The Commoner

by: John Burnham Schwartz

Published by: Vintage

Reviewed by Caryn St. Clair

Sweeping through time from World War II until today, Schwartz tells the most remarkable story of Haruko, the first common person to marry into the Japanese Royal Family. Based closely on the life of Empress Michiko, Schwartz gives readers an insider’s look at society in post-war Japan.

Through an unusual set of circumstances, the young Haruko has the opportunity to play tennis with the Crown Prince. That tennis outing changes her life forever. Against her father’s better judgment, Haruko eventually marries the Crown Prince in 1959, becoming the first commoner in the royal family. Unfortunately, her mother-in-law, the Empress, is not thrilled to welcome a mere commoner. The Empress goes out of her way to make the young bride uncomfortable.

Soon after the marriage, Haruko finds her life controlled in ways not even her strict Sacred Heart education could have prepared her for. Eventually the pressure leads to Haruko suffering a nervous breakdown. Fast-forward to the next generation and Haruko’s son wants to wed another commoner. Now the Empress herself, will Haruko welcome her or will she try to discourage the young woman?

The story is absolutely captivating from beginning to end. Written with such lyrical language, the little details of everyday life make this book come alive. The vivid descriptions of gardens leave you with the sense of art the Japanese find in nature. The angst suffered by Haruko under the controlling Empress leaves you with the cold realities of court life.

Schwartz doesn’t just tell the story, he places you with Haruko, from her strict education at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, through her amazing life in the Royal Family. Along the way he gives you an obviously well-researched glimpse into one of the most hidden societies in the world. Unlike the more-written-about European monarchies, the Japanese Royal family still has a mysterious aura surrounding them. Schwartz pulls back that curtain. For me, it was hard to remember that the tale told is fiction. I loved this book!

Armchair Interviews says: So real, you will think it is a true story.