"Tree of Heaven" by R.C. Binstock

This is a quiet, deep novel about the very unquiet and barbaric. Set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of China just prior to World War II, this novel investigates the effect of sweeping worldwide events on individuals. In particular, isolated people, alienated from their surroundings.

This story is beautifully and truly told. This author's unique path to the truths told sets this book well apart. He shows us the meeting of Li, a young Chinese woman and Kuroda, the commander of a garrison of invading Japanese, after the horrors of the Rape of Nanking. Their voices alternate - his with his dismay and disgust at the Emperor's Army's behavior, hers with the shock and grief of the murder of her family, and all the accompanying depredation at the hands of the invaders.

Kuroda rescues her and because she can speak Japanese, takes her into his quarters. These two are thrown together because of Kuroda's choice to spare her; Li has nowhere else to go. And both are isolated from their own people.

For a first novel, Mr. Binstock has produced a lovely, intelligent, humane piece. It is not widely read, if the LT numbers are any indication, but deserves SUCH a wider audience. Take it up by all means - it will not let you down.