The Scent of Sake

February 1, 2009
Nonfiction author, scholar, and novelist Lebra ("The Indian National Army and Japan") uses her expertise in Japanese history and culture to transport the reader to 1830s Japan in her latest novel, which centers on the life of Rie Omura, the young daughter of a successful sake brewer. Rie, like the other women of the male-dominated feudal society, has no rights and is expected to obey all the men of her household. Lebra captures the harshness of Rie's life, making visceral the heaviness of the sake barrels as she scrubs them clean in the frigid Japanese winter. Readers will become absorbed in the culture as the author describes the pervasive superstitions of 19th-century Japan; for example, women were not allowed to come near the brewery because it was believed they would pollute the sake. Based on historical records, this book is reminiscent of Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha" in its combining a portrait of Japanese culture with the harshness of a Dickens novel. Recommended for all libraries.Marika Zemke, Commerce Twp. Community Lib., MI

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2009
Adult/High School-"Personal feelings have little to do with marriage," Rie is told by her mother as they discuss her impending nuptials. "Women often find it necessary to 'kill the self.'" Rie is disappointed to discover that, indeed, she must do that to survive her marriage to Jihei, a philanderer who cannot live up to the expectation that he will run the family sake business. Nineteenth-century Japanese mores do not allow a strong woman to participate in business, but Rie; her faithful clerk, Kinnosuke; and her children build the "house" by taking risks, overcoming adversity, and defying tradition. All bend to Rie's will and behind-the-scenes business acumen. The story is rich in plot, but Rie herself is shallow. She hurts many people on her way to the top and only takes a few moments of thought before moving on to the next event. Tragedies occur but she feels none with gravity. Despite the protagonist's weaknesses, this story gives a compelling look at one woman's life and the business of brewing sake during a time when Japan was being forced to open up to the larger world. For those interested in this country, or who want to read about a strong woman during a time of repression, this is an interesting read, and it is not compromised by the leading lady's lack of introspection."Connie Williams, Kenilworth Jr. High, Petaluma, CA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
In nineteenth-century Japan, sake brewing and family duty were everything. Rie, the only surviving child of a major brewer, tries to manage both the business and her personal life. As a woman, Rie is not technically allowed to manage the business, but her behind-the-scenes work keeps the brewery running for decades, into a new age of Japanese government. Her personal life does not run as smoothly. Her personal desires are set aside out of duty. But others, including her wayward husband, are not willing to do the same. As times change, Ries children and stepchildren become increasingly difficult to control. The complex and unusual social norms and mores of nineteenth-century Japan are woven cleanly into the story line, without clumsy exposition. The unfamiliar setting allows Lebra to create a historically believable heroine that modern women can relate to, a difficult task for historical fiction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)