Synopses & Reviews
In turbulent sixteenth-century Japan, orphaned Taro is taken in by a general who is serving the great warlord Takeda Shingen. Taro grows up to become a samurai fighting for the enemies of his dead family.
Review
"A riveting tale for teens who like adventure infused with an ancient historical flavor." Booklist, ALA
To enter THE SAMURAI'S TALE is to immerse oneself completely in sixteenth-century Japan, when powerful warlords struggled for supremacy. Seldom does a historical novel evoke the mood, color, and soul of an era as skillfully as this one does. . . .THE SAMURAI'S TALE, poetic yet unflinching, is excellent.” Boston Herald
Synopsis
When the powerful Lord Takedas soldiers sweep across the countryside, killing and plundering, they spare the boy Taros life and take him along with them. Taro becomes a servant in the household of the noble Lord Akiyama, where he meets Togan, a cook, who teaches Taro and makes his new life bearable. But when Togan is murdered, Taros life takes a new direction: He will become a samurai, and redeem the family legacy that has been stolen from him.
About the Author
Erik Haugaard was born in Denmark and has traveled extensively in the United States, Italy, Spain, and Japan. Called "a writer gifted in the art of the storyteller" by the BOSTON GLOBE, he is internationally known for his accomplishments as a playwright, poet, and translator. He has won critical acclaim for his books for young readers, including A BOY'S WILL, THE UNTOLD TALE, and CROMWELL'S BOY.