Japan, 1857

For centuries Japan has been on its own,

isolated by choice from the rest of the world. But the Western powers are now at its shores, its government is crumbling and revolution is building. The age of the

samurai is ending and in its place a new Japan will be born.

Into this turmoil steps a young woman. Tsuru expects to marry a man of her parents' choice but her life is taken over

by the beliefs of the new age and by the passionate men around her. Their slogan is sonnojõi (revere the Emperor, expel the foreigners), their preferred method is violence.

Blossoms and Shadows is a compelling and beautiful tale of love and war, women and men,

and the rise of modern Japan.