Grass for His Pillow: The Otori Trilogy

Unabridged
Author: Lian Hearn
Narrator: Various .
Genres: Fantasy, History, Fiction
Publisher: Highbridge Audio
Date: October 2007
Length: 9 hours, 30 minutes
Ratings:
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

In Book I of the Otori trilogy, "Across the Nightingale Floor", Lian Hearn created a wholly original, fully-realized fantasy world where great powers clashed and young love dawned against a dazzling and mystical landscape. "Nightingale" was named a "New York Times Notable Book of the Year", one of Book magazine's best novels of the year, and one of School Library Journal's Best Adult Books for High School Readers. In this second tale, we return to the story of Takeo--the young orphan taken up by the Otori Lord and now a closely held member of the Tribe--and his beloved Shirakawa Kaede, heir to the Maruyama, who must find a way to unify the domain she has inherited. In a complex social hierarchy, amid dissembling clans and fractured alliances, there is no place for passionate love. Yet Takeo and Kaede, drawing on their unusual talents and hidden strengths, find ways both to nurture their intense personal bond and to honor the best interests of their people. Like its predecessor, "Grass for His Pillow" is a transcendent work of storytelling--epic in scope, shimmering with imagination, and graced in equal measure with rapturous writing and exhilarating action.

Reviews (2)

Grass for His Pillow

Written by Mark Pope on May 13th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

"Grass for His Pillow" is a very good read, however it does not quite match up with Book 1 of the Otori trilogy. Book Lian Hearn created a very unique and colorful world in "Across the Nightingale Floor." Many of the characteristics that made the first book truly unique and mesmerizing continue. The insight into the mindset of a different culture and time is genius and the subtle blending of faith, religion, and the supernatural into the plot serve to enhance rather than overshadow basic human desire and need. However, I felt the author sped by some key moments in the lives of the characters that I would loved to have explored in-depth. Perhaps it is just my selfish nature as I approach the last book fully aware of the impending conclusion yet yearning to know more about the characters I have taken so close to heart. Regardless, a good read.

Grass for His pillow

Written by Jo Lindsey on November 13th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This was the second of the Otori series and I loved it as much as I loved the Nightingale Floor. The story of Takeo and Kaede's fight to stay together and to protect their domains is epic in scope and facinating to read. You are never certain what is going to happen next but you can not wait to find out. I listen to audio books to ease my daily commute but sometime I just sit in the car and listen even after I have reached my destination.