Stranger in the Shogun's City - by Amy Stanley (Paperback)

This captivating book, "A Vivid Life in Edo," offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century Japanese culture through the eyes of an unconventional woman named Tsuneno.

Born into a rural Buddhist priest's family, Tsuneno defied social conventions to make a new life for herself in the bustling metropolis of Edo, just prior to the arrival of American Commodore Perry's fleet.

With meticulous detail and exquisite sympathy, the author brings to life the drama and excitement of this pivotal moment in Japanese history, as Tsuneno navigates the city's tenements, marries a masterless samurai, and enters the service of a famous city magistrate.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese culture, women's history, or the fascinating story of a remarkable woman who sacrificed everything to follow her dreams.