Harpoon Hardcover – March 6, 1987

Fantastic novel. This was an incredible period of time, with the struggles of old vs. new colliding with east vs. west. A complex feudal society torn apart. I could not put it down. Nicol writes an amazing tale. It's a shame there's no e-book version of this.Update: this is now available under the name Isana. e-Book available.

A great success story of a man's journey coming out of old Japan and making it happen in the new world.

Great book, seems very detailed and well written.

Most authors aren't very good writing novels outside their cultures. Few western authors can over novels outside the western mindset. Nicol achieves it. He does it brilliantly.This is a novel of adventure. Set in Japan as the closed country is forced toopen to the outside world and how the culture adapts to the new situation. This is a novel of youth growing into adulthood. One wounded boy rebuilding himself while seeking himself outside his own world. All other characters are supporting cast.A most enjoyable read.

The book left me really sad...because I finished reading it and won't enjoy it anymore! The characters have a thorough psycological description and represent the different views toward a country's foreign policy. The book plainly shows the inevitability of globalization and the difficulties of change, in a mid 19th century historical setting. Nonetheless, Nicol manages to grab the reader in its romantic, loyal, respectful, aggressive and highly passionate relationships among its characters.Please don't miss it. (You may also be interested in a chinese historical novel "Warlord" by Malcolm Bosse) BRAVO Nicol!

First-rate historical novel combining the history, culture, and martial arts of Japan at the end of the 19th century. This is the kind of book that you want to go on and on--the only disappointment is that it comes to an end. Absolutely one of the best novels I've ever read.

I stayed near the whaling village of Taiji for a year where the beginning of the story is set.The first question the locals asked me was "What do you think about whaling?"Of course, I'm an Aussie surfer with a Japanese wife, this is not an easy question to answer. I deplore whaling but set out to read this book to help me understand their point of view.Nicol lived on a whaling boat for a season and wrote this book on the high seas. It's a great yarn, full of vivid, oftenromanticised descriptions. The one armed hero typifies the 'never give up' Japanese character of years gone by. Nicol, a world renouned conservationist, cronicles historical events in an entertaining style illuminating a fascinating period in world history.A highly satisfying work and well worth the read.

This is a highly recommendable book for anyone interested in Japanese culture & drama.