Theriault put me down in medieval Japan among the samurai, the warriors, the warrior code, the poets, their poetry contests and then he tied it all in with an epic love and all the drama that that creates.

Enjoyably rich in drama and poetry. Not as introspective as his postman books. That being said I did feel that the 'enso' resonated a lot with me. I went and did my research and thought about it and saw where I can find it in my own life. The 'enso' is all in the moment when the brush hits the paper and then the circle is just a mirror of where and how we care at the moment in our lives. So I just have to concentrate on that moment of connection with the paper, with life, and then the rest will flow one way or another.........

An ARC kindly give by author/publisher via Netgalley and Edelweiss.

The romance was probably meant to be beautifully profound but it ended up being dull and frustrating.
Don't let the blurb fool you. There was a distinct lack of samurai, bloodly battles, and romance. Instead there was a whole anthology of poetry.

A young samurai warrior leaves his life behind for a life of adventure across medieval Japan to fulfill his dreams of becoming a poet. He experiences love, loss and betrayal along the way and his story culminates with his participation in the uta awase - the ultimate competition where Japan's greatest poets battle for the honour of being crowned the best in the land.

A unique and elegant story of a young man torn between his father's expectations that he follows on his footsteps to become a samurai, and his mother's love of poetry, which he also carries within him. The story is filled with beautiful poetry and is unlike anything I've read before. I was fascinated reading a story about medieval Japanese culture and was engaged with the story throughout. I've read a number of translated stories of late which haven't read well but this one did not disappoint - the translation was smooth, and made for a well-flowing and wonderful read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the chance to read The Samurai of the Red Carnation.

This book wasn't my cup of tea but I did learn a lot about Waka (traditional Japanese poetry).

I was disappointed by the writing style of Denis Thériault. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I usually enjoy books written by Japanese authors as they have a unique way of combining lyrical writing with a quiet reverence for life's fleeting moments. I know that this wasn't written by a Japanese author but I figured that this was still set in Japan and the premise of the story sounded intriguing. I have previously read other books set in Japan written by foreigners and these books often stilI manage to capture the essence of Japan and Japanese writers. Perhaps the original French version of The Samurai of the Red Carnation captured this essence but what I read definitely didn't. It felt as if this tale could be taking place anywhere. Apart from the Japanese poetry there was little to no immersion into Japanese culture or the time period.

I will say that I enjoyed learning about Japanese poetry styles and how they evolved. The uta awase (poetry battles) were intriguing.

Matsuo, the main character, had a tragic life partly though circumstance but also through poor judgment on his part. This made him easy to relate to but also caused me to feel frustrated with him.

The romance was probably meant to be beautifully profound but it ended up being dull and frustrating. Matsuo's "love" was an inexplicable obsession with a woman that he knew was forbidden.

Don't let the blurb fool you. There was a distinct lack of samurai, bloodly battles, and romance. Instead there was a whole anthology of poetry.

Let the book's title, cover & description below not lead you into thinking this's a translation from Japanese. The Samurai of the Red Carnation by Denis Thériault, tr from French by Louise Rogers Lalaurie is an excellent work of historical fiction with poetry, romance and valour at its core.

The year is 1177 CE, the final year of the Heian era and Kyoto, the capital city, site of power is an effervescent crucible of culture, its glowing vista painted in words by the author. Though Heian meant peace, the period isn't marked by sophistication in Buddhist teachings, cultural refinement - poetry and spirit of poetry competitions (tanka, renku and uta-awase) alone but violent fights for the throne, bloody civil war (Genpei war) & clashes between Taira and Minomoto clans.

Born to a brave warrior father & a mother, deeply passionate about poetry & gardening, young Matsuo has to decide if he would become a warrior who wrote tankas/poems or a poet who wielded the sword, bow and arrow, what had fate ordained for him?

Matsuo's journey to identify himself is fraught with beautiful and tense moments, has all elements befitting a thrilling movie - love, friendship tragedy, betrayal, even travelling to the realm of death. His heart beats only for one woman, Yoko, a consummate poet herself with whom his union is not just impossible but one that gets him nearly dead. Evading death by a slender fiber, he realises there are many wars to wage, many poems to write before he breathes his last.

Like in his novel The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman, the author lays the foundation of this book in tanka poetry, Enso, the circle of life & beliefs of Zen Buddhism.

Though brilliantly written, there are places where we feel the author's pen slid carelessly resulting in more pages. The poems and songs (tanka and imayō) are extremely beautiful, but instead of interleaving the prose, they feel dominant many times. These quibbles aside, The Samurai of Red Carnation takes you back in time to the era of bushi warriors, shogun wars and beautiful poetry. Loved reading it!

Thank you @netgalley & @pushkin_press for the copy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for an advance copy of this book of historical fiction that takes place in the far distant past of the nation of Japan, and deals with a warrior with the soul of a poet, and his adventures to find himself.

When I was young I loved stories about samurai. I also cared very little for poetry. I was a fan of AM radio so knew that words could rhyme and create images in the mind, but that did not interest me. Samurai, ninja, superheroes and Jedis, that was my thing. As I got older, my interest in samurai changed moving from movies shown on Saturday afternoons, to reading books about Japanese culture and history, where I learned more about the samurai, for better or for worse. Also music was starting to take a hold of me, and as I tried to figure out why certain songs had such an effect on me, I began to notice the power of words. Haikus were something I found myself writing in class, or manning the cash wrap at a chain bookstore. Even tanka poems if I was doing a double. Most were bad, really bad, but I enjoy the process, and sometimes I can look at it and go, that's not bad. A story dealing with a samurai warrior using words as his weapon, well that is a book that I could not miss. And one I enjoyed quite a lot. The Samurai of the Red Carnation is by French Canadian author and playwright Denis Thériault translated by Louise Rogers Lalaurie and tells of a man who spends his time warring with both weapons and words, as he tries to find the proper balance in his life, one of peace, beauty and honor.

The story begins with a city on fire, watched from a hilltop by a man who has started the conflagration for reasons unknown to us. The book then goes back into the past, where we meet Matsuo a young boy who is quite good at writing, and very close to his mother. She teaches him poetry, and young Matsuo writes to her constantly, falling in love with words, the way the can be presented, and the power they have. Matsuo's father is a samurai, and he wants the same for his sun. Matsuo is sent to academy where he is to learn the ways of the sword, the spear and the bow. Matsuo is an indifferent student, not looking for friends, not looking for anything but the occasional letter from his mother. A chance meeting shows him a future as a samurai he never thought of. A warrior poet, one who takes all the martial discipline of war, and uses this to create works that touch minds and souls. Matsuo soon begins to excel in the academy, even making friends with another poet, one who cares little for war, or even for the conventional life. Soon Matsuo will be fighting in real wars, dealing with bloodshed, betrayal and even entering a tournament for poets to try and find not only inner peace, but a sense of purpose.

A wonderful work of historical fiction that is small in size, but offers a really large story. There are battles, poems, inner doubts, love, fire, betrayal and more. The book is written in the style of an all-seeing narrator telling the story of a man with two different kinds of parents, and the life he tries to lead. The story is well written, and in some places quite beautiful. The translation is quite good, not blocky like some translations can be. In a book about poems the words are probably the most important thing, and the author has done a very good job with that. The story flows well, the characters shows a lot of growth, and the book really moves along well. A different kind of samurai novel, but one I quite enjoyed.

Beautiful and layered story. I requested this book without any expectations and was not let down. The main character is complex and throughout the story really grows onto you. I wish I could read the book again for the first time.
The descriptions of historical Japan makes the book even more enjoyable.

I thought this was a beautiful book. The main character is a perfect mix of poet and warrior because of his parents, and the complexity and nuances of their personality and development were really interesting to read. Pairing that with a wonderfully written story created an excellent novel that was a joy to read.

Matsuo’s story is a beautifully layered journey of identity, duty, and self-expression. With a samurai father and a poet mother, Matsuo walks a path that blends swordsmanship with verse, leading to both external conflicts and internal reckonings. The Samurai of the Red Carnation moves quickly for historical fiction, coming in under 300 pages, yet delivers a rich emotional experience. The poetry woven throughout the narrative adds depth and intimacy, making Matsuo’s struggle to live authentically all the more powerful. Thank you for the advanced copy—I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

It's late 12th century Japan and our hero Matsuo is on a journey. We meet him as a child and follow the influences of his parents, his teachers and acquaintances as he goes through life. Particularly, we see his love for poetry and there are numerous examples in the novel. It's written with an omnipresent narrator and little dialogue asides from the spoken poetry "slams". As the novel ends, we see Matsuo in action in the Genpei war.

Read this for a novel set in an unusual time period with an unusual narrative style. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rich descriptions and a strong sense of place make this book a sensory experience. It unfolds slowly, but the atmosphere builds beautifully. Best enjoyed when you’re in the mood for something quiet and reflective.

“Deep inside your heart,
Said the master to his boy,
I behold your choice:
A finely honed blade of steel
Or the cutting edge of words?”

“The verse was a tanka…a ‘short song’ in the tradition of waka poetry, composed of alternating lines of five and seven syllables. It was Mother who had introduced Matsuo to…this exquisite art…Nothing, it seemed to (Matsuo) could better express the beauty that inhabited all things.” Father was a tsunamono, “a gentleman warrior…commanding officer, public servant and keeper of the law” in the Medieval Japanese Province of Aki. Honor was everything to Father. Matsuo seemed destined to complete five years of training leading to a military career.

Military school for Matsuo lacked “intellectual stimulation” and he felt surrounded by a “climate of mediocrity.” Although he would uphold the warrior code, when his parents died, he pursued a battle of words, not swords. Matsuo, warrior-poet, sought the tutelage of Yosai, a raggedly clothed Buddhist monk. His tenure with Yosai elevated his tankas to new heights, however, betrayal caused Matsuo to rethink this association. The Equinox Contest at the Royal Palace in Kyoto, an uta-awase tournament of tankas, as described by Yosai, became Masuo’s quest.

The tanka contest would consist of elimination rounds where contestants would immediately author and perform tankas based upon topics randomly selected. Topics reflected nature (especially the moon), love and longing, and human emotion. The competitors came from all walks of life. The winner would captain a team of poets at His Majesty’s Birthday.

Matsuo’s rocky route to Kyoto was filled with poor choices and rumbles with a criminal gang. His life was spared by demonstrating expertise in archery and swordplay. His reputation as a weaver of words would precede him as he visited inns and festivals performing heartfelt and/or bawdy tankas. His most endearing stint was as a gardener, a job he cherry picked in order to communicate, incognito by tanka, with his unrequited love. Daily, he would hide a tanka, enclosed with a red carnation or red ribbon, in the Moon Garden. She, in turn, would compose a tanka in response. The moniker “Red Carnation” was born.

“The Samurai of the Red Carnation” by Denis Theriault depicts an intellectual battle of poetic wits as well as war on the battlefield. There were warrior-monks, bandits and thievery, masters of disguise and tales of love and the lovelorn. The read was heavier on thought provoking poetry; the tome an absolute delight!

“Walking to the well
The small boy sticks out his tongue
In the snow-filled air
A flake alights as water
Another melts on his nose.”

“My love laughs out loud
Like a child in summer rain
A pearl of dew dropped
Into a red carnation
Such is my true love’s nature.”

Thank you Pushkin Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

⭐3.25 - This was a unique and contemplative novel that blended the rich Japanese cultural heritage, while chronicling Matsuo's journey as a warrior-poet whose life was shaped by family, love, loss, mentorship and betrayal.

The early chapters laid the foundation for the infleunces that shaped him as a warrior and a poet. It gave insight into his values, sense of duty, and interests that led him forward on his journey, as well as rooted him through various challenges and experiences in life. Family foundations and values serve to ground us, and give us something to come back to even if we lose our way. That is what I felt the story showed in the case of Matsuo who lost his way many times, and commited acts that he wasn't proud of. The story exhibited certain harsh realities of life that we undergo at different stages, and the internal struggles that arise, creating a shift in who we are. Guilt, heartbreak, grief are heavy burdens to carry and they fundamentally change us.

There were philosophical undertones in this book, and I thrououghly enjoyed the realistic exposition it presented when it came to the observations and complexities of human behavior, self-reflection, and emotional transformation.

It was interesting to see how Matsuo's growth as a warrior was fuelled when he first came across the writings of a warrior-poet. It highlighted the fact that various interests have the potential to come together in unique ways, and all skills we cultivate in our life serve their purpose.

The last third of the book was quite active in it's plot, the pacing and tension picked up with the events that unfolded - I found it engaging and fascinating. I loved all the poetic battles in the end, they were quite creative and artistic. The final chapters of the book were impactful in how they showcased the forging of one's identity through the choices we make throughout our lives, and the rough journey's that can lead us down unexpected roads - to eventually achieve our purposes.

The narrative style of this book is quite different, there were hardlly any dialogues. Sometimes I felt emotionally disconnected from parts of the story as it felt like I was looking in from the outside, rather than being immersed in those scenes. More dialogues in some sections could have helped, but overall I enojyed trying out a different writing style, and I thought it suited the story well.

My biggest issue were all the "humorous" poems and certain writings related to specific phases of Matsuo's journey that were too crude in their presentation and language for my taste. It felt jarring and detracted from the otherwise thoughtful tone of the story.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and unique read in the realm of Asian/Eastern cultural fiction.

I just finished The Samurai of the Red Carnation by Denis Thériault, and I was completely captivated. The novel beautifully blends historical fiction with a deeply personal journey, following a young man named Kenji as he navigates loyalty, honor, and his identity in a time of war. Thériault’s writing is vivid and evocative, and he does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in both the cultural and emotional landscape of the story.

What I really loved was the emotional depth of the characters. Kenji’s internal struggle, torn between duty and personal desire, was powerful and relatable. The pacing was steady, allowing the story to unfold with tension, and I found myself rooting for the characters as they faced impossible odds.

Overall, The Samurai of the Red Carnation is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking novel. If you enjoy historical fiction with complex characters and a deep emotional core, this is definitely one to check out.

Matsuo, a young man, who's an admirer and lover of art and poetry is trapped between two worlds, one where his heart resides, on art and the other where his duty resides, as a samurai. A heartwarming throwback to the old japanese era, this book is a sensual blend of poetry and adventure. I might say that it's not for everyone, for this books has a definite amount of poetry and for someone to fully immerse and enjoy the book, they must not start reading the book thinking its a story of a regular samurai. Filled with poetic wisdom and the flow and pace of the japanese philosophy, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend to those whom I'm sure will enjoy the book!

7/10
The story of young Matsuo, torn between his admiration of art and beauty and his duties as a samurai, is a captivating blend of well-researched history, picturesque poetry, and a pinch of magic. This love letter to Japanese culture is not an easy read, but it rewards the reader with a solid dose of emotion and reflection. Mostly unhurried like the Zen meditation that the main character tries to learn, and at times violent like a precise cut of his katana. The bittersweet ending leaves a lot of questions, but also a little bit of hope.

Definitely not for everyone, but I highly recommend giving it a try.

I really enjoyed this story. Not only is it a great immersion into feudal Japan, it's also a deep exploration of traditional Japanese poetry. I really enjoyed Matsuo's journey, both in poetry and in life. While I wasn't hugely enamoured by the romance (obsession?) as the driver, the path it led Matsuo on was compelling and emotional.

The storytelling was punchy, made gentle by the lyrical, poetic writing style. I found the ending satisfying and enjoyed spending time in Thériault's imagined world.

The story reminded me of Ghost of Tsushima crossed with elements of Red Dead Redemption 2 with the art of waka poetry at its core. A refreshingly original tale and not like anything else I've read to date.

Gorgeous tale of adventure in old Japan. Adored the sense of place, and the story sort of reminded me of reading old adventure novels like The Three Musketeers, albeit in a wholly different world. Would love to read more of Theriault in the future!!

This book was somewhat good, though I feel it could have been developed more. The book centers around a boy named Matsuo, who is being trained to be a samurai, However, he wishes to be a poet instead. Without giving anything else away, the book hits several emotional beats very well, and is excellent for any readers who want a historical fiction novel that delves into romance too. Please be aware of hoe emotional this book was- it caught me off guard, and I had a much different idea of what the story would be. The prose here is excellent- it paints a very vivid picture of Japan, and it is extraordinarily clear that the author was very familiar with the historical setting, and did a lot of research into creating the story. Please be ready for any number of plot twists in this journey, but also be ready to fall in love with some characters- and to extremely dislike others. Happy reading, signing off! Please take of yourself :)

this was a beautifully woven tale of poetry, passion, and destiny set in medieval Japan. blending historical adventure with a touch of fantasy (i loved this pairing!), this story follows Matsuo, a warrior who chooses words over swords, embarking on a journey of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. read this if you love lyrical storytelling and historical intrigue!