VISIONARY FICTION

The Sword & the Chrysanthemum - An Allegory
A Spiritual Quest: He searches for his identity and finds his soul. 
A Romantic Adventure: She gives him her heart and becomes a woman. Their destinies are woven threads in the fabric of a 17th century silk kimono.

About the People
The irreverent commoner Arashi is the Eurasian orphan who embarks on a life-altering inner journey; he scorns the rules.

Lady Michiko, the shogun’s daughter and apple of his eye, becomes an Ambassador to China; she breaks the rules.
Wily and eccentric Lord Masakado is the ruthless shogun who makes the rules. Ambitious and lethal, General Shigemori is the psychotic samurai who executes the rules. Guiding Arashi to awakening is the mystic Kato-san, the zen monk with the not-so-zen past. He lives the rules of natural law and consciousness.

About the Story
Historically accurate, Japan is about to close its doors to the world for 250 years. Meeting secretly since childhood, Arashi and Michiko are two unlikely lovers on a mystical journey into the power of a love that opens all doors.

**REVIEWS**
Swept away to a world that doesn't limit itself to the same rules of nature and culture we are forced to live by, this is effective writing and an enjoyable read with compelling characters. –The Midwest Book Review

I haven't been this captivated by a book since "The Mists of Avalon" or as inspired since Richard Bach's "Illusions." –Vivian Greene, Motivational Speaker, Creator of Kisses Cartoons.

This talented author has written a substantial and impressive novel with heavy overtones of fantasy. The overarching spiritual philosophy rings true and the intricate cultural details of 17th century Japan and China are awe-inspiring. –Writer's Digest

With passion and rich detail, Susan Scharfman has written an epic novel spanning two continents, and a life altering inner journey. –Foreign Service Journal Magazine

**AMAZON.COM Editorial Reviews**
”Sorry my English not very good. I am Chinese girl now living in Shenzhen, a beautiful modern city near Hong Kong. While studying at university in Luoyang City, my professor Dr. Zhou, recommended your book to our class. Thank you for such very good book that I read online. For us not easy to find English editions. You are erudite scholar. I admire you and hope you come to China. I will be your good guide." –Vicky Liu

"Absolutely love all the hidden messages in this book. It touches me in so many ways. It made me realize that in the end, everything will be okay. No need to beat myself up for the mistakes I made. Just forgive myself and let go. It made such a huge difference in my being. Thank you....thank you." –Khemmarat Benjatanawat, Apia, Samoa



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