What do you think?
Rate this book
Samurai #2
The Samurai's Daughter
A tale of personal discovery, familial obligations, and competing cultural expectations is at the heart of this exciting sequel to The Samurai of Seville.
Soledad Maria, called Masako by her father, is a child of two worlds. Born in Seville in the seventeenth century, she is the daughter of a beloved Spanish lady and a fearsome samurai warrior sent to Spain as a member of one of the most intriguing cultural exchanges in history.
After her mother's death, Soledad Maria and her father set out to return to Japan, though a journey across the world can never be without peril. Once they return, even their position in her father’s home is not secure. As they try to stay one step ahead of those who would harm them, Soledad Maria finds herself grappling with not only the physical challenges of her many voyages, but with who she is, which legacy to claim—that of a proper Spanish lady or of a samurai—and which world she can really call home.
The Samurai's Daughter is an essential and timeless story of accepting ourselves and finding our place in the world.
Soledad Maria, called Masako by her father, is a child of two worlds. Born in Seville in the seventeenth century, she is the daughter of a beloved Spanish lady and a fearsome samurai warrior sent to Spain as a member of one of the most intriguing cultural exchanges in history.
After her mother's death, Soledad Maria and her father set out to return to Japan, though a journey across the world can never be without peril. Once they return, even their position in her father’s home is not secure. As they try to stay one step ahead of those who would harm them, Soledad Maria finds herself grappling with not only the physical challenges of her many voyages, but with who she is, which legacy to claim—that of a proper Spanish lady or of a samurai—and which world she can really call home.
The Samurai's Daughter is an essential and timeless story of accepting ourselves and finding our place in the world.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2019
68 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
John J. Healey
5 books20 followersJohn J. Healey was born and raised in New York City. He has lived between there and Spain for most of his life. In Spain he discovered his love of film working on Victor Erice’s masterpiece El Sur. He has subsequently worked on many movies with a long list of directors including John Huston, Warren Beatty, and Elaine May. He has directed two films: the documentary Federico García Lorca which provides an intimate portrait of the poet, his work, and his surviving family, and The Practice of the Wild, that follows the poets Gary Snyder and the late Jim Harrison in conversation while roaming the wilds of Central California. His novels have been published and translated into several languages. The English titles are: Emily & Herman, The Samurai of Seville, The Samurai's Daughter (a sequel); and The Secret of Provence House which was published by HarperCollins in the UK under the pen name Aubrey Rhodes. His latest novel, April in Paris, was published by Arcade in July 2021. The Samurai of Seville is the basis for a narrated double concerto for flamenco guitar and Japanese harp soloists with a full orchestra. The concerto’s world premiere took place in Japan on November 27th, 2021, performed by the Kyoto Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by John Axelrod, music composed by José Maria Gallardo del Rey, and libretto written by the author. He is also the screenwriter of the documentary film Zurbarán y sus doce hijos about the Spanish painter directed by award-winning filmmaker Arantxa Aguirre. This film is having its U.S. premiere at the National Gallery in October, 2022. John J. Healey is represented by the Pontas Literary & Film Agency in Barcelona. Queries should be sent to: clara@pontas-agency.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 23, 2025
Me encantó este libro, es muy entretenido y tiene mucho ritmo. en casa página pasa algo y la historia está basada en una expedición de samurais que llego a Andalucía en el siglo XVII. Muy recomendable.
December 2, 2021
This is the second book in Mr. Healey's Samurai series. I think book one of this series, The Samurai of Seville, provided a good background and starting point when reading this particular book. While it is not necessary to read the books in order, and this second book could stand alone as an independent story, I do recommend reading both books in order, if that is possible for you to do so. While I enjoyed both books, this was my favorite of the two. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I don't want to get into too much detail. But I will say that both books were emotional and sad at times, but together told a beautiful story of life and death. I have always loved stories about the Samurai. While this book may not have your traditional "happily ever after", it did provide a satisfying ending. I think the author provided us with some sort of closure for each of the main characters, so we were not left guessing too much about their fates. As a reader, I appreciated this. I enjoyed reading and following Shiro as a young boy then later as an older man. I later enjoyed doing the same for his daughter. I am so glad I accidentally stumbled across this series. I hope that others take a chance with these books and that they enjoy them as much as I did.
August 25, 2019
Don't worry if you didn't read the first book- this is fine as a standalone. It's an entertaining and quite different story that plays off a part of history that's not well known- when samurai travelled to Spain in the 17th century. One of those samurai- Shiro-fell in love and fathered a daughter who he called Masako. Her Spanish name is Soledad Maria. When her mother dies, Shiro decides he wants to return to Japan. It's a wild voyage, complete with all sort of dangers and, for Shiro, the possibility of a new love. Once in Japan, things are no easier for Masako than they were in Spain but she's a tough cookie and trains in samurai skills, is pursued by someone she's not interested in, and well....no spoilers. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A good read with an interesting heroine that might be a very good YA crossover as well.
April 23, 2020
Being a huge fan of the first book, The Samurai of Seville, I awaited the appearance of this one with great anticipation - and I have not been disappointed. It's wonderful. Along with a series of adventures father and daughter encounter traveling from Spain to Japan, and then back again, in the first part of the 17th century, there occur, at regular intervals, scenes of great tenderness and intimacy and emotion that made me cry. And the end is extremely satisfying. I shall miss all of these characters.
November 15, 2021
Masako is the daughter of a beloved Spanish lady and a fearsome samurai warrior. Born in Spain, but after her mother's passing, her father decides to return with her to the Japanese culture.
Before leaving Spain, he promises Masako's great-aunt that she will return.
The father & daughter live through many dangerous perils and long voyages between countries before reaching Japan.
This novel opens views into the 17th century mental & physical challenges during voyages, life in Spain, family disputes, and life in the samurais' lives.
Before leaving Spain, he promises Masako's great-aunt that she will return.
The father & daughter live through many dangerous perils and long voyages between countries before reaching Japan.
This novel opens views into the 17th century mental & physical challenges during voyages, life in Spain, family disputes, and life in the samurais' lives.
May 2, 2020
Masako, as she was called by her Samurai father
was born in the seventeenth century. Her mother was a beloved Spanish lady who her father loved greatly. Her life was filled with travel. Her father and her returned to Japan where he had many enemies. She struggled with who she should be.... a proper Spanish lady or a samuri. She finally decided which world that she would really call home. Wonderful book!
was born in the seventeenth century. Her mother was a beloved Spanish lady who her father loved greatly. Her life was filled with travel. Her father and her returned to Japan where he had many enemies. She struggled with who she should be.... a proper Spanish lady or a samuri. She finally decided which world that she would really call home. Wonderful book!
April 24, 2019
A compelling story line and interesting characters. Great to see the coin flipped: Japanese as "foreigners" in Europe as opposed to foreigners in Japan. A bit thin on description when it came to samurai style sword battles. Laughed out loud when read that it took "some days" to tame wild horses for riding, but it was a fun book that read a bit more like a movie. Definitely a good beach read.
May 29, 2021
The sequel is even better than the 1st book. I loved how the characters traveled the known world of the 1600s, and even though far-fetched it is still kept as a credible story. The second book reads so much faster than the first one. I cannot wait (I hope) for the 3rd book in this series. It would definitely be worth it.
November 16, 2021
A powerful story of familial love and loyalty!
This is a love story, an epic tale of adventure and a touching history of people in the farthest reaches of the globe. We learn about some historical facts and many interpretations of historical events and issues. It doesn't end with "and they lived happily ever after " but with a more grounded summary to that point.
This is a love story, an epic tale of adventure and a touching history of people in the farthest reaches of the globe. We learn about some historical facts and many interpretations of historical events and issues. It doesn't end with "and they lived happily ever after " but with a more grounded summary to that point.
June 15, 2020
Excellent
I chose the rating because I found the book totally captivating. Original subject matter I had no previous knowledge or consideration. A very pleasant way to spend a quiet weekend. Highly recommend this book. I can only say good things.
I chose the rating because I found the book totally captivating. Original subject matter I had no previous knowledge or consideration. A very pleasant way to spend a quiet weekend. Highly recommend this book. I can only say good things.
March 27, 2021
Pleasant sequel to The Samurai of Seville. I felt it would have been stronger if there were more description of the tremendous strain of travel around the world at that time but overall I enjoyed the descriptions of life in feudal Japan and the challenges of being foreign in Renaissance Spain.
April 24, 2020
Great read!
I loved this book. It was well written and fast paced. Good character development. I plan on reading John Healy's other book.
I loved this book. It was well written and fast paced. Good character development. I plan on reading John Healy's other book.
April 26, 2020
Enjoyed this historical romance
May 15, 2020
The Samurais Daughter is just as good as the Samurai of Seville. Both books are extremely well written and exciting to read. John J. Harley is not just a good author but a story teller.
November 25, 2025
Das Buch war ein netter Zeitvertreib, das kann man definitiv sagen. Ich war leider vom Ende sehr enttäuscht. Das Buch war einfach plötzlich zu Ende - so wie es abschließend endet, passt leider nicht.
Mir persönlich war die Geschichte auch zu dynamisch. Das klingt erstmal seltsam, aber da die Hauptfiguren im Buch nur am Reisen waren, kam man selbst nicht zur Ruhe. Logischweise geht es hauptsächlich darum, dass Masaka und Shiro um die ganze Welt reisen, aber mir war es leider zu "viel". Man verliert gerne mal zwischendurch den Faden.
Als die Charaktere mehr oder weniger sesshaft wurden, war das einfach zu kurz beschrieben.
Die Geschichte an sich ist interessant, aber die Unsetzung hätte etwas besser sein können. Deswegen nur die 3 Sterne.
Noch zu sagen ist, dass der Schreibstil echt toll es, was das Buch sehr leicht und flüssig zu lesen macht.
Der erste Band hat mir aber deutlich besser gefallen.
Mir persönlich war die Geschichte auch zu dynamisch. Das klingt erstmal seltsam, aber da die Hauptfiguren im Buch nur am Reisen waren, kam man selbst nicht zur Ruhe. Logischweise geht es hauptsächlich darum, dass Masaka und Shiro um die ganze Welt reisen, aber mir war es leider zu "viel". Man verliert gerne mal zwischendurch den Faden.
Als die Charaktere mehr oder weniger sesshaft wurden, war das einfach zu kurz beschrieben.
Die Geschichte an sich ist interessant, aber die Unsetzung hätte etwas besser sein können. Deswegen nur die 3 Sterne.
Noch zu sagen ist, dass der Schreibstil echt toll es, was das Buch sehr leicht und flüssig zu lesen macht.
Der erste Band hat mir aber deutlich besser gefallen.
September 28, 2025
Super interesante y sin desperdicio. No pude parar de leerlo hasta el final. Aunque es ficción, hay muchísimas referencias a hechos y personajes históricos reales y la trama invita a querer seguir desentrañando los acontecimientos.
June 9, 2019
The follow up to The Samurai of Seville - its is a story of acceptance and finding your place in the world as Soledad Maria - the Samurai's daughter - finds herself torn between two cultures - that of her Japanese father and that of her Spanish mother; and never quite accepted in either.
We follow the alternating storyline - Shiro & Catriona / Japan and Spain, as Soledad Maria and her father return to his native Japan where she will be raised. On the way, many adventures take place - shipwrecks, mutiny, imprisonment, gladitorial style combat, narrow escapes, separation and reunion. New characters appear - the Irish captive, Catriona; the Dutch sea captain, Kurt; new family members in both japan and Spain.
In Japan they are received by the Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, who hears their amazing tale of survival; Soledad maria (now Masako); is trained in the arts of the samurai, all the while being courted by the vengeful Data Tadamune.
On the run and attempting to return to Spain, many more adventures take place until finally they arrive and all stories merge into one.
It is a quick moving tale - slightly smaller in volume that the first. It is ultimately a young woman's reflections of both her own and her family's lives.
"... each of us is hos own person to be respected and understood ..." a poignant message.
We follow the alternating storyline - Shiro & Catriona / Japan and Spain, as Soledad Maria and her father return to his native Japan where she will be raised. On the way, many adventures take place - shipwrecks, mutiny, imprisonment, gladitorial style combat, narrow escapes, separation and reunion. New characters appear - the Irish captive, Catriona; the Dutch sea captain, Kurt; new family members in both japan and Spain.
In Japan they are received by the Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, who hears their amazing tale of survival; Soledad maria (now Masako); is trained in the arts of the samurai, all the while being courted by the vengeful Data Tadamune.
On the run and attempting to return to Spain, many more adventures take place until finally they arrive and all stories merge into one.
It is a quick moving tale - slightly smaller in volume that the first. It is ultimately a young woman's reflections of both her own and her family's lives.
"... each of us is hos own person to be respected and understood ..." a poignant message.
May 1, 2020
This was the first book I read by this author and I found it a delightful read. Delightful may be an unusual word to use for a journey that encompassed much sadness and trials but that is exactly how I felt. The author’s wonderful descriptions of the surroundings as well as his characters provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It has a lyrical quality that allows the reader to absorb the brutality and horrors of events portrayed without being shattered by their reality. Narrated by the daughter, the reader is taken on an amazing journey through the times and cultures of the characters which influenced the approach and decisions they made.
July 11, 2020
Enjoyable, lyrical and vivid, there are times that this book asks that we suspend aspects of reality, as is common with most good works of fiction. The reward is a wistful, melancholic, and illuminating exploration of the human condition. Whether it is a coachman discussing illegitimate birth or a samurai taking the cowl at the end of adventure, this book takes you across continents as it explores the question of what makes us truly who and what we are. It can be read in a single evening but I encourage you to sip it and savor it over at least a few days. In the end you will ask yourself: what defines me? Birth? Family? Heritage? Race? Or, are you the sum of your actions?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
Title Was the Best Part
The title caught my attention, but the book didn't live up to my expectations. All the characters are stiff and distant. It was a series of situations and travels. The writer didn't make me care for any one.
The title caught my attention, but the book didn't live up to my expectations. All the characters are stiff and distant. It was a series of situations and travels. The writer didn't make me care for any one.
June 6, 2020
The book is a good first draft. Couldn't finish it. I could not relate to the characters nor their situation. I read many books involving feudal Japan, Zen Buddhism, samurai philosophy, studying a variety of Martial Arts over a 30 years period, and
May 10, 2020
First person narrative
The tale told by the daughter of a Samurai. I found it unsatisfying because I had hoped to see the cultures but only saw family infighting.
The tale told by the daughter of a Samurai. I found it unsatisfying because I had hoped to see the cultures but only saw family infighting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews