What's The Appeal?
With the recent critical acclaim given to books such as Memoirs of a Geisha, and movies like "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," there is a resurgence of interest in Asian-themed novels. Running the gamut from family sagas to series romance to romantic suspense, written for both contemporary and historical audiences, these books give readers entree into a world of fascinating and exotic characters.
Sometimes something as simple as a piece of jade or an ancient statue is the impetus for adventure, leading to unexpected passion. Or perhaps a woman who grew up in an oppressive environment learns of a better way of life. Many times, these stories expose us to realities we can't conceive of in the West.
The juxtaposition of the old and the new in contemporary Asia is like a wonderful stir-fry dish to which new flavors are continually being added. The embodiment of old world elegance shuffles down the street in brightly-colored kimonos, as modern women dressed in trendy clothes rush off to appointments. Men in suits walk alongside robed monks. The scents of joss sticks and jasmine blend with the latest designer fragrances. Rice and curry chicken are hawked at a street stall right outside a fast food restaurant. Gongs sound in a temple as a train pulls into the station and people pack themselves in for another day at work. These are just a few of the enticing reasons readers return to the orient again and again.
In addition to illuminating aspects of culture, these stories are a stepping stone to understanding the complex Asian psyche. In romance, strong Asian heroes and heroines crash through stereotypes that have dominated American film and literature for decades. Looking at American pop culture, one would think all Asian women are submissive, and all Asian men own either restaurants or dry cleaning services and can fight off attackers just like Bruce Lee. Instead, we find rebellious concubines running away from a life, which in their day would be considered perfectly acceptable. We also find powerful warriors whose honor is more important to them than their lives, and conversely, business men whose only loyalty is to their wallets. Along with broadening our horizons, these novels show us that love is truly universal.
Caryn Connolly has extensive knowledge of Asian literature and is currently working on an Asian-themed novel.
Authors' Thoughts...
Katherine Stone
"There is a wonderful mysticism to the Far East, an enchantment of dragons and kitchen gods and jasmine and junks. Anything is possible in the shimmer of moonglow on the South China sea—mystery, intrigue...and most of all, love." Katherine Stone, author of Pearl Moon, recommends Noble House by James Clavel.
Kei Swanson
The sense of mystic and unknown surrounding the Far East lends itself perfectly to romance. The hero struggles to show the heroine he's
a confident, sensual man. For the heroine, it's a taste of his exoticness for her to fall in love with him. She must see him for who he is, not where he comes from. This unlayering gives the reader a sense of the Orient she can identify with." Kei recommends Tokaido Road by Lucia St. Claire Robinson.
Janice Kaiser
"A novel set in the Far East mixes high adventure and danger with a dash of the exotic. The excitement of being in a foreign land enriches the story and gives me a chance to share with readers some of the wonderful things I have seen during my travels—and, as a bonus, gives me a chance to let my imagination run wild. For an intriguing read, Janice Kaiser recommends Tai Pan by James Clavel.
From the steamy jungles of Vietnam to the bamboo forests of China, the varied cultures of the Far East have long provided a passport to pleasure for the armchair traveler. A reader can vicariously experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, visit the wats of Thailand, or sail the South China sea in a junk, all within the space of a few pages.
By Caryn Connolly
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