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Little Sister
Little Sister
Author: Kara Dalkey
As a girl in the Japanese imperial court of the 1200s, Mitsuko is shielded from reality. But when her brother-in-law is murdered, and her family taken away by a warlord, she summons the courage to venture into the netherworld. The spirit of Mitsuko's beloved sister, still devastated by the loss of her husband, wanders between Life and Death. In...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780140386318
ISBN-10: 0140386319
Publication Date: 4/1/1998
Pages: 200
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 9

4.2 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: Puffin Books
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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ignolopi avatar reviewed Little Sister on + 11 more book reviews
Little Sister is a fantasy tale set in Heian-period Japan, where the main character is part of a noble family. There is political strife involving the violent monks of Mt. Hiei, and Mitsuko's family is forced to flee their home. During their journey the monks attack, and leave many dead, including the new husband of Mitsuko's older sister. The sister suffers intense shock, and Mitsuko takes it upon herself to care for her and, eventually, figure out how to cure her.

Mitsuko is helped in her journey by tengu (demon birds), and befriends a particular one who helps her search many fantastical places: the underworld, Mt. Fuji, and a cave where they speak to a dragon of the sea.

I had the luck to read Little Sister while in Japan (where I did visit Mt Hiei), which was the best experience, but I recommend the book to anyone. It is charming, fantastical, and filled with Japanese lore and customs. For example, as shown on the cover, Mitsuko often keeps her face covered by her kimono sleeve.

A sweet story.


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