‘Remember girls, not all fighters are men,’ said Kirino-san. ‘And everyone has the right to protect their families.’
Isla is a young Scottish woman who travels to Japan to uncover more about her ancestry. Was her Japanese grandfather descended from a Samurai? What happened to her family during the historic Satsuma Rebellion that effectively ended the way of the Samurai in Japan? She has so many questions—but the answers give her way more than she bargained for.
When caught up in a storm, Isla finds herself magically transported through time to Kagoshima in 1877. Confused and unaware of what happened, she is taken in by the local village and looked after by a Samurai named Keiichirō. As Isla searches for a way to find home, their connection grows—and she finds herself caught up in the tragic and brutal events of history she doesn’t know how to change.
Gate to Kagoshima explores the beauty of 19th-century Japan and the ways of the Samurai; their dedication to their craft, their respect and honor, and their acceptance of the life they lead. The descriptions of the time and setting are rich and detailed, taking you on a tour of rural Japan and cementing you in the era. The historical aspects are well-researched and respectfully portrayed, which serve to highlight the differences between Isla and those around her in an effective way.
The blending of romance into the historical setting is bittersweet but warm, giving Isla a reason to keep going in the face of war and grief. Isla and Keiichirō have decent chemistry and learn so much from one another; you get to see their perspectives and thoughts, which makes their budding love feel more intimate. The friendships and bonds Isla forms with the other villagers along the way are unexpectedly sweet, too, and show off how women were not always helpless victims of war; they often fought and participated in whatever ways they were able.
However, while the foundations are good, the story falls short of what it wants to be. There are certain plot points that don’t seem believable, even in the fantasy element of time travel, and some decisions are maddening. The central mystery of Isla’s journey is intriguing but the execution could have benefited from more revisions, especially when some parts don’t have the payoff they build towards. It felt a little unfocused at times and rushed towards the end.
With that said, if you’re a fan of Outlander or time-travel romance, this is a solid, if a little middling, entry into the genre. It’s an easy read that flows well enough, with some great observations about history and war. There are definite problems that might leave you feeling a bit flat, but the historical descriptions are inviting—so perhaps you’ll enjoy this tour of 19th-century Kagoshima, and indulge in some romance along the way.