The Tales of the Otori is a series of five novels set on a feudal Japan-like island. The story centers on the Otori clan and in particular Otori Shigeru and his adopted son, Otori Takeo. The novels are written in a style sometimes referred to as “magical realism” meaning that although the world the story takes place in is based in fact there are elements of the fantastic peppered throughout. For instance Takeo has the ability to turn invisible and has acute hearing that allows him to discern voices through great distances. The first novel, "Across the Nightingale Floor", is a tale of love and political revenge that sets up Takeo’s rise to prominence from unknown commoner to Lord of the clan. The story is then continued in "Grass For His Pillow", "Brilliance of the Moon" and "The Harsh Cry of the Heron”. The final novel, "Heaven’s Net is Wide", is a prequel that tells the story of Otori Shigeru and leads up to the exact moment "Nightingale Floor" begins. Because of this it should be the starting point for anyone just entering the series (although it was written last).
Symbolism
There is much symbolism used throughout the series to both show the characters feelings and foreshadow events to come. The most prominent symbol is that of the Heron. It is the Otori totem and it also is used to convey patience throughout the novels.
This is a Heron
The ideas of love and war are also used to advance the story. Each novel bounces back between the characters personal relationships – those that focus on love and friendship and the political relationships of the clans – those that focus on war and deviousness.
The Books In Published Order Are:
Across The Nightingale Floor (2002)
Grass For His Pillow (2003)
Brilliance of the Moon (2004)
The Harsh Cry of the Heron (2006)
Heaven's Net Is Wide (2007)
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