Ghost Train
"A haunting and immersive read." - Eva Wong Nava, author of The House of Little Sisters
"With lyrical prose that evokes the mystique of 19th-century Kyoto, this meticulously researched narrative weaves together historical authenticity with the ethereal allure of 'yokai' folklore." - Jake Adelstein, journalist and author of Tokyo Vice and The Last Yakuza
Set in 1877 Kyoto during the early years of the Meiji "Restoration" Era, Ghost Train tells the story of Maru Hosokawa, a samurai daughter who is thrust into a life opposite how she grew up. Her father has surrendered his sword with other samurai, assimilating into a role as a civilian merchant. As his work takes him further and further from home, she is left to find work of her own to help rebuild the family wealth -- and protect herself, "just in case," her father says. But during the summer festivals, ghosts begin appearing before Maru. Unsure of where to turn or who to trust, Maru fends for herself, facing an abusive employer, unreliable friends, and insecurity at home. In the search for answers, a kitsune offers to help in exchange for Maru's aid in confronting a demon rampaging Kyoto at night. As summer passes on, more ghosts appear, plagues sweep through the city, and a stench of blood in the streets, and rumors of a samurai rebellion obscure reality, driving Maru to make a choice against all instincts, to save herself, her father -- and Kyoto.
Inspired by true historical events and based on myths of yokai, this story began taking shape first in 2010. With guidance by historians both in Japan and the US, subject matter experts in geisha, kimono, and samurai life, and countless beta readers and supporters, Natalie Jacobsen has carefully crafted this historical fantasy to reflect 19th century life during the tumultuous, society-altering leadership of Emperor Meiji... just with a few more ghosts.
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"A haunting and immersive read." - Eva Wong Nava, author of The House of Little Sisters
"With lyrical prose that evokes the mystique of 19th-century Kyoto, this meticulously researched narrative weaves together historical authenticity with the ethereal allure of 'yokai' folklore. Prepare to be captivated by a world where every shadow conceals a mystery, every whisper harbors a secret, and every choice echoes in worlds seen and unseen--a mesmerizing journey that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page is turned." - Jake Adelstein, journalist and author of Tokyo Vice and The Last Yakuza
"What a spectacular phantom ride! Natalie Jacobsen's GHOST TRAIN takes you on an unforgettable journey to mythic modern Japan." - Daisuke Miyao, author of Cinema Is a Cat: A Cat Lover's Introduction to Film Studies, Professor and Hajime Mori Chair in Japanese Language and Literature, University of California, San Diego
"A work of fiction --and in some respects other-worldly --this book is solidly based on research of Japan's history and folklore, as well as the author's personal experience of living in Japan. Lush with detail, enhanced by passages of the author's personal poetry, GHOST TRAIN is a wholly unique and remarkably beautiful coming of age story." - Shirley Miller Kamada, author of No Quiet Water
"A charming tale of an enchanting time and place brought to life by a gifted young writer. Students of Japanese culture will especially like this book, filled as it is with revealing historical detail. I learned a lot." - Robert Whiting, best-selling and critically-acclaimed journalist and author of Pulitzer Prize candidate You Gotta Have Wa and Gamblers, Fraudsters, Dreamers and Spies
"Jacobsen makes impressive efforts to get the details right and respect the subtle complicated reality, [with] genuine respect for Japan...the book is peppered with poetic snippets presented in a variety of visual formats that add style and depth." - Sean Michael Wilson, graphic novel writer and winner of Japanese government's International Manga Award
