A.Bibliography
Uehashi,Nahoko. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. Translated by Cathy Hirano. New York,NY: Scholastic. ISBN:978-0-545-00542-5
B.Plot Summary
In a fantasy world that,according to the author "carries the scent of [feudal] Japan," Balsa must serve as the guardian of the intelligent young prince Chagum. Balsa, a talented female body guard must care for the child entrusted to her by a royal consort while protecting the boy from both the supernatural forces that live within the child and the ruthless court assassins hired by the boy's father.
C. Critical Analysis(including cultural markers)
Without additional research,it may be difficult for the average non-Japanese reader to distinguish between the authentic cultural details of daily life in feudal Japan and the customs that belong exclusively to the fantasy world based on old Japan created by the author.
However, some cultural details emerge as important markers.
Balsa, a fearless and athletic female bodyguard must still pay a great deal of respect to her elders and teachers. For example, Balsa still venerates and uses a more formal tone to address the elderly Magic weaver, Torogai, who served as her mentor. This aspect of the story appears to be rooted in Japanese culture.
Another aspect of the story that also seems to mimic Japanese society is the stratification of the society in which Balsa and Changum live. Each class or member of the society fits in within a certain level of a hierarchy with royalty being semi-divine beings at the top of the social strata. Errand runners,merchants and soldiers all know their place within this society that seems to allow for little upward mobility. Only certain lucky people such as gifted children plucked from their families by palace emissaries and trained as palace guards and hunters appear to have any hope of breaking through class barriers.
The book is rich with created cultural details. The fact that the author Nahoko Uehashi, has a PhD.in cultural anthropology seems to explain her ability to convincingly weave the creation myths of the two main fantasy cultures into the plot of the book. These two cultures are the Yakoo or the original inhabitants of the Japan-like place called the Nayoro Peninsula and the Yogo, the more recent colonizers of the peninsula. The origin myth of the first water snake who created the world told by the Yakoos and the myth of the first giants of the earth from the Yogos would seem to be influenced by Dr. Uehashi's studies of creation myths as part of her cultural anthropology background.
Aside from the portrayal of an ancient culture, Moribito has much to offer readers. The characters such as the clever 30 year old body guard Balsa and her friend the sardonic but compassionate healer Tanda are sharply drawn. The plot, while intricate and convoluted is filled with martial arts action and palace intrigue.
Moribito has become a huge hit in Japan where it has spawned an anime series and 10 manga books in a series. This book should also become popular with young adults who enjoy character driven mangas that take place in ancient worlds.
D. Review Excerpts
Hornbook:
"In this vivid, suspenseful martial arts story, Balsa, a female bodyguard and skilled warrior, is hired to protect the Second Queen's son from assassins. The prince is the Moribito, host to a water spirit whose death would bring drought to the country. Despite some flat characters, the thrilling action and thoughtful prose create an intelligent and exciting fantasy."
Booklist:
Guardian will sell itself in booktalks: the story is intriguing, and Balsa is a smart, crotchety, fully realized heroine. Even the minor characters are interesting. Uehashi's Moribito series is enormously popular in Japan, and if the remaining nine stories are as enjoyable as this one, boys and girls here will be clamoring to read them.--
E.Connections
Young Adults and older children interested in Japanese culture and literature might try to attend a local anime and Japanese culture festival such as San Japan ( a San Antonio festival that features manga, anime and other aspects of Japanese culture.)
Look for these other books about young people on a quest in feudal Japan:
Haugaard,Erik Christian.The Boy and the Samurai. ISBN:9780618615117
Namioka,Lensay. The Den of the White Fox. ISBN: 9780152012830
Snow,Maya. Sisters of the Sword. ISBN: 9780061243882
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