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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Naomi Hirahara's SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN.
Eleanor from Grapeview, WA
Have you previously read a book by Naomi Hirahara?
This is the first book I have read by Naomi Hirahara.
What authors do you usually read?
I read a very wide range of literary fiction, nonfiction, history and some mystery and science fiction novels. My favorite mystery authors are Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine and Minette Walters --- I enjoy psychological suspense.
What did you think of SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN?
I thoroughly enjoyed SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN. Mas is a new and different type of protagonist --- taciturn but kind, keen but reticent, living by his own rules of personal integrity. I thought the novel was very well-plotted --- it kept me guessing --- and I particularly enjoyed the insights into Japanese and Okinawan culture that the author includes. I was also impressed by her handling of the relationships between characters, which struck me as much more nuanced than in the usual mystery novel. A very good and satisfying read.
Would you ever read a future book by Naomi Hirahara?
I would definitely read a future book by the author.
Kimberly from Williamsport, PA
Have you previously read a book by Naomi Hirahara?
This is the first book by Naomi Hirahara that I have read.
What authors do you usually read?
Authors that I usually read include Anne Tyler, Alice Hoffman, Umberto Eco, Amy Tan and Kazuo Ishiguro. I gravitate toward literary fiction with an international flavor.
What did you think of SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN?
I enjoyed SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN very much. Ms. Hirahara does a great job with character development. I don't often read mysteries, but the characterization of the Japanese-American community elevated the writing above the standard genre. The plot was well paced and there were no annoying "red herrings" commonly found in lesser books. The central character, Mas, quietly managed to ease himself into every scene, almost reluctantly. Mas was the best aspect of the book because he appears at first to be a stoic curmudgeon, but is actually a man of great depth and is a loyal friend in his community.
Would you ever read a future book by Naomi Hirahara?
I enjoy historical fiction. The plight of Japanese-Americans during World War II figures prominently in the plot and shapes the characters. I haven't read either of Ms. Hirahara's other books, but I assume that Mas is the central character in both of those. There are references about his past that I deduce have been the subject of previous books. It doesn't diminish the enjoyment of the current book, but I did get the feeling that I was missing something. Maybe I'll find the time to read them because I did like Mas Arai very much.
Sue from Columbus, GA
Have you previously read a book by Naomi Hirahara?
I have not read anything by her previously.
What authors do you usually read?
I read a variety of books --- fiction and nonfiction. In fiction I enjoy (among others) Janet Evanovich, Lee Child, Madeleine L'Engle, Mary Doria Russell, Diana Gabaldon, Karin Slaughter, Virginia Lanier, Nelson DeMille, Kinky Friedman and Amy Tan.
What did you think of SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN?
It began a little slowly for me, as I got used to the dialect and the character. Otherwise, I thought it was well done. It is something I would look for in a "new to me" author, one who writes well and also teaches me something! Throughout the book, I felt that I was learning a little more about the Japanese people who lived in America over the generations since World War II. The fact that there were two mysteries tied together was a bonus.
Would you ever read a future book by Naomi Hirahara?
I would like to read more by Hirahara. I think I would like to go back to the earlier fiction work to see the growth of her writing as well.
Robert from Cincinnati, OH
Have you previously read a book by Naomi Hirahara?
No.
What authors do you usually read?
Faye and Jonathan Kellerman, W.E.B. Griffin, G.M. Ford --- almost anything mystery, action adventure and cops.
What did you think of SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN?
Interesting mix of detective, Japanese-American, and California life. I did find trying to read the Phonetic Japanese English mix a trial at times. I sometimes would have to reread to understand the sentence. It might be nice to have an appendix or something at the beginning to give meanings of the full Japanese words so their context can be understood. The characters are well rounded and the writing is good.
Would you ever read a future book by Naomi Hirahara?
Yes.
Shaun from Leoma, TN
Have you previously read a book by Naomi Hirahara?
No, I haven't.
What authors do you usually read?
Stephen King.
What did you think of SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN?
It was an interesting storyline. The lead character's role was very awesome.
Would you ever read a future book by Naomi Hirahara?
Yes.
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