The Flowers of Edo Hardcover - 2010

Media reviews

"The Flowers of Edo is a gripping combination of military action and cultural analysis, which offers a unique and provocative perspective on the history that was -- and might have been -- between Japan and the United States."--James Fallows, Atlantic Monthly

“A page-turner! Kennedy managed to weave all that historical detail with a compelling and moving narrative…a daunting challenge even for even the most seasoned writer.”—Sean Smith, Newsweek

"It is a gripping, historical novel focused on the final months of WWII, with an authentic Japanese setting and an intrguing plot.  Both entertaining and educational--a delightful adventure and experience!" —Admiral James. R. Hogg, Naval Commader Seventh Fleet (retired)
 
“I felt I was right there in the briefing room...It has been my experience that most novelists fail to fully grasp a foreign culture, particularly if the subject deals with four centuries of history. Kennedy has achieved that on a par with James Clavell and James Michener.” —Libby H. O’Connell Ph.D, Senior Vice President and Chief Historian for the History Channel
  
"With some experience of Japan, the Japanese military and military history, compelling reading and a subtle blend of history and fiction. [Kennedy’s] knowledge of the Pacific War is rather remarkable." —Paul Beaver, Jane’s Magazine
 
"The Flowers of Edo is an imaginative account of Japan's final days of World War II as seen through the eyes of Ken Kobayashi...from the Philippines to Japan in a complex plot whose twists and turns produce a fast-paced drama filled with the larger-then-life personalities of the time, large doses of Japanese history and culture, and a surprising conclusion." –Edward J. Drea Ph.D author of Japan's Imperial Army.
 
"The author's detailed research gives authenticity to the narrative, making the story very believable indeed. Should be enjoyed by younger generations as well as those of us who lived through the Pacific War." —Linda Goetz Holmes, Pacific War Historian and author of Under the Rising Sun
 
“From my perspective of Japanese-American history, [Kennedy’s] characterizations and citations of the era were accurate and genuine. The novel should shed important light on this crucial period of Japanese and American history.”   —Gary Okihiro, Director of the Center for Study of Ethnicity and Race at Columbia University
 
“Kennedy’s book will provoke very interesting reflection on the ways in which the American experience of multi-cultural diversity has confronted members of many different groups with challenges to carve a personal path through family, love, loyalty, and identity.” –Ted Bestor, Professor of Japanese Studies Harvard University
 
“If I were teaching a course on Modern Japan I would consider assigned The Flowers of Edo as a supplemental reading on the Pacific dimension of World War II.  That is high praise.” —Donald Teruo Hata Ph.D, Emeritus Professor of History California State University at Northridge