Product Description

In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord, lida Sadamu, surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard. Brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo has learned only the ways of peace. Why, then, does he possess the deadly skills that make him so valuable to the sinister Tribe? These supernatural powers will lead him to his violent destiny within the walls of Inuyama - and to an impossible longing for a girl who can never be his. His journey is one of revenge and treachery, honour and loyalty, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11492 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

About the Author
Lian Hearn studied modern languages at Oxford University and worked as an arts editor in London before settling in Australia. A lifelong interest in Japan led to the study of the Japanese language, many trips to Japan and culminated in the writing of ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR.

Customer Reviews

I'm not sure how I feel about this book...
Across the nightingale floor was a little step away from my usual reading material but the rave reviews intrigued me so I gave it a shot. I rashly bought all 5 books in the series and now I'm doubting the widsom of that.

Just because it's aimed at a lower age group, doesn't mean it has to be childish (think Harry Potter) but if I'm honest, I found it quite slow despite the killing and violence and love interest. The lead character finds he isn't the person he thought he was and discovers special talents he didn't know he had. He falls in love with a girl he shouldn't and loses most of what he holds dear.

I'm not actually sure how I feel about the book. I liked it enough to get through it and I kept turning pages to see where it was going but I never really connected with the charcters and I'm not left hungry to find out what happened next. Considering I've already spent money on the remaining books, I expect I'll get around to finding out eventually though.

It has a feel of feudal Japan to it and reminded me in parts of 'House of Flying daggers' (which is one of my favourites), and that may be why I persevered with it.

It's aimed at younger readers but has adult themes running though it and perhaps that's where my ambiguity is coming from....it's adult enough to make it enjoyable, but not enough to make it engrossing.

I don't know. I'm torn, hence the 3 stars.

It's not a bad book though. Despite all the violence and killing, it's actually quite a gentle book and I wouldn't hesitate to reccommend it to younger readers.

Think of it as 'House of Flying daggers' meets 'Crouching Tiger' for youngsters.

Best book EVER!!!
I totally LOVED this book. I found it even more exciting than Northern Lights, and it reminded me of the film Crouching Tiger. It is set in an ancient oriental land run by violent clans and a powerful and sinister organisation called the Tribe. Takeo (the hero) finds himself torn between his loyalty to the Otori clan, The Tribe, and the Hidden - the persecuted community he was born into. Then he falls in love with the beautiful Kaede... It's SUCH an exciting book, and the best thing is, it's the first part of a trilogy, so there are two more books to read! I've already started the second book (Grass for His Pillow).

The most thrilling, amazing book i have read!
I bought this book only a couple of months ago after my friends told me how great it was. When i began reading it i didn't really think much of it, but gradually as the plot developed i began to realise this is a fantastic book! You really get caught up in the character's situations and Hearn creates emotions beautifully. The whole plot is amazing - i won't give any of it away, but it really is suspensful, and every time you finish a chapter, you just want to read more! Hearn really has a stylish way with words - his descriptions of landscapes are beautiful and so vivid. I would definatley buy this book, but be warned - you may cry!!