The Boy and the Samurai

by Erik Christian Haugaard

On his own in the teeming city, orphaned Saru learns to survive. He begs, steals, and fights for what he needs. He finds danger in bandits and street gangs, charity in tentative friendships with a priest and a cook’s young daughter, and comfort from his little cat, Neko. But Saru trusts no one, until he meets a samurai and agrees to help in the rescue of his wife, held hostage in the castle. How can a street urchin and a lone warrior prevail

Genres: Historical Fiction, Japan, Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Audiobook, Childrens

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 1991

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.

Haugaard has written a number of acclaimed works for young adults that transport readers back to a time and place in history that placed upon children burdens nearly unimaginable to the contemporary North American adolescent. Religious strife, World War II, and feudal Japan are just some of the settings Haugaard has explored in his books, which usually feature a child whose hardships are made all the worse due to the loss of parents or other guardians.

Reviews

[Andria · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok. different than what I normally read. but intriguing enough to keep listening or reading.
I was really hoping that the boy would be trained by the samurai. but I liked learning about the culture and different parts of the society

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a fab reading adventure. Right up there with Tom Sawyer in my book.

[Tandava Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to The Samurai’s Tale in that, although the writing is good, it feels like it could have done something much more exciting with the material. The story is easier to track, being more focused on the beggar boy and less concerned with which warlords are fighting which. But the story promised in the blurb doesn’t even begin until halfway through the book, and that was frustrating.

[Fairouz Muallem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book while browsing the "classics" audible category, I was looking for a light read and decided to give it a try.
It exceeded my expectations, it was an enjoyable read, I learned more about Japanese culture and traditions, the book also dealt with issues of poverty, war, homelessness, gender inequality ... alongside the difficult issues discussed, the characters bring a sense of humor, kindness, and some wisdom that balance well, making it a quick, good read

[Amaris Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was WAY better to read than the prequel, as far as violence and whatever. It was way more tamed, and it gave me a different perspective from a samurai in the first book, to an orphan in this book. I wish there were more stories in this universe because I strangely grew invested in this drama lol.

[Adrian Rios · Rating 5 out of 5]

For how much of a kid's book this came across to me, this book held quite the brow raising pairing of sparse adult topics and made-for-middle-schoolers writing; which isn't to say the writing was weak, just surprising! I really appreciated the characters and this brief visit to feudal Japan.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

If The Boy and the Samurai were published today, I fear that the late Erik Christian Haugaard would have been accused of cultural appropriation. And while I do feel that it is critical to hear stories from people of Asian descent, it's also hard to bear Haugaard a grudge when it is clear that he had a genuine passion for his subject matter. (He also apparently lived in Japan for a time as part of an immersive experience, so I think it's fair to say that he put his money where his mouth was.)

The Boy and the Samurai is a very good youth novel, albeit one that doesn't pull any punches. There are stark -- though not explicit -- scenes of poverty and the violence that often occurs as a result. There's also the reality of conflict in feudal Japan, where a dispute between warlords could leave countless men dead or maimed, and their widows and children destitute.

My one criticism of the story is that the climax occurs without much struggle. There is never really a sense that Saru's scheme won't succeed, and there are few bumps along the way to build tension. However, the preceding atmosphere of the novel is so well drawn, that it's almost forgivable that the protagonists achieve their goal with little difficulty -- especially given that their lives have been a constant struggle to that point.

Original Review
Haugaard paints an amazingly vivid picture of feudal Japan coupled with an engrossing story.

[Austin Vetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy names Saru, and his journey through life. He is born poor and an orphan, and fights for his life throughout the book. At the beginning his only goal is to survive, but later in the book his goal becomes different. He wants to help a Samurai that he meets rescue his wife, and it takes a lot of effort and planning to accomplish this. Initially Saru wants to obtain a high social status, and become a Samurai, but later on, he just wants to find peace.
I enjoyed this book a lot and feel that it was very entertaining. It was not comedic or anything like that, but it was interesting to learn about what ancient Japan was like. The book was a fiction but it was historical fiction so a lot of the things in the book were true. I liked this book because it was a good way to learn while also reading a story. A main point about life that the novel made, was that it is not all about social status and riches. One can still be happy while being humble and appreciating the smaller things in life. I would recommend this book to others, but I would not get super excited about it. I think it was a good book but not one that was overwhelming or amazing.

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I read this book to my 8yo son who loves all things action. He liked this book, although there wasn't as much action as he wanted or as I had expected seeing the title. It's a nice story about an orphan boy growing up in Japan in the times of samurais and lords. It details how he manages to survive and make a life for himself. You really root for this little boy. He has character, grit and loyalty to the people and animals he cares about. Me and my son both enjoyed the story.

[N. LaMar · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest I can't remember specifics about this book because I read it back in 6th grade. I will say, however, that I remember being really captivated by the way Haugaard described fuedal Japan. I was really interested in Japanese culture and found that this book really painted a interesting picture for me.

[Gavin Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a story about an orphan that has to make it on his own. Throughout the story he

has to help a samurai rescue his wife. During this mighty adventure, they run into some obstacles

that may be to hard to overcome. Will he and the samurai overcome them, or fall in defeat? Read this

wonderful book and find out.

[Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very well written. The landscape was very richly peopled. It did however lack action there was a rising action but no real climax, I mean it is about a warrior rescuing his wife so I thought there could have been at least some suspense.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sequel to fluffy Japanese Historical Fiction "Samurai's Tale." Funny enough is more heartfelt, but still a lame read with less action than the first.

[Mike Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tale of Saru, but I wish there was a better transistion between The Samuri's Tale and this story.

[Ahyoung · Rating 2 out of 5]

TBats

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

read this in 7th grade honors english. don't remember much, but i remember not liking it...

[Michelle]

Listed as Q4 = Exceptional!, P3 = A booktalk on this title will excite most people’s interest

[Cameron Reid Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always uninterested in asian culture, survival stories and Samuri. this book is about a homeless boy and his experiences with all types of people. not a bad book, i am glad I did the audio book as I am sure reading it would have been much slower.