The Samurai's Tale
by Erik Christian Haugaard
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 79)
Read in July, 2008
Maybe it is a cultural bias (and 100% my fault) but I had a TERRIBLE time keeping all the characters straight. Especially since I am not familiar with all the Japanese honorifics. In some of the most troubling spots, the author added a comment about it - for example, it is considered an honor if someone uses part of their own name or nickname when they give you a name. But because the characters are renamed several times, I kept having to go back an re-read. (each stage of your life, someone giv...more
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Read in November, 1995
recommends it for:
Someone who likes samurai?
The Samurai's Tale is a story about a boy named, Taro. He was the son of a samurai, and as we all know he was going to become a samurai as well. That all changed when Takeda Shingen defeated his father, a retainer of Uesugi Kenshin, and Taro was forced to serve his new master, as a lowly servant.
I read this book years ago for required reading. I liked the book, mainly because of the subject matter. The book wasn't written for an adult to read so, I think Haugaard could have written more ...more
I read this book years ago for required reading. I liked the book, mainly because of the subject matter. The book wasn't written for an adult to read so, I think Haugaard could have written more ...more
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Lyn by:
Mrs. Kiene (my very-un-smart core teacher)recommends it for: 4-5th graders,
I was forced to read this for school, and I actually found it to be vaguely interesting, though maybe it's just because I'm practically obsessed with Japan. However, this book was definitely a low-level book, at least a few years beneath what we should be reading. I probably wouldn't read it if I had a choice in the matter. It was a cute book, though. Something to read in one day, when you're bored, and never again.
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Read in June, 2008
Within a few pages, we are introduced to Sixteenth Century Japan, in the throes of civil war, where sons seek to murder their fathers. Taro, a little boy born to the privileged life of a samurai, loses both his parents to war and is reduced to poverty in one day. Haugaard effortlessly draws us in and weaves a tale of action and romance as the boy becomes a man against all the odds. Exciting and informative.
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Picked it up two or so years ago after my brother finished reading it. Was relatively captivated; however, the novel is mostly historical fiction fluff. Not much substance, but an entertaining read for a samurai buff, and of course it required about a third or fourth grade reading comprehension level to understand.
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I absolutely adored this book when I read it. I did put it down for a while becuase at the time I wasn't THAT interested, but the ending of the book was spectacular!!! I don't want to ruin it, so I won't. Actually, I hardly remember what happened, but I remember really finding the Samurai lifestyle facinating!
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I teach this book in my 7th grade class and for good reason it is full of literary imagery, strong characters and subplots. But most of all it is a great story.
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I love this book not only because i like japanese culture but also because it has a good story.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Amanda by:
No one. I HAD to read it.recommends it for: bored samurai.
We had to read this for school, and it wasn't the greatest book, but it was okay.
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Read in June, 2007
I loved this book. Loved the writing style, the story, and the characters.
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recommended to Noopur by:
Teacher...
recommends it for: NO ONE
recommends it for: NO ONE
The most boring book I have ever read in my life...
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Read in April, 2008
Not done reading. :]
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