Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: an oriental novel written by a westerner

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.