A historical novel based on the real character of Thomas Glover, the 'Scottish Samurai'. Part love story part adventure, it follows Glover's life and his contribution to the making of modern Japan. The opening chapter is a real hook, beginning as it does in Nagasaki 1945, before taking the reader back in time to the start of Glover's story in the 1850s and 60s. The final chapters are also superb, bringing together the stories of the various key characters we have met along the way. The last chapter is particularly poignant.

Only three stars from me because sometimes I found the historical references 'dry', reading a little like a chronological list of events and stilting the flow of the narrative. However, for the most part, the novel moves at an adventurous pace, so well worth consideration if you are particularly interested in the history and development of Japan.