Whispering leaves in Grosvenor Square, 1936-37 - Yuki Yoshida

A charming memoir by Yuki Yoshida, wife of Shigeru Yoshida, the then Japanese Ambassador to the Court of St James (who later became Japan's post-war prime minister of national reconstruction). It covers the years 1936/37 and includes fascinating observations on diplomatic life, and the round of receptions in London at the time, visits to the English countryside, friendship with Mrs Neville Chamberlain, visits to Scotland, as well as the Coronation of King George VI. Of particular interest are the author's reminiscences of the visit to UK of Prince and Princess Chichibu. This is a fascinating personal record of times past, interwoven with a number of revealing tanka poems that highlight the author's literary skill and deep emotions. This memoir is enhanced by the historical setting of the period provided by Professor Ian Nish, as well as the pen-portrait of Yuki Yoshida by Dorothy Britton (Lady Bouchier), and the many photographs provided by the Yoshida family.