Andrew Tsai reviews Across the Nightingale Floor

Andrew Tsai

Ms. Poulson

English 10b R

22/03/2010

Book Review on “Across the Nightingale Floor”

The novel Across the Nightingale Floor is the first book of the series Tales of the Otori by Lian Hern. It is a compelling and exciting adventurous novel, about a boy name Takeo. Takeo has been raised by his mother among the Hidden, in a distant mountain village. The Hidden have taught Takeo only the ways of peace, for they are secluded, spiritual and peaceful people. One day the village was attacked and Takeo was rescued from the battle and later adopted by a mysterious man, Lord Otori Shigeru. Takeo then learned from Shigeru that his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, which is a network of families with amazing supernatural skills. Under the guidance of Shigeru Takeo soon realized that he was also gifted with the skills of the Tribe. Along with his ability, he discovered his destiny that leads him on a dangerous journey.

The main conflict of the novel is about Takeo seeking vengeance on the cruel Lord Iida Sadamu, who lead the attack on Takeo’s village and crucified Shigeru. Lord Iida Sadamu lives in his black walled fortress at Inuyama, where he is protected by his famous nightingale floor. The nightingale floor was constructed with exquisite skill, it sings the lightest tread, and it is believed that no assassins can cross unheard. Here is a quote from the book that describe the floor “"I've heard Lord Iida has ordered a floor to be made that sings like a nightingale,' he said. ‘But who needs to make a floor sing like a bird when it already has its own song?'” 'What's the purpose of such a floor?' Lord Shigeru asked, seemingly idly. 'He's afraid of assassination. It's one more piece of protection. No one can cross the floor without it starting to chirp.'“(Lian Hearn p.) Takeo is one of the most talented tribe members, for he has the purest bloodline and therefore inherited more powerful skills. It is because Takeo is more gifted than others, so he is believed to be the one destined to cross the nightingale floor and kill the evil war lord.

At the start of the book Takeo was a normal teenager, his both kind and peaceful. He also liked to spend time wandering in the mountains, which shows that he is very fond of nature, and here is a quote that demonstrate this character trait “but every now and then I could not resist the lure of the mountain, and at the end of the day I slipped away” (Lian Hearn p.2). At the age of sixteen Takeo works hard to get ready to take place among the men, and expects nothing in his life but to get married and live a peaceful life. He became a completely different person after he saw his village in ruins, after he witness the killings his innocence and kindness was replaced by grief and hatred. Here is a quote that describes Takeo’s change, “At that moment the world changed for me. A kind of fog rose before my eyes, and when it cleared nothing seemed real. I felt I had crossed over to the other world, the one that lies alongside our own, that we visit in dreams.”(Lian Hearn P.4). Takeo was then rescued by lord Otori, however the shock had turned him mute and it took a while for him to recover. After he recovered he was a different person, not only does he lose his innocent he also has smoldering hunger for revenge. Takeo is very loyal to his friends even when his at times of danger and threat he never forget to help his friend. Throughout the book Takeo has changed from a kind, innocent and hard working teenager to a loyal avenger.

The novel across the nightingale floor by Lian Hearn is a great fantasy adventure story. The story takes place and time in medieval feudal Japan; it is an impressive fiction about identity, love and loss. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy adventure novels, and people who is interested in the Japanese culture, however there are some violence in the story so I would not recommend this book to children. I think the book is most suitable audience for this book is young adults and teenagers. Over all it is a extraordinary novel about a arousing and rich adventurous story.