Pure Land

The year is 1858. Thomas Glover is an eighteen-year-old who grasps the chance of escape to foreign lands and takes a posting as a trader in Japan. Within ten years he amasses a great fortune, learns the ways of the samurai, and, on the other side of the law, brings about the overthrow of the Shogun. A modern epic A heart-breaking love story An unforgettable journey of the spirit The year is 1858. Thomas Glover is a restless young man with dreams of escape. Abandoning his childhood sweetheart, he takes a posting as a trader in Japan. Within ten years he earns a great fortune, learns the ways of the Samurai and helps to overthrow the Shogun. Yet beneath his astonishing success lies a man cut to the heart by an affair with a beautiful courtesan, a lover who, unknown to Glover, would bear him a son. 'Not merely an engaging and vivid historical novel, but also a meditative work of art that is as finely honed as a Samurai's sword.' John Burnside, The Times 'Rattles along, grounded in historical research and filled with emotional truths.' Daily Mail 'Astonishing in its breadth, depth and ambition . . . a beautifully written modern epic.' Irish Independent Winner of the Glenfiddich Award