Review of Ghost With Two Hearts
Posted: 01 Apr 2025, 10:00
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ghost With Two Hearts" by michael r french.]
In Ghost With Two Hearts by Michael R. French, a young software engineer undertakes the task of returning a samurai sword to its rightful heir because he believes it's his moral obligation.
Adrian's grandfather, who fought in World War II, took a samurai sword that belonged to a fallen Japanese captain. The grandfather gave it to Adrian's father as a birthday present, who in turn gave it to Adrian as a graduation present. When Adrian takes a much-needed break from work, wanting to escape his American life, he flies to Japan, his other motive being to find the captain's surviving family. The sword had been attributed to a Kyoto swordsmith.
In Kyoto, Adrian rents a house that happens to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman, Emiko—a disgraced kami. Emiko is living with the consequences of her choices and actions, while Adrian finds himself facing the sins of his ancestor.
The story is built around Shinto and Buddhism, the prevalent religions in Japan. Adrian, a gaijin (outsider), has a lot to learn. The reader learns along with him. This aspect makes the story very insightful, especially regarding the culture in Japan.
Emiko's story had me captivated. I was eager to learn about her past, present, and fate, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved that I couldn't guess any part of her story; every part of it was a revelation. Josh was another character that I loved. His and Adrian's friendship was admirable; everyone would love a friend who'd fly halfway across the world for them.
That said, I found the story a little slow and difficult to get into in the beginning. I think mentioning the sword earlier would help make the reader anticipate. That wasn't until the third chapter.
I also thought Adrian found the katana's rightful family too easily. Both Adrian and his father stressed how difficult it was going to be, likening the task to that of finding a needle in a haystack. I was a little disappointed because I expected a challenge, but I also saw that that part had to be done with for the rest of the story to 'begin.' A big part of the story depended on that moment.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I'm deducting one star for the above reasons and because I noticed more than ten errors. Also, I did not like how Adrian's story ended—the uncertainty surrounding his future. I do not give it a lower rating because I enjoyed the story. I recommend it to anyone interested in the culture and religious beliefs in Japan.
******
Ghost With Two Hearts
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Ghost With Two Hearts by Michael R. French, a young software engineer undertakes the task of returning a samurai sword to its rightful heir because he believes it's his moral obligation.
Adrian's grandfather, who fought in World War II, took a samurai sword that belonged to a fallen Japanese captain. The grandfather gave it to Adrian's father as a birthday present, who in turn gave it to Adrian as a graduation present. When Adrian takes a much-needed break from work, wanting to escape his American life, he flies to Japan, his other motive being to find the captain's surviving family. The sword had been attributed to a Kyoto swordsmith.
In Kyoto, Adrian rents a house that happens to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman, Emiko—a disgraced kami. Emiko is living with the consequences of her choices and actions, while Adrian finds himself facing the sins of his ancestor.
The story is built around Shinto and Buddhism, the prevalent religions in Japan. Adrian, a gaijin (outsider), has a lot to learn. The reader learns along with him. This aspect makes the story very insightful, especially regarding the culture in Japan.
Emiko's story had me captivated. I was eager to learn about her past, present, and fate, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved that I couldn't guess any part of her story; every part of it was a revelation. Josh was another character that I loved. His and Adrian's friendship was admirable; everyone would love a friend who'd fly halfway across the world for them.
That said, I found the story a little slow and difficult to get into in the beginning. I think mentioning the sword earlier would help make the reader anticipate. That wasn't until the third chapter.
I also thought Adrian found the katana's rightful family too easily. Both Adrian and his father stressed how difficult it was going to be, likening the task to that of finding a needle in a haystack. I was a little disappointed because I expected a challenge, but I also saw that that part had to be done with for the rest of the story to 'begin.' A big part of the story depended on that moment.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I'm deducting one star for the above reasons and because I noticed more than ten errors. Also, I did not like how Adrian's story ended—the uncertainty surrounding his future. I do not give it a lower rating because I enjoyed the story. I recommend it to anyone interested in the culture and religious beliefs in Japan.
******
Ghost With Two Hearts
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon