Across a Bridge of Dreams is the compelling journey of forbidden love in turbulent nineteenth century Japan. The novel is set in the aftermath of civil war during a period of fast industrial progression. Despite the social developments, the war is not over and we follow the intensifying conflict between the northern Aizu clan and the southern Satsuma clan.

Downer bridges this North and South divide through her portrayal of the lovers Nobu and Taka. Nobu is from the Aizu clan, many of who were slaughtered in a civil war against the Satsuma clan, and Taka’s father, General Kitaoka, is the leader of their southern enemies, the Satsuma clan.  Nobu and Taka’s love is stretched to unimaginable lengths as they are forced to choose between their families, their country and each other.

Downer grew up in China but it is Japan that continues to fascinate her; after fifteen years in the country she has developed an incredible knowledge of the country, which gives fantastic historical accuracy to her novel. Yet she has not belaboured historical fact and instead crafts Across A Bridge Of Dreams from the driving force of Nobu and Taka’s relationship.

Particularly interesting also is Downer’s interest in the world of the geisha; a crucial part of old Japan which still very few know about. Through this connection to fundamental elements of what Japan really is, Downer links the north with the south and the old world with the new.

Although initially daunting in length, the simple beauty in the relationship between Downer’s protagonists engrossing, and watching history unfold through the lives of Downer’s characters provides an imaginative opportunity to learn about an often over-looked history. Beautiful and thought provoking, Across A Bridge Of Dreams is a novel I am glad I took the time to read.

 

Across A Bridge Of Dreams is available now from Random House.

Words: Hannah Shearer