The Year of the Barbarian

By Elizabeth Ann Boyles

Description:

Sumi Taguchi, a samurai’s daughter, eagerly anticipates the arrival of foreigners from the West, who will end Japan’s centuries-long isolation from the world. Maybe these foreigners will bring answers to life’s troublesome riddles. But to be free to meet these newcomers, she must first avoid a nightmarish betrothal and the fallout from her rash curiosity.

The young New York merchant, John Cardiff, risks his inheritance by sailing to the far side of the world. His fascination with Japan leads to a tantalizing, but dangerous trading venture. As trouble mounts, he dreads the shipwreck of not only his sail ship but his life.

“The Year of the Barbarian delivers a perfect blend of adventure, political intrigue, and an epic clash of culture!” –Elizabeth Camden, recipient of the RITA, Christy, and Carol awards.

Book Takeaway:

The reader will gain insights into mid-nineteenth century Japan and see how providence can cause people of two very different cultures to meet and begin to appreciate their common humanity.

Awards:

Why the author wrote this book:

The Japanese culture has fascinated me ever since I lived in Japan in my twenties, representing a Christian organization. I believe that the unusual setting offers a way to present the reality of God and his redeeming love to Americans and people with an Asian heritage without coming across as preachy.