Tusk and Stone

by Malcolm Bosse

While traveling, Arjun's caravan is waylaid by robbers who kidnap his beloved sister and murder his guardian uncle. Arjun's life is spared, but he is captured and sold into slavery, losing his privileges as a Brahmin. Instructed in the care and training of elephants, he becomes a legendary warrior. At the height of his fame he is captured again, and as a slave once more, he finds unexpected fulfillment and inspiration as a stone carver. Malcolm Bosse, a master of description and historical detail, gives Arjun's story, set many centuries ago, a remarkable contemporary reality.

Genres: Historical Fiction, India

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Malcolm Joseph Bosse (May 6, 1926 – May 3, 2002) was an American author of both young adult and adult novels. His novels are often set in Asia, and have been praised for their cultural and historical information relating to the character's adventures. Bosse mostly wrote historical fiction novels after the publication of The Warlord, a historical fiction work set in 1920's China, which became a best-seller.
He also won the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 1983.

Bosse was born in Detroit, Michigan and died in New York City. He was a graduate of Yale University and served in the U.S. Navy. Bosse was also an English teacher in City College of New York in Manhattan.

Reviews

[Scarlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it pretty boring and I would not recommend it.

[MaeBerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, but was disappointed with the ending. It left unanswered questions. Therefore, it needs a sequel.

[Keg Good · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author couldn't seem to decide what the story is: philosophical rant, adventures, or search for the missing sister.

[Madi Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tusk and Stone by Malcom J. Bosse is captivating, exciting, and unique. During the entirety of this piece, my interested was held with a tight grasp by the author, so much so I almost felt connected to Arjun. In this book the author uses a good amount of creativity when writing, having a new twist or turn within every chapter. Not only that, but Malcom J. Bosse does not take long to jump right into the action, with Arjun encountering a tiger, the kidnapping of her sister, and murder of his uncle within the first couple of chapters.
Another aspect of the book that I liked was that it teaches many lessons along the way without coming right out and saying it, it makes you think about the point of the book and what the author is trying to get across. For example in the book the lesson of 'not knowing what you have until it is gone' is taught. Arjun is a Brahmin and is used to the upper class treatment but when he is captured and sold to the military and later a slave, he doesn't get the same treatment anymore due to the belief from others that he is a robber or bandit off of the streets.
Lastly, in the book, the author blends history and fiction together creating a story of a young boy going through many tough situations only to discover and help the readers discover the courage and grit it takes to endure the tough pressure of the ancient Indian political, societal, and religious tendencies and traditions.

[Courtney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You were who you were, no more, no less"(Bosse 203). This quote can help to explain the true moral of this amazing story. This focuses on a young boy named Arjun, whose life takes drastic turns. He begins as an Brahim on a journey with a caravan, but soon robbers attack and Arjun's sister is kidnapped and his uncle is killed, but he is sold into slavery no longer making him an Brahim. Soon he becomes a very skilled, respected, and legendary elephant warrior but he is soon captured again, sold into slavery again, then was made a stone carver but had found enlightenment. Throughout the book we follow Arjun on all the twist and turns that come into his life so suddenly. At first I only read this book due to it being an assignment, but while reading I found it to be a very fun book to read. Meaning that I would totally recommend this book to anybody. I would recommend this book because this book can teach teens my age a lot about how your life can change in an instant, but you have to be able to push through and accept that life changes all the time. So this book could teach very important things to lots of teens, so I highly recommend it.

[Maxwell Underhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tusk and Stone by Malcolm J. Bosse is a fascinating coming of age story of a young boy named Arjun and his harrowing journey through an Indian state divided by war. His journey takes many twists and turns and he makes many friends and some enemies along the way. He is traveling to his uncles house when suddenly his caravan is attacked and his life is changed forever. Arjun is forced to join the army and soon becomes a mahout (a soldier that rides an elephant into battle). Arjun has to learn to adapt quickly to the war environment or he could be faced with death. He is focused on becoming a great mahout known far and wide so that he has a better chance of reuniting with his sister. Arjun's sister was taken from him when the caravan was attacked. I enjoyed this book very much. Not only is it a great coming of age story but it also gives the reader a new perspective into Indian life and culture. I would rate this book 4.5/5.

[Shubhankar N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tusk and Stone is a historical fiction book. It show how a young man named Arjun deals with his fate. This book's setting takes place in medieval India. It amazes me how Arjun tries to make the best of his fate. He has had problem after problem tackle its way into his life. I don't how he manages to deal with it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes indian history. That is because this entire book is based on it. Overall, this book has some great action and the author describes the scenes really well.

[K... · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I just thought it was one of those books they forced you to read, but it really IS a good book. I recomend it to anyone who likes good books at a higher leval than your average 'young adult' book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

4* at the beginning, 3* for the end. I liked individual parts of the story, but the elements all felt strung together rather than forming a logical whole. Don't expect a complete ending. But the parts with the elephant were pretty fun.

[Alli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every1 hated this book!!!!! We had to read it for history. Uuugggggh. Probably the worst book I have ever read

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arjun was a Brahmin and then, bandits kidnapped his sister and drugged him before selling him to the army. He became a mahout, which is an elephant rider.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sad book, but well written and entertaining. This is like the"old school" version of sad dog books.

[Scot · Rating 1 out of 5]

we are reading this book. It doesn't intrest me. I started Twilight and rather read that then this.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is possibly the worst book that I have ever read. I do not recommend it to anyone!! Also, this book bored me to tears.