Beautifully written with excellent character development, we peer into the minds of each individual as they face their desire to fulfill their destinies, each one coping with their sense of order, duty and honor. To be true to one’s station, to fulfill one’s duty and preserve one’s honor is addressed by each man as they live their lives and find that others beyond their control are shaping their world even as they attempt to hold onto their values.
The main charter is the grandson, a confused individual who is raised by his father in a manner that was common during that time. The father loves his son, but as his father was not able to show his love, so too the father of the grandson has a difficult time showing his feelings. All the characters are restricted by doing the “proper” thing, and the honor of each man is tested at key times; all the men keep their honor and set an example for lesser men.
If you looking to escape technology or wish to harken back to a time before the rising tides of nationalism swept generations into the wars of the 20th century, then you will enjoy this little gem. This is a re-read for me (the first time was in 2012) and I look forward to my third read in a few years.
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