Although this is not Richard Lawrence's first book, it is his first novel.
Dedicated to Lawrence's much-loved younger sister, Louise, who died of cancer, Kaito's Rooster is an entertaining and very readable story steeped in New Zealand history.
The story is centred on the prisoner of war camp nearFeatherston and the friendship that was formed there between Captain Jack and a Japanese Naval Lieutenant Kaito Murasami.
However, the tale begins with Jack's dad, Robert, bringing up his son alone while working at Castlepoint Station.
I loved this part of the story with tales of work on the station, races on the beach ... in fact, anyone who enjoys racing will love this book.
There's mention of plenty of champions and their pedigrees as readers are taken back to the early days of the Melbourne Cup.
When Robert is employed by the War Department to select and oversee the care of 400 horses on a voyage halfway around the world, he leaves behind his son, not knowing if he will ever set foot on New Zealand soil again.
Robert's journey is fraught with danger and because his greatest concern is for the horses' welfare, he and the captain of the ship come up with a cunning plan to save both man and beast from the shipwreck.
There are some great characters in this book, including Captain Button and the McTavishes.
Without giving too much away, the story moves from Robert to his son as he grows up, becomes a stock agent, marries and eventually becomes Captain Jack.
That's all I'm telling.
Written with warmth and humour, Kaito's Rooster will appeal to young adult readers onwards.
