It's point is very intricately submerged into 19th century's Japan, great kingdom on it's very unknown way to the future. And this point concerns all human beings, for it treats the never paling theme of life, it's purpose, and death.
I can not decide which part of this saga is better: I, the chronological epic tale with it's emphasis on samurais, or II, the almost lyrically inspired stories about the past and the future of our main characters in it's amazing twisted whirlwind.
This is a true literature gem!

I finished reading Autumn Bridge, authored by Takashi Matsuoka and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I will read Cloud of Sparrows straight away!

I have traveled in the Pacific Rim and have an interest in the various cultures there. I believe this book provides a keen insight into the Japanese culture. A novel yes, but many aspects of the book filled in gaps of my travel related cultural experiences.

The story is intricately threaded through time periods, royal ancestral blood lines, etc. and elegantly concluded. The mysticism and philosophy are the attributes which I feel make the succint story compelling and profoundly thought provoking. The book traverses back and forth between these elements and at one point with characters dementia, and perceived visionary gift/curse/ancestral right.

Bravo Mr. Matsuoka!