In preparation for the writing festival on the weekend, I visited the websites of most of the guest authors, and picked the five books that looked most suited to my taste – “The Ruby Talisman” by Belinda Murrell (about a modern girl who wakes up one morning next to her great-grea-great grandmother just as the French revolution begins), “The Rage of Sheep” by Michelle Collins (about a high schooler working out her life, love and faith in a rather unpleasant 80s small town – the writing was instantly involving and funny throughout), “Mischief Afoot” by Moya Green (a little young for me, but fun and funny to read), “Samurai Kids 1: White Crane” by Sandy Fussell (A bunch of kids train for a samurai contest – but all of the kids are missing limbs or sight or the desire to fight), and “The Starthorn Tree” by Kate Forsyth (about a goat-boy who must flee his home and cross class and species boundaries in order to fulfil a prophecy and depose an evil ruler).
They were all excellent. So which one blew my mind?
“Samurai Kids 1: White Crane” by Sandy Fussell.
A great book needs a great story and great characters. All the above books had that. Sandy’s book also had a sly but gentle humour leaking through every page, and an elegantly unique way of describing the main character’s feelings – through his spirit, the white crane. What is more, although it’s not a moral tale, it has a depth of hope and meaning that is unmistakable – the hero, after all, is a one-legged samurai warrior. So anything’s possible. And there’s the warrior’s code, too (minus the traditional suicide bit – it is mentioned in the book as being “old-fashioned”), which is great for people who are drawn to the idea of honour. And the gradual unfurling of the characters is wonderful. The closeness of the friendships reminds me of “The Fellowship of the Ring”.
But my favourite part was the sly but gentle humour.
Samurais aren’t allowed to handle money.
“A samurai serves because it is his duty. Not because he desires gold coins,” Sensei told us.
“How will he eat then?” Mikko asked.
“With his mouth,” Sensei answered.
I took my chance at the festival to go up to Sandy and say (rather incoherently) how wonderful she was (she was very sweet and genuinely flattered – as she should be, since I read hundreds of books each year, and my taste is impeccable). I’ll also make sure she knows about this entry.
Play along at home: Who’s your favourite living author? Tell them why.
Coming soon:
Love your fear
Friendsday Wednesday (have lunch or dinner with a friend, or just call them). http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=348494771209
Three-Ingredient Thursday: Dessert (quasi-healthy this time)
Make hummus
Unusual anniversary
And here’s your cthulhu quota for today:
Wow. Thanks for the feedback. Love your maroon velvet dress (I have a green one very similar except I don’t fit in it – I never did – bought at Byron in a moment of “I can stop eating chocolate” weakness), your bookcase pics and your view on winter beanies (mine is purple with flowers!) Wish we had found more time to talk. 🙂 Sandy
Hi Sandy. It was great to talk to you; you’re perfectly charismatic. I’m sure I’ll see you at another con. I’m still glowing with the delight of discovery.
Louise Curtis