A review by theesotericcamel
Fudoki by Kij Johnson

5.0

This book was what I needed to read at the the time! It is hard to explain... I feel that in a recent past life, I myself was a feral creature. Be that as it may, Johnson really did her research when it comes to period drama. There are a lot of fine details in the story that make it seem believable, especially as an expat living in Japan for many years who also love Japanese History. I also really loved how the main character still kept her cat-like nature even despite being a human. And how her cat abilities translated themselves into her battle prowess. I was traveling the area the story took place in as I was reading it, which was an added treat! I was also impressed by how the story kept rocking between Kagaya-Hime, the Cat Warrior, and Harueme, a princess of the Heian period court of the time who is writing the story we read. A really good cross section of Japan during the Heian Period indeed! It is a meta-fictional work still manages to be a fairly accurate historical fiction. Did I mention that it is a sequel of sorts? Those that wish to experience the entire story from the ingress should check out "The Fox Woman" by the same author. some of the character and themes cary through into this one.... And makes me hope that there are more to follow! (Where is the Tanuki story?!)