Title: Der Pfad im Schnee
Author: Lian Hearn
First published August 11, 2003
398 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9783551581105 (ISBN10: 355158110X)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
With no other choice left, I darted out from behind the protection of the pine trees and started running down the slope. As I turned towards the river, I caught a glimpse of my enemy rising from the snow, dressed entirely in white.
And then, the black abyss opened up beneath me and I leaped.
In Der Pfad im Schnee, Takeo, the heir of the powerful Otori clan, has surrendered himself to the enigmatic Tribe after the death of his adopted father, Shigeru. He must renounce his childhood beliefs, his right to wealth, land and power, and his love for Kaede.
Failure to do so would result in his execution. But Takeo cannot comply with the Tribe’s strict and brutal rules; his connection to the Otori and his love for Kaede are too powerful.
He flees and embarks on a perilous journey through the mountains in the midst of a harsh winter. Meanwhile, Kaede, now a valuable pawn in the hands of ruthless warlords, must use her intelligence and beauty to survive in a world full of power-hungry men.
Men who must never discover that she is carrying Takeo’s child…
About the Author
Lian Hearn’s much-loved Tales of the Otori series takes place in a fictional feudal Japan and has been translated into almost 40 languages, selling over four million copies worldwide. The series consists of five volumes: ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR, GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW, BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON, THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON, and HEAVEN’S NET IS WIDE.
Hearn also wrote two independent novels, BLOSSOMS AND SHADOWS and THE STORYTELLER AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, both of which are set in Japan.
Her latest series, The Tale of Shikanoko, will be published in four volumes by FSG in 2016. EMPEROR OF EIGHT ISLANDS, the first book, will be released in late April 2016, followed by book 2: AUTUMN PRINCESS, DRAGON CHILD (June), book 3: LORD OF THE DARKWOOD (August), and the final book, THE TENGU’S GAME OF GO, set to release in late September 2016.
Hearn has visited Japan many times and studied the Japanese language. She attended Oxford University, where she studied Modern Languages, and worked as an editor and film critic in England before moving to Australia.
Editoral Review
Der Pfad im Schnee – a historical fiction novel by Lian Hearn – takes the reader on a riveting journey through 17th century Japan. The author, known for her bestselling Tales of the Otori series, beautifully weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and honor in this standalone novel that has captivated readers worldwide.
Set in the Edo period, Der Pfad im Schnee follows the story of a young woman named Kaede, who has lived in isolation for most of her life. Born to a noble family, she is forced into a political marriage with Lord Daisho, a powerful samurai.
As she navigates the maze of court intrigue, Kaede forms a forbidden friendship with a servant named Taka, only to find that their relationship may have dangerous consequences.
Hearn masterfully paints a vivid picture of a world where duty and tradition are paramount, and where women have little agency.
However, she also reveals subtle ways in which women try to push back against these conventions, showing how they navigate their constraints with intelligence and cunning.
The novel is full of complex, multi-dimensional characters that the readers will root for and empathize with, from the sympathetic Kaede who struggles to make her voice heard, to the stoic Lord Daisho who is consumed by his duty.
Hearn’s attention to historical accuracy is also noteworthy, as she brings to life a world that was unfamiliar to many readers before the book’s publication.
Der Pfad im Schnee is not without its flaws, however.
The pacing can be slow in some parts, as Hearn spends a considerable amount of time building the world and setting up the characters. Additionally, some readers may be disappointed by the lack of action and the absence of major plot twists.
Overall, Der Pfad im Schnee is highly recommended for fans of Japanese literature or historical fiction. Hearn’s elegant writing style will appeal to those who appreciate lyrical prose, and her nuanced portrayal of characters will appeal to those who demand depth and complexity.
The book’s themes of love and sacrifice are timeless, making it relevant even today. On a scale of one to five, I would give Der Pfad im Schnee a solid four, based on my appreciation for its strengths and the aforementioned weaknesses.
