Stranger in the Shogun's City

Name: Stranger in the Shogun's City
Brand: Vintage Publishing
SKU: 9781784708139
Price: 26.0 NZD
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A Woman’s Life in Nineteenth-Century Japan

By Amy Stanley

3.77

( 2,112 ratings, 347 reviews)

Summary

Stranger in the Shogun's City by Amy Stanley explores the life of Tsuneno, a determined woman in 19th-century Japan. She escapes rural constraints to start anew in the bustling city of Edo. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the era’s social and cultural landscape, highlighting Tsuneno's resilience amidst the upheavals of a rapidly changing world.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by historical narratives and personal stories set in Edo-period Japan. It offers a vivid and engaging portrayal of daily life during a transformative era through the eyes of an unconventional woman, blending meticulous scholarship with a compelling narrative style.

Stranger in the Shogun's City

Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2020, a vivid work of history that explores the life of an unconventional woman in Edo - now known as Tokyo - and a portrait of a great city on the brink of momentous change

'Compelling...

Description

Stranger in the Shogun's City by Amy Stanley is a captivating narrative that explores the vibrant and dynamic world of Edo, now known as Tokyo, during the early 19th century. Through the life of an unconventional woman named Tsuneno, the book offers a unique and refreshing perspective on Japanese history, placing women's lives at the forefront of the historical narrative.

Born in 1804 in a remote village in Japan's snow country, Tsuneno was the daughter of a Buddhist priest and was expected to follow a traditional path similar to her mother's. However, Tsuneno's story takes a different turn. After enduring three tumultuous marriages, her bold and strong-willed nature led her to defy societal expectations and seek a new life in the bustling city of Edo. This city, on the brink of monumental change, becomes the backdrop for Tsuneno's journey as she endeavours to recreate her life and pursue her own path.

In Stranger in the Shogun's City, Amy Stanley vividly reconstructs Tsuneno's world, providing an immersive experience that transports readers to a time of significant transformation in Japan. The book is not just a biography; it is a window into the drama, excitement, and challenges of a society undergoing significant change.

The work has been widely acclaimed for its compelling storytelling and meticulous historical research. The Guardian describes it as 'compelling... deeply absorbing,' while the TLS praises Stanley for building up a picture of Tsuneno's world, likening it to an experience akin to time travel.

Stranger in the Shogun's City has garnered several prestigious accolades, including:

Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography 2020
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Biography 2021
Winner of the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography
Longlisted for the HWA Non-Fiction Crown
Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2020

Amy Stanley's masterful narrative not only recounts the life of a remarkable woman but also offers a new understanding of how historical events shaped and were shaped by the lives of women. Stranger in the Shogun's City is an essential read for anyone interested in Japanese history, women's studies, or the rich tapestry of human resilience and transformation.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Stranger in the Shogun's City by Amy Stanley paints an immersive portrait of Edo-period Japan through the life of Tsuneno. The book skillfully reconstructs her journey from rural anonymity to the bustling metropolis of Edo, offering a vivid depiction of a society on the verge of transformation. Reviews commend Stanley's meticulous research and engaging narrative, celebrating Tsuneno's relatable struggles and perseverance amidst historical change.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784708139

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 285g

Pages: 352

Collections

Amy Stanley Asian History Biography & Memoir Education & Reference History & Military Non-Fiction Political Biographies

About the Author

Amy Stanley received her PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. During her graduate training, she spent years studying in Japan at Kansai University (Osaka) and Waseda University (Tokyo). She is now an associate professor of History at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, but Tokyo will always be her favourite city in the world. Stranger in the Shogun's City won the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography, the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction and the HWA Non-Fiction Crown Award.