Erik Christian Haugaard (1923–2009)

This is the story of a samurai. (duh!) Or more specificaly, the story of a boy who grows up to be a samurai. It starts on the day he is orphaned. His father has been killed in battle and the folks he has been fighting against are headed to his home. His wife and two eldest sons are killed, but the youngest son is given to one of the conquering soldiers who gives the child the name "Taro". What follows is the story of Taro's childhood as he advances in the soldier's household, gaining in show more responsibility and importance. 'Tis an interesting tale with good characters. It isn't so strongly Japanese that it seems an alien book, but it does have enough of a flavor to keep the reader mindful that they're not reading Ivanhoe with katanas. As you might guess, it's a book I'd suggest you check out.
--J. show less

Substance: The true story of the forty-seven samurai avenging their dead lord is a standard of Japanese lore. This narrative is first-person, by the servant of the samurai leader. Suitable for junior readers, although some maturity is needed to deal with the concepts of honor and subterfuge. The Floating World is presented discretely.
Style: Exposition is clear and straight-forward. The philosophies and culture of the period are well represented for the target audience.
The author has other show more books set in Japan in the sixteenth century. show less

I enjoyed this novel set in turbulent sixteenth century Japan. The hero's family is murdered and he is taken as a servant. He goes from being a simple servant boy to a smurai.

My 10 year old gave it 4 stars because he doesn't like it when books end in cliffhangers (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!), but he really liked the book otherwise.