The Samurai of the Red Carnation

A thrilling romantic historical adventure, set in medieval Japan, tinged with fantasy, and revolving around the art of waka poetry. Matsuo is expected to be a samurai, like his father before him, but he realizes he is destined for a different art altogether. He decides to do battle with words, as a poet, and embarks on a quest to find his true self and his true love.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2024
Publisher: Pushkin Press

A captivating romantic historical adventure, set in the captivating medieval Japan, infused with enchanting fantasy and centered around the art of waka poetry.

Written by the talented Sean Lusk, the novel "The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley" transports readers to a world of charm, magic, and picaresque journey.

Matsuo, the protagonist, is destined to follow in his father's footsteps as a samurai, diligently training in the art of war. However, as he delves deeper into this martial path, he realizes a profound truth: his true calling lies in the realm of poetry.

With a heart filled with determination, Matsuo abandons his future as a warrior and embraces the art of poetry. This decision sets the stage for a thrilling and captivating story of intrigue, adventure, passion, and betrayal.

Matsuo embarks on a perilous journey across medieval Japan, traversing bloody battlefields and burning cities. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets. From the fierce warriors to the wise sages, from the treacherous courtiers to the passionate lovers, the novel weaves a tapestry of human emotions and experiences.

But the ultimate test awaits Matsuo in the form of the uta awase, a tournament where Japan's greatest poets engage in fierce verbal combat for the honor of victory. In this fierce competition, Matsuo will face his greatest challenge yet, fighting not only for his own survival but also for his love and his place in the world of poetry.

Through his poetic prowess and unwavering determination, Matsuo emerges as a true hero, triumphing over adversity and discovering his true self. "The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley" is a masterpiece of storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of medieval Japan and the power of the human spirit.

So, immerse yourself in this enchanting tale and let the words of Sean Lusk transport you to a world of magic, adventure, and love.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782279679