Of Nightingales That Weep facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Katherine Paterson |
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| Illustrator | Haru Wells |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's historical novel |
| Publisher | Crowell |
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Publication date
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1974 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 170 pp (hardcover edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-690-00485-4 (hardback edition) |
| OCLC | 902835 |
| LC Class | PZ7.P273 Of |
Of Nightingales That Weep is a historical novel for young readers. It was written by Katherine Paterson and published in 1974. The story takes place in ancient Japan, during a time of war. It follows the journey of an 11-year-old girl named Takiko. Her father was a brave samurai warrior who died in battle.
Takiko's mother later marries Goro, a kind potter. Takiko is at first afraid of Goro because of his appearance. As she grows up, Takiko finds work in the Japanese emperor's court. There, she meets Hideo, who is secretly working for the enemy. Eventually, Takiko returns home. She learns to truly accept and care for Goro.
Of Nightingales That Weep received the Phoenix Award in 1994. This award is given to excellent English-language children's books. These books did not win a major award when they were first published twenty years earlier. The award's name comes from the mythical bird phoenix. This bird is reborn from its ashes, just like the book rose to fame later on.
Contents
A Tale of Ancient Japan: The Genpei War
The story is set during the Genpei War in Japan. This was a real conflict between two powerful clans: the Genji and the Heike. These clans were constantly fighting for control. They wanted to gain the support of the Senior Cloistered Emperor. This would give them the power to rule all of Japan.
Takiko's Early Life and Family Changes
Takiko is a very talented girl. She can play the koto, a beautiful thirteen-stringed instrument. She is only eleven years old when her father dies. He was a samurai who fought bravely for the Heike clan.
Soon after, Takiko's mother marries Goro. He is a potter from the countryside. Goro looks different, but he has a very kind heart. He does not belong to either the Genji or the Heike clan.
Learning to See Beyond Appearances
At first, Takiko does not like Goro. She judges him by his looks. But over time, Takiko learns to see Goro's true character. She begins to respect him deeply.
Her feelings are tested when her mother has a baby boy. After spending more than a year in the countryside, a merchant visits Goro's home. He takes Takiko to the capital city. There, she becomes a lady-in-waiting to the princess. This new role gives her more respect.
Life at Court and a Secret Meeting
While serving the princess, Takiko visits a temple. There, she meets Hideo. He is a spy for the Genji clan. Takiko finds herself drawn to him.
Because of her beauty and koto skills, the princess sends Takiko to the young Heike Emperor Antoku. Takiko is meant to support him with her music. She also provides him with encouragement during difficult times.
Exile and Challenges
Soon, the powerful Genji clan threatens the city. Many members of the Heike royal family, including Takiko, are sent away. They go into exile to escape danger. They take the Imperial Regalia with them. These are special objects needed to crown a new emperor. By doing this, the Heike hope to keep control of Japan.
The Heike party is exiled to an island. The Genji do not have a strong navy yet. This means they cannot easily reach the island to attack. After some months, the Genji launch their first attack on the mainland. The Heike soldiers are ready, but they must retreat. The Heike royal court members are rushed back to their island.
A Spy's Visit and a Difficult Choice
After a few more months, Takiko finds Hideo spying in the manor garden. They talk, and Takiko decides to let Hideo go. She does this because of her feelings for him.
Later, while praying at a temple, Takiko discovers Hideo's secret hideout. They talk again for a while. Then, Takiko returns to the manor where she is exiled.
The Final Battle and a New Beginning
Soon, the Genji launch their first attack from the sea. They bring a small fleet of ships and many skilled soldiers. They set fire to the area around the manor. The Heike are scared as they board their warships to fight. After losing hope, the Heike retreat.
The main Heike general creates a plan to defeat the Genji. But his plan fails, and the Heike are captured. Several Heike nobles, including the Emperor, choose to jump into the sea. They do this to avoid being captured and shamed.
Takiko escapes with Hideo's help. She returns to Goro's home. She learns that her mother and brother passed away from sickness while she was gone. Takiko begins to work in the fields. Her hands become rough, and her hair loses its shine. She also gets a burn on her face from an accident with Goro. Her hands are too callused to play the koto as beautifully as before.
When Hideo visits Takiko, he sees how much she has changed. He feels sad and says goodbye to Takiko for the last time. Takiko knows her appearance has changed. She decides to marry Goro, who has always been kind to her. They have a baby daughter together.
