Song of the Samurai

by C. A. Parker

Japan, 1745, is a land under the iron grip of the Tokugawa shoguns. Roads are monitored, dissent stifled, and order maintained through blackmail and an extensive network of informers. Amid rumors of rebellion, Kurosawa Kinko–samurai and monk–is expelled in disgrace as the head music instructor of his Zen temple in Nagasaki. He begins an odyssey across Japan, dogged by agents and assassins from an unknown foe. Along his journey, Kinko encounters a compelling cast of merchants, ronin, courtesans, spies, warriors, hermits, and spirits, on a quest to redeem his honor. Inspired by the life of the historical Kurosawa Kinko (1710-1771), master of the shakuhachi flute and founder of the Kinko-ryu school, Song of the Samurai takes the reader on a richly-textured exploration of feudal Japan and the complexities of the human spirit.

Genres: Historical Fiction

402 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
Historical fiction is not my personal go-to genre but I had to check this one out because I am fascinated by the history of Japan.

This one is quite detailed and dense. I wish the characters had been more fleshed out but I understand that may not have been the focus of the author.

Regardless I appreciated the worldbuilding and learning more of this cultural history. There are other Japanese historical fiction novels I think are more engrossing, but this is still one I would recommend.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the mid-1700s, Song of the Samurai follows Kinko Kurosawa, a samurai and monk, on a spiritual pilgrimage that takes him on a long journey that terminates in Japan's capital, Edo. While the first half of the book felt quite repetitious-Kinko goes to the next temple, meets someone along the way, learns something, then continues the journey-the last half of the book was quite good as the author embraced the philosophical and spiritual side of Kinko's journey. Although I found the dropping of exposition often clunky, and the characterization not very strong, I was nevertheless pulled into the spiritual journey of Kinko's, and Parker's descriptions of many of the temples and Japan itself were well done. 3.5/5

[Kasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can one be happy with doing less? You can definitely meditate on this question with ‘Song of the Samurai’.

Kurosawa Kinko belongs to a community of Samurai monks (The Komusō) from the order of Fuke-shū, which preaches humility and absence of ego. The Komusō monks are famed for playing a special type of bamboo flute (shakuhachi), and earn their living by collecting alms. Young Kurosawa has been quickly rising through the ranks in a temple in Nagasaki thanks to his musical talents. However, after an illicit affair with a married noblewoman, Kurosawa is expelled and transferred to another temple in Edo (Tokyo) to undertake a position as a musical teacher. In 1745 Japan this journey is not be easy - the country is under the Shogunate control, political unrest is palpable and the roads are far from safe. Along his journey across feudal Japan, Kurosawa crosses paths with merchants, ronins, courtesans, artists, and finally other monks. They exchange stories and music, share adventures, and Kinko is forced to face his prejudices and stereotypical worldview. He begins to doubt his religious order, the oral tradition, his beliefs, and the education he received. Most importantly, he recalibrates his musicianship and discovers its meditative qualities.

It took me a moment to warm up to Kurosawa. Throughout most of the book, he was rather intellectually arrogant, pretentious and quite misadjusted to real life. His lack of self-awareness was obvious, yet he was convinced of his superiority. I know that is a great start for a character embarking on a self-discovery journey, I just found it difficult to connect with his experiences for a while. To a person brought up in the catholic church, it initially felt like a parable - a simple story full of spiritual lessons about the benefits of suffering and searching within (a bit of a cringe). But later on, Kurosawa’s existential crisis became highly evocative. Midway through his journey, his POV shifts from being the center of attention to an observer. The questions he asks himself or is asked by people on his path can easily become therapeutic exercises: the need to reflect and heal to find peace in life, grieving as part of growth, being more aware, and realizing your attachments, finding the quality in taking time, focusing on small things, and not rushing. Can one be happy with doing less? With being less political, less performative, less ambitious? I am usually not the one to use self-help books or meditate, but I appreciate how this book gave me that impression without being superficially blunt. I especially loved how Kintsugi can be applied to life- making an art of celebrating flaws. The places of brokenness make us who we are; they’re what make us unique and beautiful. Altogether, it made for a nice ending about finding your place and pace.

Song of the Samurai is packed with cultural and historical tidbits. It was perfect for exploring the beautiful locations and scenery of Japan, enhancing my Vorfreude for my upcoming trip. The depiction of seasonal light changes was enchanting. I was surprised to find that the novel was inspired by the life of the historical figure Kurosawa Kinko, the legendary master of the shakuhachi flute. Song of the Samurai was not what I expected when I saw the word “samurai” in the title, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a complex, vibrant take on The Canterbury Tales showcasing how music can enhance mindfulness.

PS. I only wished at times that the political plot was developed more, but I can see how its irrelevance was part of the message.

Thank you Running Wild Press and NetGalley for providing this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dave Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinko Kurosawa is a master of the shakuhachi flute and his performances are legendary. The problem is, in 1745 Japan, being a samurai, monk, and musician can be a dicey proposition, especially if you have feelings for a woman who is part of a powerful dynastic clan. When Kurosawa is expelled from his Zen temple in Nagasaki, he begins a pilgrimage across a country tightly controlled by the Shogun and his agents. He meets ronin, courtesans, spies, lives with a hermit for a few months, befriends merchants (who at the time were considered the lowest of classes) and comes face-to-face with his own weaknesses and limitations as he realizes that his shakuhachi isn't for performances at all, but a tool of profound meditation and self-reflection.

I really enjoyed this wonderful adventure story quite a bit and was a bit saddened when it ended. Kurosawa is an everyman, even in this historical era, and even with a protagonist who is a samurai and monk, and his journey of self-discovery is intriguing and engaging. Highly recommended, and a fascinating adjunct to the FX series "Shogun" too, which is (more or less) set in the same era.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this complex and fascinating historical fiction novel, readers travel to mid-eighteenth century Tokugawa Japan where samurai monk Kurosawa Kino is expelled from his Zen temple in Nagasaki. Following him on his journey across Japan to the capital, Edo, readers join Kurosawa as agents, assassins, spirits, merchants, ronin, courtesans, spies, samurai, and many others cross paths with this fascinating complex character. Inspired by a true historical figure who was also a shakuhachi flute player and a music teacher, readers experience all walks of life from Tokugawa Japan as they cross the landscape of this isolated island kingdom. Full of incredible characters and beautiful locations, Parker’s book is packed full of historical detail and vibrant information pulled from history and transposed onto this incredibly detailed novel. Parker’s work is absolutely magnificent, and his prose is fascinating, exciting, and engaging. Reminiscent of the other great travel epics of classic literature, Parker’s book is immersive, impeccably detailed, and wonderfully structured around Kurosawa’s journey across southern Japan. Kurosawa is an interestingly complex protagonist on a great journey, and his interactions with the other complex characters adds to the atmosphere and historical setting of this incredible historical fiction novel set during the Tokugawa shogunate period.

Thanks to NetGalley and Running Wild Press for the advance copy.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Song of the Samurai was a reasonably enjoyable piece of historical fiction. Kurosawa Kinko's journey, both literal and the existential, generally held my interest throughout; however, I was never deeply invested in the story or characters. I would have liked to have been able to get more emotionally involved than I did. Instead I always felt a tad removed from it all. On the whole, the book seemed well researched, though, with enough period detail to help paint the scenes. Therefore, I am giving it 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. Worth checking out if you are interested in historical fiction set in feudal Japan.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Historical fiction is not a genre I typically read. I had a particular interest in this topic because I am learning shakuhachi. I was drawn into the story and wanted to know what would happen next on the character’s journey. I also learned a lot about this time period in Japan. It is evident that the author travelled to many of the places in the book. I felt like I was there from his vivid descriptions and it makes me want to visit Japan someday!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Samurai is a difficult book to quantify. For one it’s definitely more song than samurai. If you go into it expecting sword fights and Bushido you will be disappointed.

The book is more a reflective look at one monks place in the world when (through his own actions) that place has been taken away from him.

It is a slow somewhat meandering travelogue through Edo era japan. We follow Kinko Kurosawas journey from Nagasaki to Edo as he learns more about the shakuhachi flute he is considered an expert in and also more about himself and how he fits into his new life.

I enjoyed the book greatly. It is clearly well researched and evocatively written. The scenery and places leap from the page and make me want to visit every shrine in Japan.

Would recommend to fans of the tv show “Shogun” and of Japanese culture in general.

Thank you to Running Wild press and to Netgalley for the ARC

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. *Disclaimer: This review is based on my own reading preferences and it's totally okay if you have different preferences or views*
Song of the Samurai is a historical fiction which felt more historical then fiction.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 4/5 - There were a lot of characters and at times, they blended a bit together for me. But for the most part, I loved them.
Atmosphere/Setting: 3/5 - I liked both, but it felt like a lot of the same settings and atmosphere - wanted the different places to be more distinguished apart from each other.
Writing Style: 3/5 - The prose felt a bit too explainy to me for a fiction book. It felt like we were doing a deep dive into Japanese history at times and I wasn't expecting it; it also slowed down the prose for me too much.
Plot: 4/5 - I like how the plot kept progressing the further in the book we got.
Intrigue: 4/5 - I was more curious than intrigued.
Logic/Relationships: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3/5 - Generally, just slower prose than I prefer.
Total: 25/7 = 3.5/5 stars
Quote:
"It is our places of brokenness that makes us who we are." (357)

[Air · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Based on a real life journey you’re sent down this glorious path with someone who is as unique as he is brave. The author really had a way with words and you can definitely tell he knows exactly what he’s talking about. It was informative yet captivating and I couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend!

Thank you PRbythebook!

[Mark Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous adventure in Edo-era Japan

This slice of Tokugawa-Era Japan was both exciting, and inspiring. The characters were vibrant, and the depiction their culture was fascinating. It made me hungry for more.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, but the main danger with it is the potential to get boring - and fast. Luckily, @caparkerauthor made sure we were on the edge of our seats from the shocking (and gruesome) prologue to the very end. It's a longer book with lots of beautiful scenery and vast, carefully-studied historical knowledge to savor rather than speed through. Loved every minute of it!

Special thanks to @prbythebook @runningwildpressllc for sending me a copy ❤️✨️ Highly recommend!

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song Of The Samurai is a surprising, thought-provoking, intriguing, unique, and carefully written story! I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book. I knew nothing about Japan during 1745 or that the main character, Kurosawa Kinko, is inspired by a historical figure. This fictional tale taught me a lot while also having the extra excitement fiction always brings.

This is the tale of Kinko a samurai and monk who is expelled in disgrace. The Tokugawa shotguns have a strong hold on Japan which makes his travels dangerous and challenging. He befriends many individuals and must evade dangerous enemies.

This book is ultimately three things: a historically realistic yet fictious ode Japan 1745 and the mysterious inspiring life of Kurosawa Kinko, a fascinating adventure full of unique experiences, and the story of one man's resilience, mindset shift, and journey of self-discovery.

[Unseen Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Song of the Samurai from Netgalley to review.

Rating of 4.25.

Intriguing new author C. A. Parker dives into an intriguing area of Japanese history with his debut novel, Song of the Samurai, a fantastic and deeply compelling historical read that I had a wonderful time getting through.

Song of the Samurai is the debut novel of C. A. Parker and provides readers with a compelling and fascinating historical adventure that also utilises the author’s personal passions and passes on a heartfelt message about spirituality and self-determination.

The plot of Song of the Samurai is a fictionalised narrative of real-life historical figure Kurosawa Kinko, who is known for his teachings and spiritual journeys to learn the Japanese shakuhachi flute. Parker reimagines Kinko’s history somewhat by showing him as a young man who undertakes an extended pilgrimage from his original temple in Nagasaki all the way to the capital in Edo. Banished from his temple due to a romantic scandal, Kinko initially starts the journey in disgrace, but soon embraces his pilgrimage, learning more and more about the people of Japan. This ended up feeling like a bit of a quest narrative, and Parker throws in some fantastic side stories brought on by the multitude of intriguing and unique supporting characters the protagonist encounters along the way, including bandits, spies, courtesans, peasants, fellow monks and more.

While many of these side storylines don’t last too long, they do weave together into a compelling tapestry of events that aim to enhance Kinko’s personal journey. There is a particular focus on the spiritual, as Kinko begins to fully appreciate the significance of the shakuhachi and the music that he plays, as well as the many different people who make up the nation of Japan. I loved the impressive character development that surrounded the protagonist throughout this book, and the growth in spirit and attitude makes for a moving heart to this great narrative. Parker also works in a compelling recurring storyline about espionage and potential rebellion against the ruling Shogun family, as Kinko finds himself wandering the outskirts of dangerous actions. This part of the book adds in a little necessary excitement and action, and I think it balanced well with the historical and personal elements of the narrative. While I did think this espionage element could have been a stronger part of the plot, especially as it gets sidelined several times throughout Song of the Samurai, for the most part this was a particularly engrossing and captivating story, and one that I had had a fun time getting through.

As a huge admirer of Japanese history, I felt that Parker did an exceptional job of capturing the feel and impact of the setting throughout his narrative, and the many, many depictions of Feudal Japan was an impressive part of Song of the Samurai. Thanks to his wandering protagonist, Parker visits a ton of major cities and towns throughout Japan, and I loved the elaborate descriptions that were featured, especially as the author goes out of his way to cover some of the most intriguing parts of the country. I personally loved it when Kinko visited locations I have been to, and you can really feel the author’s love for the setting through his writing. Parker also makes sure to fit in a lot of discussion about key parts of Japanese history and mythology throughout the book, often included as part of a conversation or the protagonist’s thoughts. While some of these historical inclusions weren’t as organic as they could have been, for the most part I found them to be very fascinating, and they added some excellent context to the locations the protagonist visited.

Unsurprisingly when you consider the title of the book and the author’s passion for the shakuhachi flute, there is a huge focus on music in Song of the Samurai. The playing of the shakuhachi is a huge part of the protagonist’s identity as a monk and as a man, and the author really tries to capture Kinko’s love of the flute with his excellent writing. The many, many scenes of Kinko playing his music are some of the best parts of Song of the Samurai, and it allowed the author to showcase the protagonist’s spiritual connection to the music and provide him with new insights into the world around him, especially as he finds music in many different people and locations. The extended sequence where Kinko spent time learning music from a hermit monk on-top of the mountain was particularly fascinating, and I liked how moving those scenes came across. I felt that the author did an excellent job of readapting Kurosawa Kinko’s life story in the book by showcasing these early stages of his lifelong mission to collect and understand music, and you will come away from Song of the Samurai with a whole new appreciation for traditional Japanese music.

Overall, I felt that Song of the Samurai was an outstanding and intriguing debut novel from C. A. Parker, and one I was very glad I decided to check out. Featuring an outstanding historical story that blended great characters with unique locations, Song of the Samurai was an excellent read, and one of the more unique novels of 2024.

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[Joe Reinhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, spiritual adventure and all around interesting read. Reminded me of the Alchemist in its journey. Highly recommend.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tokugawa Japan in 1745 was highly monitored and regimented. All dissent is stifled, and a network of blackmail and informers maintains order. Kurosawa Kinko is expelled in disgrace as the head music instructor of his Zen temple in Nagasaki. As he travels across Japan, Kinko is followed by assassins and encounters many people and spirits as he tries to redeem his honor.

As a monk, Kurosawa taught the shakuhachi flute and practiced with a katana regularly. His affair with a married woman became the talk of the town, bringing disgrace to his monastery. Outright expulsion would give credence to the rumors and make everyone look bad, so he's stripped of rank and sent to another monastery to teach. He has great skill but little humility and paid more attention to rank and privilege than to the spirit. The forced exile and travel then sets in motion his journey not only to the new monastery but of his growth as a person and monk. Along the way he meets people, visits his childhood home, and learns more about Japan than he thought possible.

This book is inspired by the life of the historical Kurosawa Kinko (1710-1771), master of the shakuhachi flute and founder of the Kinko-ryu school. This novel explores feudal Japan and the lives of various classes of Japanese who lived in this time period. We get a look at how religion was monitored and policed in those days, as well as the way politics managed to work its way into how monasteries were run. We see various means of travel and checkpoint security, as well as different towns across feudal Japan. There is an incredible amount of detail in this book, with stories within stories and tales about the towns, temples, and people. Some of the tales were familiar (47 Ronin, anyone?) and some weren't but were in line with other folktales I've read before.

There are minor nitpicks: some inconsistency with names (Kurosawa is referred by his last name in some paragraphs and then Kinko in others), and the Japanese terms are italicized even though this story takes place in Japan.

[Brittany Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to PR By The Book for this ARC.

Imagine that “The Oddessey,” “The Canterbury Tales,” and “Shogun” had a baby…the result would be “The Song of a Samurai.” Based on the real-life journey of Kinko Kurosawa, a master of the shakuhachi (Japanese) flute, this novel follows his one-year journey throughout Japan as he balances his identities as samurai, monk, and musician.

I thought this was going to be a pretty straightforward novel, but then, in the first few chapters, I see that Kinko is not your ordinary monk. He is expelled from his home temple for having an affair with a woman who is an important member of a powerful dynastic clan.

What then transpires is a mashup of “The Odyssey” and “The Canterbury Tales,” as Kinko meets colorful characters along the way to his new assignment, including ronin, courtesans, spies, hermits, and merchants. Plus, he is assigned certain tasks and sub-quests that help him sort through his emotions, identity crisis, and overall place in this 1700’s Japanese landscape.

Each chapter immersed me more and more into this world, and I wanted to know where Kinko would eventually end up. You can certainly tell that Parker knows this subject matter very well but doesn’t overload the reader with dense history and descriptions. It was the perfect balance to keep me engaged and help me gain a new appreciation for this period.

While there is a diverse cast of characters, there are no heart-pounding action sequences like you will encounter in Shogun. But to me, this novel didn’t need a fast pace. Like Kinko, the reader is going on a purely character-driven journey, which is done masterfully.

If you like historical fiction and haven’t explored this time period in Japan, you should definitely pick up this book. It contains rich descriptions of the people, landscapes, and political unrest during this time that serve as an intriguing backdrop for Kinko’s pilgrimage.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Song of the Samurai for its descriptiveness, characterizations, and overall message. Kurosawa Kinko, the protagonist, is a samurai and a monk in the Fuke order. He is reprimanded after being involved in an illicit affair and transferred to another temple on the opposite end of Japan to teach music. The journey to his new position becomes a parallel journey of self-examination, as his most basic assumptions about his social standing, religion and even his musical expression are challenged by what he experiences. It’s a journey where both the physical and spiritual progress feels earned, which made it enjoyable to read.

The descriptions of the land and people are vivid. I had a very clear picture of the landscape Kurosawa moved through, as well as the people he met. I also appreciated good explanations of the social structures and social mores of the period.

Kurosawa is well-crafted and relatable: likable and smart at first introduction, then gradually you begin to see the flaws in his character. It makes him more human, which keeps the story compelling. The other characters provide good foils and object lessons for Kurosawa along his journey.

If I have one critique it’s the political intrigue with regard to the shogun and his lords felt a little disconnected to the rest of the story. The story opens with this plot line, and I kept expecting it to develop more over the course of the story during Kurosawa’s journey, but it stayed largely in the background. While this plot element does eventually come to a resolution, it felt a little distracting to the main story,

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and highly recommended!

[Novels Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-1/2 STAR REVIEW

Kurosawa Kinko rises through the ranks of his temple’s monks, only to be stripped of his rank and status after falling in love with a married woman.

Author C. A. Parker brings 18th-century Japan to life in Song of the Samurai. Sent away from his temple home of almost two decades, Kinko embarks on a journey of self-reflection. Trading his samurai swords for a shakuhachi (a flute), he befriends a fellow monk, and they travel together for a short while.

Meanwhile, there are rumors of a possible insurrection generating unrest. Kinko must also dodge assailants seeking to punish him for his romantic dalliance. His journey is richly detailed, inspired by the travels of the real Kinko.

His efforts at redemption opened the door to many possibilities, some of which he had never considered. Ultimately, he finds peace in the most unlikely place.

Song of the Samurai delivers a richly detailed story of a Japanese monk who embarks on a personal quest for enlightenment. ~ Amy for Novels Alive

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Since the story is only loosely based on an historical person, I'm not sure why there wasn't more plot added. This more like a travelogue than a novel. I guess that's just not my thing?

Some sections are rather info-dumpy (and I tend to love a good info-dump, but these felt more... lecture-y). I don't have a substantial background in Japanese history so found some of the details harder to keep straight. (There is a fairly comprehensive glossary in the back, but that wasn't apparent in the digital file-- linking with a footnote function, or placing at the front of the book, would probably help more people find it.)

This book is probably best for readers who like an immersive setting. eARC from NetGalley.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fictional Japanese story reflects the real life of Kinko, a monk stripped of his status. We follow him as he trades his sword for a flute on a spiritual journey. Full of suspense, revenge, and redemption, we learn about his quest for peace. The author did a fantastic job weaving the story to bring Japanese history to life, a topic I had no idea about. It was done in a suspenseful way to hold my attention, at the same time, learning.

[P Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a 21st century America where masculine power and hubris seem to be inescapable, this wonderful reflection on those themes in 18th century Japan provide a way - a Dō - for all of us. The practices of listening, not having the answer, and growing in openness and vulnerability were a gift for Kinko and for all of us. Thank you, C.A. Parker, for sharing your gifts and insights in this beautiful story.

[Luke Blanchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprising odyssey through medieval Japanese society, with a rich texture of Shinto and Buddhist teachings and beliefs. The art of the Japanese flute is woven with the art of the samurai as a monk learns to do spiritual battle through music, sword and politics in the tense politics of the Tokugawa shogunate.

[K Saju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of the Samurai by Parker is a contemplative tale set in mid-1700s Japan, following Kinko Kurosawa, a samurai and monk, on his spiritual pilgrimage to Edo. While the first half feels repetitive with its cycle of temple visits and encounters, the latter half shines as it delves deeper into Kinko’s philosophical and spiritual growth. A worthwhile read

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Kinko’s journey through 18th century Japan. A personal voyage of discovery for the protagonist that also is a travelogue introducing Kinko and us to many different aspects of life in Japan at that time.

[Rebecca Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! The story was very good and held my interest. I feel like I learned a lot not only about Japanese history but also through Kinko’s journey.

[kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the mid 1700s, Kurosawa Kinko, a monk and a samurai, disgraces himself and his family by getting involved with a married woman, who is well known and high up in rankings. He is told by his temple to leave town and go to Edo where people will not know what happened at home.

This book takes you through Kinko’s journey. He is briefly reunited with his family and meets many different people. He always fears that someone is following him and threatening him. It’s not an easy travel and you hope that he will get to Edo safely.

I have to admit, parts of the book really didn’t sit well with me. I do know and understand that times were different back in the 1700s and women were seen differently, but we’re in the year 2024 and there’s a better way of writing about women back then. I couldn’t get passed this and it definitely effected the way I felt about the book.

This book also talks about lot about how Kinko is well loved by everyone, but I just did not get that sense of charisma and I didn’t care much for Kinko, but I do think a major part of my disconnect was from how women were treated back then and it being portrayed in this book.

While I didn’t enjoy certain parts of this book, I did love learning about the samurai and monk lifestyle that I most likely wouldn’t know that much about even if I looked it up. I enjoyed how simple foods were brought up in the book that we still eat today. You can definitely tell that the author really did his research on this book and while I felt like the women were talked about distastefully, I can appreciate how accurate it seems like for the time!

I have mixed feelings about this book, but I think it is a great book to learn what life was like in Japan in the 1700s, but TW is how women are portrayed in this book.