The Dragon Scroll (Sugawara Akitada Series #3) Book

Life in 11th century Japan can be fascinating---at least if it is related by I. J. Parker in The Dragon Scroll. Thank you GR friend, Carol, for suggesting this one.

"It is no joking matter," cried Seimei. "After years of disappointment, you got this chance to make a name for yourself….Remember, the path to success makes for a long and troublesome journey, but the way back is quick and easy."

Seimei is an old retainer to the Sugawara family. He is speaking to Akitada Sugawara, a young nobleman. The noble family has fallen if favor and money is in short supply. Akitada is a junior clerk in the Ministry of Justice---a fortunate position that only came to him because of his achieving a "first" in the university exams.

We follow him in his mission and see how he augments his "team" in pursuit of those who would cheat the Emperor out of his taxes. "Akitada's youth might have made him an unlikely inspector, but both his university training and his drudgery in the archives of the Ministry of Justice had thoroughly prepared him to search out, understand, and evaluate every financial transaction, from the collection of the smallest fine to the confiscation of land and property." Yet he is young, and at times, very focused on himself. This gives us internal conflicts as well as external challenges.

The story is told in a straight-forward manner, and for those familiar with stories of ancient Japan and China, the character types offer no surprises. So, I was surprised that I found The Dragon Scroll both appealing and compelling. As Akitada finds his assignment growing in complexity, he relies on an augmented "team" of interesting characters that help fill out how it was in ancient Japan. Since this is Akitada's first journey away from the capitol, we experience how he reacts to provincial ways and customs.

There is plenty of drama, deceit and duress to overcome. How all that is accomplished is enlightening and satisfying.