The Samurai (New Directions Classic) - Softcover

Endo, Shusaku; Gessel, Van C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0811213463 ISBN 13: 9780811213462

Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1997

Synopsis

The Samurai, without doubt one of the late Shusaku Endo's finest works, seamlessly combines historical fact with novelist's imaginings. Set in the period preceding the Christian persecutions in Japan, The Samurai traces the steps of some of the first Japanese to set foot on European soil. Rokuemon Hasekura, a low-ranking warrior, is chosen as one of Japan's envoys to the Viceroy of Mexico and Pope Paul V. The emissaries set sail in 1613, accompanied by an ambitious Franciscan missionary who hopes to bargain trading privileges with the West for the right to head his order in Japan. The arduous journey lasts four years, and the Japanese travel from Mexico to Rome, where they are persuaded that the success of their mission depends on their conversion willy-nilly to Christianity. In fact, the enterprise has been futile from the start and the mission returns to Japan where the political tides have shifted: the authorities are pursuing an isolationist policy and a ruthless stamping out of all Western influences. In the face of disillusionment and death, samurai Rokuemon's only support and solace come from the spiritual lord he is not even sure he believes in.

About this title

Review:

A historical novel of early contacts between East and West from one of Japan's greatest 20th-century writers.

A historical novel of early contacts between 20th-century writers.

In the 17th century, Hasekura and three other low-level samurai are sent to seek trade with Father Velasco, a Franciscan missionary and interpreter, they pursue their mission from Nueva Espana to Spain. Along the way, they endure not only the hardships of the journey but priest, who believes that their conversion will gain him the appointment as Bishop of Japan, convinces them that they will succeed only if they convert to Christianity, and reluctantly they agree. Failure, however, is their only reward. After years of wandering, they return to Japan, where they face shame and persecution. Basing his novel on the actual voyage of Hasekura, Endo (Deep River, LJ 2/15/95) masterfully evokes the struggle between the Western individual and the Eastern collective identity and in so doing plumbs the depths of honor, faith, and human endurance. The result is an expansive novel of astonishing power and insight. Strongly recommended for all collections.

Set in the period preceding the Christian persecutions in Japan, The Samurai traces the steps of some of the first Japanese to set foot on European soil. Rokuemon Haskura, a low-ranking warrior, is chosen as one of Pope Paul V. The emissaries set sail in 1613, accompanied by an ambitious Franciscan missionary who hopes to bargain treading privileges with the West for the right to head his order in Japan. The arduous journey lasts four years, and the japanese travel from Mexico to Rome, where they are persuaded that the success of their mission depends on their conversion to Christianity. In fact, the enterprise has been futile from the start and the mission returns to Japan where the political tides have shifted: the authorities are pursuing an isolationist policy and a ruthless stamping out of all Western influences. In the face of disillusionment and death, as a samurai the spiritual lord he is not even sure he believes in. The historical context is precise and accurate for this thrilling and complex tale of intrigue.

Set in the period preceding the Christian persecutions in Japan, The Samurai traces the steps of some of the first Japanese to set foot on European soil. Rokuemon Haskura, a low-ranking warrior, is chosen as one of Pope Paul V. The emissaries set sail in 1613, accompanied by an ambitious Franciscan missionary who hopes to bargain treading privileges with the West for the right to head his order in Japan. The arduous journey lasts four years, and the japanese travel from Mexico to Rome, where they are persuaded that the success of their mission depends on their conversion to Christianity. In fact, the enterprise has been futile from the start and the mission returns to Japan where the political tides have shifted: the authorities are pursuing an isolationist policy and a ruthless stamping out of all Western influences. In the face of disillusionment and death, as a samurai the spiritual lord he is not even sure he believes in. The historical context is precise and accurate for this thrilling and complex tale of intrigue.

In the 17th century, Hasekura and three other low-level samurai are sent to seek trade with Father Velasco, a Franciscan missionary and interpreter, they pursue their mission from Nueva Espana to Spain. Along the way, they endure not only the hardships of the journey but priest, who believes that their conversion will gain him the appointment as Bishop of Japan, convinces them that they will succeed only if they convert to Christianity, and reluctantly they agree. Failure, however, is their only reward. After years of wandering, they return to Japan, where they face shame and persecution. Basing his novel on the actual voyage of Hasekura, Endo (Deep River, LJ 2/15/95) masterfully evokes the struggle between the Western individual and the Eastern collective identity and in so doing plumbs the depths of honor, faith, and human endurance. The result is an expansive novel of astonishing power and insight. Strongly recommended for all collections.

A historical novel of early contacts between 20th-century writers.

Set in the period preceding the Christian persecutions in Japan, The Samurai traces the steps of some of the first Japanese to set foot on European soil. Rokuemon Haskura, a low-ranking warrior, is chosen as one of Pope Paul V. The emissaries set sail in 1613, accompanied by an ambitious Franciscan missionary who hopes to bargain treading privileges with the West for the right to head his order in Japan. The arduous journey lasts four years, and the japanese travel from Mexico to Rome, where they are persuaded that the success of their mission depends on their conversion to Christianity. In fact, the enterprise has been futile from the start and the mission returns to Japan where the political tides have shifted: the authorities are pursuing an isolationist policy and a ruthless stamping out of all Western influences. In the face of disillusionment and death, as a samurai the spiritual lord he is not even sure he believes in. The historical context is precise and accurate for this thrilling and complex tale of intrigue.

In the 17th century, Hasekura and three other low-level samurai are sent to seek trade with Father Velasco, a Franciscan missionary and interpreter, they pursue their mission from Nueva Espana to Spain. Along the way, they endure not only the hardships of the journey but priest, who believes that their conversion will gain him the appointment as Bishop of Japan, convinces them that they will succeed only if they convert to Christianity, and reluctantly they agree. Failure, however, is their only reward. After years of wandering, they return to Japan, where they face shame and persecution. Basing his novel on the actual voyage of Hasekura, Endo (Deep River, LJ 2/15/95) masterfully evokes the struggle between the Western individual and the Eastern collective identity and in so doing plumbs the depths of honor, faith, and human endurance. The result is an expansive novel of astonishing power and insight. Strongly recommended for all collections.

A historical novel of early contacts between 20th-century writers.

About the Author:

Shusaku Endo (1923-1996) is widely regarded as one of the most important Japanese authors of the late twentieth century. He won many major literary awards and was nominated for the Nobel Prize several times. His novel Silence was recently made into a major film directed by Martin Scorsese.

About this edition

• Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0811213463
• ISBN 13: 9780811213462
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272