THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

Libby’s dark novel begins in 1903, in a remote region of Japan.  Setsuo, an apprentice, learns to manage the local inn.  The region suffers brutal winters with endless snows, inn keepers are weary of the small pox epidemic.

Samurai take refuge at the inn, as do criminals, pedophiles, rapists, and thieves.  Setsuo, takes interest in a particular traveler, a young girl owned by an older, brutal man, and is caught in a web of intrigue and murder. 

Scenic descriptions, folklore and interesting story but rank with disturbing, immoral, violent images.