I received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for a review. The writing is ok, but the topic was all over the place. There was nothing (and no one) to grasp on to.Ugh. I couldn't get into this book and gave up at 20%. DNF. No rating.
The Samurai of Seville by John J. Healey is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in early June.Oi, this book is filled with detailed description, details, and so, so many names; both Spanish and Japanese. Its third-person narration is mostly from the perspective of Shiro and his group of samurai, alongside families of the Spanish nobility, and their becoming acclimated with new languages, cultures, swordsmanship, appearance, fine dining, and etiquette.
Based on a true event in the early 1600's, the story focuses on one out-of-the-ordinary Samurai, Shiro. Characters and plot were well developed but with a slow start. The journey from Japan to Spain was an eastabout, landing them in early California. Then all of a sudden, they arrive in Spain, omitting many, many months and thousands of miles of the sail around South America and across the Atlantic. But once in Spain, the story takes off and becomes quite compelling. Maybe four stars.
The contrasting cultures and religions are carefully handled, maybe slightly stereotyped to the Japanese being more "elegant", but with the story being mostly from the perspective of Shiro that fits with the narrative.The characters are suitably colourful, the scandals deliciously outrageous.Great ending too.
This beautiful book just blew me away! Because I so enjoyed the author's previous novel, 'Emily & Herman' I ordered this one as soon as it appeared - this week! It is a brilliant and moving story of two diametrically opposed cultures coming together in a love story that breaks your heart. It also paints a detailed look at early 17th Century Spain ans seen through the eyes of a particularly noble, young and handsome Samurai warrior. It took my breath away!
Thrilled to have read this novel based on the true story of a visit in the 17th century by Japanese samurai and tradesmen to Spain and Italy. I first became aware of this fascinating bit of history when I saw a replica of the boat and a small museum dedicated to the journey in Miyagi Japan. This novel helped put the significant but little-known event into a broader context. The characters and story developed by the author were also interesting.
It was an entertaining read. Shiro is an attractive character. But for a historical novel set in the early 17th century there were a number of jarring details. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, they would not find their way to California or to Spain for a couple more centuries and what would Galileo know of Neanderthals?
Entretenida y concisa aventura de una samurai en la Sevilla del siglo XVII.
A wonderful story with interesting historical details that are unexpected !Thank you GoodReads for the book.Review to follow in the near future.