"Island of the Ogres", is a fictional novel by Lensey Namioka. Namioka was born in Beijing, China. Namioka attended Radcliffe College and University of California, Berkley. She now resides in Seattle, Washington. This novel, which was published in 1989, takes place in 16th century Japan. Namioka, in the jacket of the novel, claims that she wrote this novel for herself. Namioka says, "I wrote the kind of story I enjoy reading myself. Maybe I write these books because I never really grew up."

"Island of the Ogres" is a clear, well thought out, easy to read, good vs. evil story. However, it has many twists and turns along the way. The novel has everything in it to make it an enjoyable entertaining story to read. The novel is a story of legendary heroes, grotesque villians, and a love story. However, more than anything else, "Island of the Ogres", is a detective story. Throughout the entire novel we a constantly shown things and given clues as to what is "really" going on, on the island. Things that seemed rather unimportant and useless when they were first mentioned. However, at the end of the novel , those clues are clearly defined as the mystery of the island unravels. And then the reader realizes that those items were not trivial, they were key elements to the story that were well placed by Namioka.

The story begins with the Hero of the novel, Itoh Kajiro, on his way from mainland Japan to a small island, (the island has no name, it is simply called "the island"), a short distance away. Kajiro is a Ronin, an unemployed Samurai. Kajiro has been unemployed for so long his abilities and reflexes as a warrior have become slow, and he has taken up being an alcoholic as a hobby. However, for the first time in a long time he has found work. He is hired by the Chamberlain to the ruling family, on a short term basis, to go to the island and investigate the loyality of the Garrison Commander on the island. This is a secret mission and Kajiro is not allowed to divulge his true intentions of going to the island to anybody.

When Kajiro arrives on the island he is greeted by a viscious animal running at him. Kajiro pulls out his sword to defend himself against the animal. However, a girl of 17 comes out of nowhere and kicks Kajiro is the shins. She is yelling and screaming at him, he then realizes why, it is not a viscious animal at all but here pet, a very large strong housecat. The cat is named Raiko, after a famous 10th century warrior. Soon there is a great storm. Kajiro, the girl and the boatman that brought him to the island quickly seek shelter in the home of a friendly, local fisherman. The fisherman introduces himself to the boatman and to Kajiro. Then, due to a mistaken identity the boatman introduces Kajiro an Konishi Zenta, a legendary Samurai. Kajiro knowing that he is on a secret mission, decides to use the identity of Zenta to his advantage and plays along. The fisherman tells Kajiro, now using the name Zenta, the story of the ogres that are terrorizing the island. He tells Kajiro that there have been reports of missing dogs and chickens, all of which are said to have been taken by ogres.

Shortly there after there is a knock at the door. It is Gorobei, a high ranking officer on the island. He attempts to take the Kajiro and the boatman into immediate custody. The young girl steps out to confront the guards taking her, now friends, into custody. The girl is then identified as Lady Yuri, sister-in-law of the Garrison commander. Gorobei explains that all visitors must report immediately Garrison Mansion for questioning before they are allowed to remain on the island. He goes on to say that the former Daimyo, old lord and provincial ruler, has been exiled to the island by his son, the new Daimyo. Therefore in the interest of security all visitors must check into the Garrison for questioning.

Kajiro and the boatman go to the Garrison Mansion. They meet the island Commander, and his wife, Lady Sada. When Kajiro is introduced as Zenta, Lady Sada laughs at first, but then accepts him as Zenta. Due to their previous conversation in the fishermans' house Yuri tells her brother-in-law and sister that Zenta came to the island to stop the ogres that have been plauging the island for the past few weeks. Kajiro uses this cover story as a way of accomplishing his mission of observing the garrison commander and as a way to help the people at the same time. It is a chance for him to feel like a real Saurai again.

This was the setup for the rest of the novel. The remaing part of the story consists of Kajiro and lady Yuri building their relationship with each other. A plot to free and restore the former Daimyo to power. The secret of the mysterious guest of Lady Sada. The mystery behind the ogres. And what happens when the real Zenta is introduced.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this novel. This would be a great story for a small child to have read to them or for an adult just interested in a good book. The book keeps you guessing as to what is going on and makes you interested in the welfare of the characters. All and all, "Island of the Ogres" is one of the most entertaining books I have read in a long time.

This is Lensey Namioka's first novel, and I think she's done anoutstanding job. The story is about a ronin, or unemployed samurai,sent to spy on the governor of an island. He finds himself caught in a case of mistaken identity - the locals believe him to be a samurai of legendary status - while discovering something very eerie going on nightly near an Abbey by the shore. A wilful girl, dangerous samurais, stealthy traitors, fat cats, and of course ogres also turn up in this enchantingly spun tale. I'd compare this book to a decadent chocolate - sweet, dense, and delightfully, ever-so-slightly dark. There's also a properly chilling element to it. All in all, it's a wonderfully original book, with many plot twists and complex character relations. Spectacular!

I cannot recommend this book enough! Even if you have not read the companion, "Ties that Bind, Ties that Break," this book is a great read in itself. I found the characters to be much more vividly portrayed in this book than in "Ties." Yanyan has passions and is created in a way that far surpasses many characters in other works.
This is a wonderful book for fans of historical fiction, people interested in a different view of our culture, or even people just interested in a fascinating story!

This is a terrific sequel to "Ties that bind, ties that break." Lensey Namioka brings the reader up to date with the stories of Ailin and her best friend, Yanyan. Ailin is still in San Francisco with her husband. Yanyan is a student at Cornell University in Ithaca. The story takes place in 1911. It explains how Yanyan begins to study for a medical career. Namioka's spare, elegant writing is wonderful... This book is highly recommended. It brings the story full circle and I enjoyed it so much.

It's been, oh, let's say about five to ten years since I read this book. But I remember it and I remember LIKING it. There's a part about a wanna-be painter who spent nearly his whole life learning a single brush-stroke. A samurai who lost his sword. Two samurai that come to a village where someone is cutting down the cherry trees. I don't even know why I picked this book up in the first place, but I liked it. I wouldn't say I'd put it in my personal library, but it is a good book nonetheless, especially if you're a kid. When you get older you can give Shogun a try, but for now, this will do.

This book, while not the best in the series, is still reallygood. I'm really mad that the entire series is out of print. I wishmore people would read these fun books.

I had this book for a long time and have read it at least five times.This book basically puts you into it and you can almost feel the cold environment as well as feel the chills and suspense that laces the book throughout.I found that it also captures Japan in a rare and realistic way. A must buy....when and if you can find a copy.

This is truly a great book. It may not be great as in deep and spiritual, but great as in really, really fun to read. It is too bad that this book is out of print. It deserves to be a bestseller.

From the very beginning of this book,I found it very comical.I felt that my stomach will burst with laughter if I laughed once more.There are many jokes in this book.You will scream with laughter everytime you come upon a joke.This book is about a girl,Yingmei Yang who tries to mix around with the American people and tries to be like them.To do this,she takes down words into her notebook.When she tries to befriend Holly and her gang,Yingmei's mother accidently offended Holly's mother on several occasions.Like for instanceChinese people always ask how old someone is but in America it is rude to ask people their age.This is a very good book.Nearly every page there is something to laugh about.

I think that this book would be very good for someone who moves from another country to the United States. It shows that just because your customs are different that doesn't mean you can't be respected by other people. I thought it was a funny book because while Yingmei Yang was trying to be friends with Holly, Yingmei's mother kept accidentally insulting Holly's mother Mrs. Hanson. In China it it a compliment to be called old and fat. When Yingmei's mother called Mrs. Hanson old and fat she was very insulted and Yingmei was very embarrased of her mother.

I started this book because of school, usualy i dont like required reading but this time we got to pick any historical non-fiction. I really would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books with a good plot. It really represents the old type of japanese culture that many people misjudge. Over all, i give it 5 stars

A very charming story, very funny climax. Fun for the child and for the adult reading it.

As an American of Japanese descent, I loved this book because Namioka portrays two ronin samurai as intelligent, humorous characters with whom anyone can identify. Forget stereotypes. The two out-of-work samurai, Zenta and Matsuzo, plunge into a plot that twists and turns and keeps you coming back for more... Thank goodness, Namioka was a proliferate writer and there are two more books about these two. In the course of unraveling a fine mystery, the reader learns about the how's and why's of the costumes, swordsmanship and manners of feudal Japan (these turn into clues); rather than alienate the reader from this culture, the plot draws one into it and you understand it personally. A great way to slip history and respect for other cultures into your child's library. But it also stands on its own as a mystery because of Namioka's vervacious style. Superb.

April and Steve both find a geode at the same time. They talk and they decide to share if by splitting it in half. April and Steve both got in a fight because April doesn't want to introduce Steve to her family. April is Chinese and Steve is American.
I really liked the book because it taught me a good lesson about how it doesn't matter what culture you are to be able to hang out with other people.
I also like this book because it told a good and interesting story. It told about two cultures that wanted to be with each other but some people didn't like that they wanted to hang out together.
This book has one more really interesting story. In the book there is a woman and she liked April's father since high school and now in thee later ages there just wanting to get together and I thought that was kind of cool.

This story is about a girl whose life is dominated by her grandmother. April,(the girl) is born in America whereas her grandmother was brought up in the East(China). In Chinese culture,the boys are more valuable than the girls. Poor April has to take care of her grandmother. One day,she met a Caucasian boy named Steve. From that day onwards,they became friends. Steve taught her equality and also told her that it's not only her responsibilty to take care of her grandmother. It's also her brother's job.April's grandmother doesn't like her children to marry a Caucasian. April's brother,Harry always give excuses to avoid taking care of Grandmother.

April is forced to cancel a lot of music practise and other things. The whole family has to find a solution. I really pity April. I can't take that big responsibility of taking care of my grandmother. Many other things happen in this story. I find out a lot of hardships April goes through. I really love this book.

The Best Book
The plot of this story is very interesting. The girl's grandmother has diabetes. During the night she sleepwalks. She does so weird things. She puts empty soapboxes in the neighbor's trashcans at night. This book is also about April wanting to date a Caucasian boy, but her grandmother won't let her.
I recommend that you read this book because it is very excellent book. In this book there is young fifteen-year-old girl who goes to Garfield High. Also there is old grandmother that has diabetes. The setting in this book takes place in Seattle Washington. I could describe this book as an interesting book well written book. I like this book because it is easy to read and it is interesting.

I had to read this book for school and I have one thing to say about it . . . what's the point? How can someone fill a whole book with a kid and his problem with playing the violen? How?

I found Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear extremely boring and I found myself saying to myself, 'how did this get published?' while I was reading it the WHOLE time.

AVOID THIS BOOK IF YOU CAN!!!

In this boook, Yingtao Yang has a very very talented family. He has two sisters and one brother. Both his mother and his father played in an orchestra back in China where they lived before moving to Seatlle Washington, where this book takes place. Yingtao Yang plays the violin. Yingtao's brother,(Eldest Brother) and father also play the violin. His oldest sister,(Second Sister) plays the viola and his ten year old sister,(Third Sister)plays the cello. His mother plays the piano. Everyone in his family has a very very good ear. Except Yingtao. His father now taeches violin when he isin't in the orchestra. He is an altrnate in the orchestra.Yingtao's father says at his recital there will be a string quartet with all the Yang children, as the last peice,and Yingtao is afraid he will ruin the recital with his screechs on his violin. Then he and his new best freind, Matthew Conner who likes to play violin, do something very dangerous and sneaky at the recital..............

When I read the first page,I roared with laughter.The whole Yang family had an ear for music except Yingtau,the youngesr Yang in the family.Poor Yintau.He tries to play his instrument,the violin.Soon,he got to know a friend,Matthew who knows how to play base ball and is a beginner in music.Yingtau learns to play baseball and loves the game very much.Yingtau's father is having a recital to encourage children to come to his music class.But Yingtau is afraid that his screeching violin will ruin it.I feel very desparate for him and I wish that I could take a famous violinist and put it in his place.But I wouldn't tell you what happened after this.