When I read that David Mitchell was writing a historically-based novel about a Dutch shipping clerk in pre-industrial Japan, I was a little skeptical. I'd enjoyed almost all his previous works, but I thought the tedium of a trading warehouse would pale next to his vivid fantasies of neon Tokyo in novels like number9dream. Of course, I need not have worried.

Mitchell's latest opus is brilliant. His time spent living in Japan is clearly reflected in the development of his characters. Having lived there for a long time myself, I can see his observation of (modern) Japanese mannerisms and linguistic quirks have been carefully sown into the narrative to provide real texture. Rather than wildly gesticulating at cultural differences, Mitchell manages to use his knowledge to create a host of authentic characters as viewed from a western perspective. Any depicition of a 'mystical Orient' is quite self-aware, even ironic.

Moreover, he keeps a crackling pace of events that keep the reader hooked. Somehow skirting the danger of trading post minutiae, the author ties together political intrigue, impossible romance, and battles for power within both within the Dutch trading group and between the Japanese and Dutch groups.

If you have enjoyed Mitchell's previous success in creating fascinating worlds with crisp prose, imaginative scenarios and characters you can smell, see and hear, you will not be disappointed by this latest work.

(This was my first ever review. Hope it didn't suck too much.)