An amazing trilogy!
If 'Tales of the Otori' is a compelling epic story, it's also (first and foremost) a poignant love story. The 3 books are well written; the description of the feudal Japanese society, its rules and organization are clear and impressive;... and the love story is intoxicating. The result is a gripping page turner.
If the status of women is deeply frustrating and hurts, if the ghastly cruelty that characterized social relations is terrifying and repulsive, the purity of the main characters' feelings, their inner beauty, the candid and irrepressible attraction they feel for each other transcend darkness.
'Tales of the Otori' is a must read and I wholeheartedly recommend it!