"We all learn here by the honorable path of horrible mistakes." [ book review ]

The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson

Buy here.


My Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Medieval Japanese Novel


Back Cover:
Who is the man called Sabura, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor?

And what is his connection with Yosida, the harsh and ill-tempered master of feudal Japan's most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own life.


Meanwhile, Jiro devotes himself to learning puppetry. Kinshi, the puppet master's son, tutors him. When his sheltered life at the theater is shattered by mobs of hungry, rioting peasants, Jiro becomes aware of responsibilities greater than his craft. As he schemes to help his friend Kinshi and to find his own parents, Jiro stumbles onto a dangerous and powerful secret....



My Review:
All over the land the poor are dying of hunger. The rich have plenty, but still this is not a safety for them against death. Starvation has made the people mad.

There is one hope for the poor. A mysterious, faceless man known as Saburo. He robs the rich to feed the poor, so the people say. He outsmarts the smart, he's the master of all trickery.

Only for Jiro, things are different. His father has a job as a puppet maker that secures for them occasional meals.

Yet, Jiro still knows hunger all too well. When the chance arises for him to become to the Puppet Master, - a man not looked up to by the poor, nor looked down upon by the rich, a man who had no lack of food, the man of the greatest talent - he jumps at it.

With plenty of food, and wages soon to he coming, he hopes to help his family. But things are happening at home that he does not understand.

Jiro soon sets out on a mysterious journey to find Saburo. But it may cost him his life. Will it be worth it? And will he have the courage to face the final test?


Thoughts:
Very enjoyable read. On the top of my favorites by Katherine Paterson.

Full of good thoughts, lessons, quotes, mystery and adventure.

Especially love the quote "We all learn here by the honorable path of horrible mistakes."

Even though it never mentions Pinocchio, when reading this I thought it a twist of Pinocchio/Robin Hood/Katherine Paterson original story. :)

Worth reading!!!!!! Check out his book!!!!!!!


Katherine Paterson is my favorite author. Have you read any of her books? Have you read this one? Is this something that catches your attention?