Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

The Samurai

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Samurai by Shusaku Endo is an engaging historical novel that follows the journey of a 17th-century Japanese samurai, Rokuemon Hasekura, as he embarks on a diplomatic mission to Mexico and Europe. Alongside a missionary named Father Velasco, Rokuemon struggles with cultural differences and personal faith amid a backdrop of political intrigue. The novel explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the collision between Eastern and Western worlds.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Samurai. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy historical narratives that explore cultural and religious conflicts. It offers a thoughtful and immersive journey into the collision of Japanese and European worlds in the 17th century, providing deep insights into spirituality, identity, and the human condition.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Samurai

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A superb historical novel by one of Japan's greatest novelists

In 1613, Father Pedro Velasco's dream came true. He set sail with a small group of Japanese Samurai, first for Mexico, then Spain, then Rome. Velasco could speak Japanese and his zealous hope was to become bishop of a converted, Catholic Japan. They were the first Japanese ever to cross the Pacific. Velasco's mission, along with that of the Samurai, was to use Western trade to turn Japan into a Christian country. This epic journey was filled with incredible danger and hardship, underwritten solely by faith...

An exciting, imaginative dramatization of real events, Shusaku Endo's great work, The Samurai, is also a profoundly personal one, reflecting on his beliefs.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

View all

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Samurai by Shusaku Endo is praised for its powerful and beautifully written narrative, offering a unique perspective that bridges East and West. As a Japanese Catholic, Endo provides a distinctive point of view that explores cultural and psychological conflicts in an original way. Eminent writers have recognised Endo as one of the finest living novelists, highlighting his exceptional storytelling abilities.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241307465

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 August 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 247g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Shusaku Endo (1923-96) was one of 20th century Japan's greatest novelists. His major works include The Sea and Poison, Silence (a film adaptation directed by Martin Scorsese was released in 2017), When I Whistle and The Samurai.

Also by Shusaku Endo

View all

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.