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Samurai #1
Самурајот од Севилја
Самурајот од Севилја е љубовна приказна од средновековна Шпанија, во седумнаесеттиот век. Љубов што се роди меѓу млад самурај и шпанска благородничка. Приказна сместена во малку позната историска таписерија...
298 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
37 people are currently reading
425 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 8, 2017
In 1614, Date Masamune, Japanese feudal baron and great Lord of the Shogun authorized a diplomatic mission to visit Spain and the Vatican. Hasekura Tsunenaga, a retainer of Date Masamune was chosen to head the mission estimated to take approximately two years. The meeting of two distinct cultures would be put to the test.
Date Masamune had raised his illegitimate nephew Shiro in Sendai Castle. Shiro was exposed to a multicultural education. He became a samurai at 13 years old and followed the Way of the Warrior. He was apprenticed to seaman and navigator, William Adams, who taught the youngster astronomy, geometry, and the English language. Father Sotelo, a Franciscan monk, taught Shiro Spanish, Latin and Greek. To Hasekura Tsunenaga's dismay, Date Masamune insisted that Shiro accompany the delegation and act as his eyes and ears.
The ship called the Date Maru set sail with 21 samurai including 10 from the Shogun, 12 from the Lord and 120 merchants, sailors and seamen. Father Sotelo's goal was to distinguish himself by preaching in new territories, gaining new converts and eventually become an Archbishop. Lord Masamune's goal was to establish treaties of trade with the barbarians.
En route to New Spain, Shiro forged a friendship with Diego, a Spanish seaman. An altercation between Diego and a samurai had lasting repercussions for both Shiro and Diego.
Two different cultures with men who called each other barbarians. The Japanese thought their hosts were unpredictable. They had fearsome muskets, revolting eating habits, were adverse to cleanliness and were religiously intrusive. The Spaniards although entranced by the bolts of silk the Japanese brought to trade, questioned the use of chopsticks, constant bathing and the odd austere physical and spiritual regimens. The samurai warriors agreed to be baptized as an act of fealty and diplomacy. Across the cultural divide, Shiro made inroads with his worldly knowledge and calm demeanor. He was trusted by Philip III, the King of Spain and favored by the Duke of Medina-Sidonia much to Hasekura's unhappiness. The Duke's daughter, Guada and Shiro connected despite their differences. Would the tenderness between them evolve into something lasting? Will trade routes between east and west be established? Upon Father Sotelo's return to Sendai, Japan, will he have the necessary backing to start a Christian church?
"The Samurai of Seville" by John J. Healey is a richly detailed historical fiction read about attempts to create new trade routes and convert non-believers to Christianity. The learning experienced by each culture cannot be denied. An excellent novel of cultural assimilation.
Thank you Skyhorse Publishing, Arcade Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Samurai of Seville".
Date Masamune had raised his illegitimate nephew Shiro in Sendai Castle. Shiro was exposed to a multicultural education. He became a samurai at 13 years old and followed the Way of the Warrior. He was apprenticed to seaman and navigator, William Adams, who taught the youngster astronomy, geometry, and the English language. Father Sotelo, a Franciscan monk, taught Shiro Spanish, Latin and Greek. To Hasekura Tsunenaga's dismay, Date Masamune insisted that Shiro accompany the delegation and act as his eyes and ears.
The ship called the Date Maru set sail with 21 samurai including 10 from the Shogun, 12 from the Lord and 120 merchants, sailors and seamen. Father Sotelo's goal was to distinguish himself by preaching in new territories, gaining new converts and eventually become an Archbishop. Lord Masamune's goal was to establish treaties of trade with the barbarians.
En route to New Spain, Shiro forged a friendship with Diego, a Spanish seaman. An altercation between Diego and a samurai had lasting repercussions for both Shiro and Diego.
Two different cultures with men who called each other barbarians. The Japanese thought their hosts were unpredictable. They had fearsome muskets, revolting eating habits, were adverse to cleanliness and were religiously intrusive. The Spaniards although entranced by the bolts of silk the Japanese brought to trade, questioned the use of chopsticks, constant bathing and the odd austere physical and spiritual regimens. The samurai warriors agreed to be baptized as an act of fealty and diplomacy. Across the cultural divide, Shiro made inroads with his worldly knowledge and calm demeanor. He was trusted by Philip III, the King of Spain and favored by the Duke of Medina-Sidonia much to Hasekura's unhappiness. The Duke's daughter, Guada and Shiro connected despite their differences. Would the tenderness between them evolve into something lasting? Will trade routes between east and west be established? Upon Father Sotelo's return to Sendai, Japan, will he have the necessary backing to start a Christian church?
"The Samurai of Seville" by John J. Healey is a richly detailed historical fiction read about attempts to create new trade routes and convert non-believers to Christianity. The learning experienced by each culture cannot be denied. An excellent novel of cultural assimilation.
Thank you Skyhorse Publishing, Arcade Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Samurai of Seville".
October 14, 2020
Ladies and gentlemen, having written the review of an arid historical novel, but true we're going to move on to another one that was exactly the opposite and which I've notably disliked. It's a shame because the theme about"The Samurai of Seville" written by John J. Healey was really interesting. That is, it told the Keicho mission in which a group of Japanese sponsored by Date Masamune visited New Spain, Spain, the south of France and had an interview with Paulo V. One of my favorite writers Shusaku Endo https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... was noveling it in his novel"Samurai" and we will see that this novel has two common characters with The Novel by Shusaku Endo Hasekura Tsunenaga Rokuemon and Luis Sotelo, which in Shusaku Endo's novel was known as Velasco. So Healey's project was about the hugely engaging role and I was also inspired by confidence that this book had been edited by the publishing house La Esfera de los Libros with which I had a twitter rub, when I asked them to edit my friend Elena Maria Vidal https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... I also did not really like one of the novels that edited Adrian Tchaikovski's"Spiderlight" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... but usually edit good titles. So at first it looked like this novel was going to be to my liking, but if the reader was expecting a book resembing David B.Gil's wonderful "8 million gods" (which has been one of the best titles I've read this year) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... will be disappointed. Neither is healey's idea new, although I have it in my house in Mojados (a town where my parents have a house) I have not yet read"Ronin" by Francisco Narla https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... As a lover of Japan, which is together with Poland my favorite country, but it is curious when Westerners get in to write historical novels about Japan the result (except exceptions Mr. David B. Gil https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... is one of them) is usually visibly worse. The Japanese usually beat us when it comes to writing novels about their country. This case is particularly disappointing, since the author abounds in what he would call the feeling of guilt of the West, which is guilty of all evils and of course also echoes the anti-sleep black legend that permeates the pages of this book. Although he condemns the religious persecution of Catholics carried out by Tokugawa Ieyasu, he comes to equip it with the expulsion of the Moors. The Japanese society defending the concubine and more amoral than the Spanish society is better off. The protagonist Shiro although illegitimate is familiar with Date Masamune and is a man of trust of him, despite his uncertain origins. That doesn't seem bad to me, because many times ilegitimos children tend to behave better than children within marriage, but in my opinion I don't think it's good to promote that kind of family model.
The author does not hesitate to leave the model carried out by Dutch and English well, you only have to see the positicva image that has the English Williams friend of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the refusal that the Spaniards have. It seems that with this tolerance thing, which, as St. John Henry Newman says, and my admired Juan Manuel de Prada, tolerance only serves so that the person who promotes it does not believe in any religion. The author does not hesitate to praise Al Anddalus and Islam and to consider it a great civilization, when Islam has done so is forcefully introduce its cult by implanting it in conquered countries. Some say, but they were very tolerant. If they were too tolerant if you had money to pay the high taxes they imposed on you for not being a Muslim and practicing your religion. In the end it seems that what the author does not forgive the Spaniards is that Catholics want to evangelize. By the way, Willians was the model who inspired Blackthorn, the Dutch sailor starring James Clavell's"Shogun" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... one of the most anti-historical, Hispanic-african, and anti-Catholic novels ever written. I want to remember and I say this for some Catholics who are a fan of Ayn Rand https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... I want to remember that many times our enemy's enemy is not our friend, and that happens in this case. I do not believe that we should move from communist collectivism to the elitist individualism promoted by Rand and in which a few are very good and have many talents and must be followed and protected against the mediocre ones who move the masses against them. Behind Ayn Rand, as clavell lies the hollow of atheism and a glimpse of history that draws closer to the hated socialism in this case of English Fabian society in this case of H.G. Wells https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... (despite some dystopian novels of his) of the indefinite progress of science, which will make us happy and in the same position is Isaac Asimov https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... Not to mention Ayn Rand's contempt for the Middle Ages, an age of bigotry and darkness. Contrary to what his compatriot Nikolai Berdiáyev thought, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... believed exactly the opposite. Ayn Rand's hatred of C.S. Lewis, for example, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... I can't do it in Ayn Rand's case, but I've certainly read part of"Shogun" (which I abandoned when I was bored. A server prefers the original to historical novels written by Japanese than their copies. In the editing of Eiji Yoshikawa's novel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... about Musashi. In Quaterni's edition, the prologue Edwin O. Reischauer compares to each other by writing unfavorably from Clavell's novel to which he blames anti-https://www.quaterni.es/producto/musa... the vision he gives of Spanish priests and Spain itself is delusional, even if he treats Portuguese Jesuits somewhat better. Lio that I can say is that"The King of Rats" is very irreligious and that there are veiled attacks on the wars of religion. In fact"The King of Rats" and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9... iswithouta doubt the worst novel I have ever read this year, and the most amoral no doubt.
But let's go back to Healey by lyricating his novel one has the feeling that Japan is far above Spain, but the reality that Japan after a period of civil wars had achieved its unity in a few years thanks to three men Oda Nobunaga who was the one who started it, Toyotomi Hideyoshi the incredible monkey face, and it is Tokugawa Ieyasu who gets it thanks to Sekigahara's vicoria in 1603 and his victory over Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son Hideyoshi, Hideyori, while Spain, although the kingdoms were different, had already achieved its unity in 1512, if we are more specific 1492 with the taking of Gránada. Nor can I believe that the protagonist can effortlessly defeat the Spanish soldiers with which he fights so easily. Although with Toyotomi Hideyoshi there were tensions with Spain they never reached hands, although Paul Claudel in his homage to Spain called"Shoe of Satin" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... if he makes his protagonist go to fight against the Japanese (it must be recognized that Paul Claudel's play is not historical, but artistic and is a tribute to Catholic Spain of the XVI-XVII century). However, if it is known of a battle between the Spaniards and the fearsome Japanese Wacos who even Oda Nobunaga himself could not defeat as ryo Wada tells in his novel "The Daughter ofMurakami's Pirates" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and that the weapons granted victory to the Spaniards. It is true that Japanese swords were better, but even though Japan was incorporating firearms it still could not compete with European powers. The fact that there are no conflicts delegitimates Healey and proves that the possibility of Spain conquering Japan was nil. In fact, the denosted Philip II stopped the conquests and explorations in America, and was not only not the imperialist power that Mr. Healey thinks he sees, but when Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who did invade China proposed to hand it over to him Philip II rejected the project. As Evelyn Waugh would say with remarkable success in her Edmund Campion biography "Philip II was not aGengis Kahn warrior" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... But it is not the only embarrassing thing that the author shows us for him the Spaniards are very cruel and we even allow ourselves to kill some poor seals, while the sensitive Shiro that scares him away. It is ironic that Healey accuses us of animal cruelty, when Japan has been repeatedly warned by indiscriminate whale fishing. It will have its virtues, but not that one in particular. On the other hand, he has given excellent marine biologs.
Another thing that displeased me of the novel is the image of a poor Spain given by the author, and the depraved and corrupt image of the Castilian nobility will not see a single faithful nobleman. In fact, the villain of this story as if he were emulating the worst novels by Mario Vargas Llosa https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... or V.C. Andrews https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... commits incestuous relationships with his aunt, and in addition the protagonist's father also sleeps with that lady. Just because you can't get married out of love at the time doesn't mean you have to be unhappy and miserable. It also gives us that the author makes an hagiography of one of the worst noble houses in Spain the Medinasidonia in this case the one that starred in the disaster of the felicísima Armada, which in my previous review indicates that it was not so much. It is true that within what fits Medinasidonia, despite being the worst person for this responsibility was a man who tidal at sea did not do it entirely wrong, and did not lose as many ships as said. In combat only two, and for the elements the rest. The Counter-Commander commanded by Isabel under Norreys and Drake lost infinitely more. Yet it is a noble house that has done great damage to Spain Medinasidonia sided with Philip I against the Catholic King, the one that appears in this novel happened to him the disaster of the Great Navy, although she did not do it as badly as you could imagine, years later another Duke of Medinasidonia would rise up against Philip IV and try to independent Andalusia, in fact it was the sister of this lord who encouraged John IV of Braganza to rise up against Spain and proclaim the independence of Portugal, and then there is the famous communist red Duchess, but who continued to live as a duchess. Another thing I dislike is the liberality with which people divorce. In some cases the novel is downgraded to being a simple Soap Opera. The Duke of Medinasidonia decides to ask for the nullity of the marriage of the commoner with which he wishes to marry and is granted, but it is that after the duke died even though the protagonist is in love with Guada he also sleeps with the girl Rosario. The nobles seem to come out of a Ken Follet novel https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... degenerate, vicious, and corrupt.
One thing that has horrified me, my friend Professor Manuel Alfonseca https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... told me when we were talking about the novel by the Argentine writer Mújica Laínez"Bomarzo" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... and is that things are said that are not true of historical characters in this case the Duke of Orsini even if it is done in the beautiful way in which Mújica Laínez unfortunately does it without having its quality this is what Healey does. Mr Healey may have anti-clerical prejudices, but I would like to know where Mr. Luis Sotelo's hypothetical homosexuality has come from. He arrives or less insinuating that he is attracted to his converts and Shiro in particular. Sotelo was ambitious and had no scruples, that's well picked up, but calling him homosexual seems to me to be of very dubious taste. Nor is hasekura Tsunenaga Rokuemon's portrait of Hasekura Tsunenaga very uplifting, accusing him that his family practiced tax fraud, and that she is a puppet of Sotelo, even if she redeems him by making the reader believe that Hasekura Rokuemon dislikes being Catholic and that he is reluctantly Catholic. When Endo created this character he was very inspired by himself, we don't know if Tsunenaga was a faithful believer, or not. What we do know is that a priori bet, when ordered by the Shogun's men, and that he died very suddenly and suspiciously. However, if the confession is not sincere, why was Hasekura's youngest son Rokuemon Gonshiro accused of being cryptocatholic having to flee and Older Brother Kanzaburo was forced to practice seppuku or ritual suicide to save the family's honor? As for Sothello may be as ambitious as we want, but the truth is that either out of zeal, or out of stupidity he decided to return to Japan to preach by playing his life and died valiantly.
The Moorish controversy I have already mentioned with a knownness the Moors had risen three times against Spain against Cisneros, Charles V, and starred in the violent war of the Alpujarras, and collaborated with the Turks and Berrbérk pirates, but although banishment may seem inhumane to us they were able to leave with their property, perhaps only the rich will be saved, but Catholics did not rise at all until they were very little and in Shimabara in 1636 and the revolt was both religious and economic as it protested against the very high taxes. Japan except for some nobles like Justo Takayama Ukon https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... gave no choice, and exterminated the entire Catholic population, who only through Bastian's prophecy retained their hopes and lived their Christianity in secret receiving the name Kirishitan.
The way the novel is solved seems to me to be a bad mess, I very much doubt that King Philip III, however sympathetic to Shiro, allows him to duel with the Japanese in
The author does not hesitate to leave the model carried out by Dutch and English well, you only have to see the positicva image that has the English Williams friend of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the refusal that the Spaniards have. It seems that with this tolerance thing, which, as St. John Henry Newman says, and my admired Juan Manuel de Prada, tolerance only serves so that the person who promotes it does not believe in any religion. The author does not hesitate to praise Al Anddalus and Islam and to consider it a great civilization, when Islam has done so is forcefully introduce its cult by implanting it in conquered countries. Some say, but they were very tolerant. If they were too tolerant if you had money to pay the high taxes they imposed on you for not being a Muslim and practicing your religion. In the end it seems that what the author does not forgive the Spaniards is that Catholics want to evangelize. By the way, Willians was the model who inspired Blackthorn, the Dutch sailor starring James Clavell's"Shogun" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... one of the most anti-historical, Hispanic-african, and anti-Catholic novels ever written. I want to remember and I say this for some Catholics who are a fan of Ayn Rand https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... I want to remember that many times our enemy's enemy is not our friend, and that happens in this case. I do not believe that we should move from communist collectivism to the elitist individualism promoted by Rand and in which a few are very good and have many talents and must be followed and protected against the mediocre ones who move the masses against them. Behind Ayn Rand, as clavell lies the hollow of atheism and a glimpse of history that draws closer to the hated socialism in this case of English Fabian society in this case of H.G. Wells https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... (despite some dystopian novels of his) of the indefinite progress of science, which will make us happy and in the same position is Isaac Asimov https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... Not to mention Ayn Rand's contempt for the Middle Ages, an age of bigotry and darkness. Contrary to what his compatriot Nikolai Berdiáyev thought, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... believed exactly the opposite. Ayn Rand's hatred of C.S. Lewis, for example, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... I can't do it in Ayn Rand's case, but I've certainly read part of"Shogun" (which I abandoned when I was bored. A server prefers the original to historical novels written by Japanese than their copies. In the editing of Eiji Yoshikawa's novel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... about Musashi. In Quaterni's edition, the prologue Edwin O. Reischauer compares to each other by writing unfavorably from Clavell's novel to which he blames anti-https://www.quaterni.es/producto/musa... the vision he gives of Spanish priests and Spain itself is delusional, even if he treats Portuguese Jesuits somewhat better. Lio that I can say is that"The King of Rats" is very irreligious and that there are veiled attacks on the wars of religion. In fact"The King of Rats" and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9... iswithouta doubt the worst novel I have ever read this year, and the most amoral no doubt.
But let's go back to Healey by lyricating his novel one has the feeling that Japan is far above Spain, but the reality that Japan after a period of civil wars had achieved its unity in a few years thanks to three men Oda Nobunaga who was the one who started it, Toyotomi Hideyoshi the incredible monkey face, and it is Tokugawa Ieyasu who gets it thanks to Sekigahara's vicoria in 1603 and his victory over Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son Hideyoshi, Hideyori, while Spain, although the kingdoms were different, had already achieved its unity in 1512, if we are more specific 1492 with the taking of Gránada. Nor can I believe that the protagonist can effortlessly defeat the Spanish soldiers with which he fights so easily. Although with Toyotomi Hideyoshi there were tensions with Spain they never reached hands, although Paul Claudel in his homage to Spain called"Shoe of Satin" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... if he makes his protagonist go to fight against the Japanese (it must be recognized that Paul Claudel's play is not historical, but artistic and is a tribute to Catholic Spain of the XVI-XVII century). However, if it is known of a battle between the Spaniards and the fearsome Japanese Wacos who even Oda Nobunaga himself could not defeat as ryo Wada tells in his novel "The Daughter ofMurakami's Pirates" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and that the weapons granted victory to the Spaniards. It is true that Japanese swords were better, but even though Japan was incorporating firearms it still could not compete with European powers. The fact that there are no conflicts delegitimates Healey and proves that the possibility of Spain conquering Japan was nil. In fact, the denosted Philip II stopped the conquests and explorations in America, and was not only not the imperialist power that Mr. Healey thinks he sees, but when Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who did invade China proposed to hand it over to him Philip II rejected the project. As Evelyn Waugh would say with remarkable success in her Edmund Campion biography "Philip II was not aGengis Kahn warrior" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show.... But it is not the only embarrassing thing that the author shows us for him the Spaniards are very cruel and we even allow ourselves to kill some poor seals, while the sensitive Shiro that scares him away. It is ironic that Healey accuses us of animal cruelty, when Japan has been repeatedly warned by indiscriminate whale fishing. It will have its virtues, but not that one in particular. On the other hand, he has given excellent marine biologs.
Another thing that displeased me of the novel is the image of a poor Spain given by the author, and the depraved and corrupt image of the Castilian nobility will not see a single faithful nobleman. In fact, the villain of this story as if he were emulating the worst novels by Mario Vargas Llosa https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... or V.C. Andrews https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... commits incestuous relationships with his aunt, and in addition the protagonist's father also sleeps with that lady. Just because you can't get married out of love at the time doesn't mean you have to be unhappy and miserable. It also gives us that the author makes an hagiography of one of the worst noble houses in Spain the Medinasidonia in this case the one that starred in the disaster of the felicísima Armada, which in my previous review indicates that it was not so much. It is true that within what fits Medinasidonia, despite being the worst person for this responsibility was a man who tidal at sea did not do it entirely wrong, and did not lose as many ships as said. In combat only two, and for the elements the rest. The Counter-Commander commanded by Isabel under Norreys and Drake lost infinitely more. Yet it is a noble house that has done great damage to Spain Medinasidonia sided with Philip I against the Catholic King, the one that appears in this novel happened to him the disaster of the Great Navy, although she did not do it as badly as you could imagine, years later another Duke of Medinasidonia would rise up against Philip IV and try to independent Andalusia, in fact it was the sister of this lord who encouraged John IV of Braganza to rise up against Spain and proclaim the independence of Portugal, and then there is the famous communist red Duchess, but who continued to live as a duchess. Another thing I dislike is the liberality with which people divorce. In some cases the novel is downgraded to being a simple Soap Opera. The Duke of Medinasidonia decides to ask for the nullity of the marriage of the commoner with which he wishes to marry and is granted, but it is that after the duke died even though the protagonist is in love with Guada he also sleeps with the girl Rosario. The nobles seem to come out of a Ken Follet novel https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... degenerate, vicious, and corrupt.
One thing that has horrified me, my friend Professor Manuel Alfonseca https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... told me when we were talking about the novel by the Argentine writer Mújica Laínez"Bomarzo" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... and is that things are said that are not true of historical characters in this case the Duke of Orsini even if it is done in the beautiful way in which Mújica Laínez unfortunately does it without having its quality this is what Healey does. Mr Healey may have anti-clerical prejudices, but I would like to know where Mr. Luis Sotelo's hypothetical homosexuality has come from. He arrives or less insinuating that he is attracted to his converts and Shiro in particular. Sotelo was ambitious and had no scruples, that's well picked up, but calling him homosexual seems to me to be of very dubious taste. Nor is hasekura Tsunenaga Rokuemon's portrait of Hasekura Tsunenaga very uplifting, accusing him that his family practiced tax fraud, and that she is a puppet of Sotelo, even if she redeems him by making the reader believe that Hasekura Rokuemon dislikes being Catholic and that he is reluctantly Catholic. When Endo created this character he was very inspired by himself, we don't know if Tsunenaga was a faithful believer, or not. What we do know is that a priori bet, when ordered by the Shogun's men, and that he died very suddenly and suspiciously. However, if the confession is not sincere, why was Hasekura's youngest son Rokuemon Gonshiro accused of being cryptocatholic having to flee and Older Brother Kanzaburo was forced to practice seppuku or ritual suicide to save the family's honor? As for Sothello may be as ambitious as we want, but the truth is that either out of zeal, or out of stupidity he decided to return to Japan to preach by playing his life and died valiantly.
The Moorish controversy I have already mentioned with a knownness the Moors had risen three times against Spain against Cisneros, Charles V, and starred in the violent war of the Alpujarras, and collaborated with the Turks and Berrbérk pirates, but although banishment may seem inhumane to us they were able to leave with their property, perhaps only the rich will be saved, but Catholics did not rise at all until they were very little and in Shimabara in 1636 and the revolt was both religious and economic as it protested against the very high taxes. Japan except for some nobles like Justo Takayama Ukon https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... gave no choice, and exterminated the entire Catholic population, who only through Bastian's prophecy retained their hopes and lived their Christianity in secret receiving the name Kirishitan.
The way the novel is solved seems to me to be a bad mess, I very much doubt that King Philip III, however sympathetic to Shiro, allows him to duel with the Japanese in
September 18, 2019
I’m not interested in Samurai stories, but what sparked my interest was “the most intriguing cultural exchange in history.” The aspect of two drastically different cultures meeting in 1614.
Shiro, who is to become one of the Samurai sent to Spain, is apprenticed to the seaman and navigator William Adams. He is taught basics in science, carpentry, English, and even introduced to the strange religion of Jesuits.
While his story is being revealed, the simplicity of Japanese living in connection with nature is beautifully revealed as well.
As his story unravels and his journey to Spain begins, it alternates with the background of Spanish history where personal affairs and conquers are taking place. With the Spanish history come many very long names, making it hard to follow who is who. And the Spanish story is not as interesting as Shiro’s.
Once Samurai arrive in Spain, the story concentrates on Shiro and young Guado married to Julian.
At the beginning of 1615, Samurai are granted their first audience with King Philip III, recently widowed and heavily relying on a corrupt chief minister, Duke of Lerma. The so called Philip the Pious never raised a sword. He is not a warrior. It is a true contrast to the spirit of Samurai.
So some contrast is being presented, but not much and I kept waiting and waiting for more contrast and blending to come out to hook me to this story, but it never happened.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
Shiro, who is to become one of the Samurai sent to Spain, is apprenticed to the seaman and navigator William Adams. He is taught basics in science, carpentry, English, and even introduced to the strange religion of Jesuits.
While his story is being revealed, the simplicity of Japanese living in connection with nature is beautifully revealed as well.
As his story unravels and his journey to Spain begins, it alternates with the background of Spanish history where personal affairs and conquers are taking place. With the Spanish history come many very long names, making it hard to follow who is who. And the Spanish story is not as interesting as Shiro’s.
Once Samurai arrive in Spain, the story concentrates on Shiro and young Guado married to Julian.
At the beginning of 1615, Samurai are granted their first audience with King Philip III, recently widowed and heavily relying on a corrupt chief minister, Duke of Lerma. The so called Philip the Pious never raised a sword. He is not a warrior. It is a true contrast to the spirit of Samurai.
So some contrast is being presented, but not much and I kept waiting and waiting for more contrast and blending to come out to hook me to this story, but it never happened.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
June 16, 2017
The sheer idea behind this book is what drew me. I knew of diplomatic and trade missions from Europe to Japan, but Japan to Europe?? Nope. And to find out that these events truly happened, there really was a diplomatic mission from Japan that travel through New Spain in the New World to Spain proper and onto Rome to meet the Pope just blew my mind. It's little nuggets of obscure history like this that make me love the historical fiction genre so much.
For the most part, the author pulls things off well. He obviously knows his subject matter and locations well; the book shines in these areas. Yet, there are times where the author falls behind in his characters and book pacing.
I'm not sure if the author has physically been to the Iberian Peninsula, Japan, or Central America, but his writings surely read like he has. His depth of knowledge when it comes to cultures from those areas and physical landscapes defies expectations. He conveys these images in his readers’ heads in such a way that we experience the setting rather than just reading it. He has a gift for description and cultural understanding that stands out above your standard fictional writer.
The real meat of the story was examination of cultural interactions between two such a divergent societies, through the eyes of a Japanese samurai new to Spanish shores and various Spanish individuals. The author’s cultural knowledge, understanding, and respect come through excellently as he tells the story. As Shiro grows on his journey, the reader can't help but be drawn into his story, going from staunch samurai warrior who decried interaction with outsiders to a confidante of Spanish nobles and royalty and a prized member of that society.
Our main lead of Shrio is a great example of a vibrant, intriguing lead. Yet at times, there are too many characters being explored, some having no bearing on the story at all beyond being a famous name to throw in there for extra punch. This is especially evident in the beginning of the story where we have Cervantes introduced as a character for one scene in a bar just to give exposition; then we don't see him again until the very end where he dies. I mean, did we really need him to add anything to the story besides his name??
In the beginning, we also have way too many people introduced in a very short timeframe. I'd say for about the first three or four chapters, I was lost in a deluge of names and places. That's why I had such a hard time starting this work and getting into it. Thankfully, once things got flowing as the Japanese expedition had finally left their stores, I got into the flow enough to tell characters apart and could follow the action. Yet, even throughout the rest of the work, there would be times I’d lose track of people as the story progressed.
There were also some issues with the pacing of our story. Like I mentioned with the characters in the beginning, the novel starts with a bang and rush as we hit the ground running. Exploring the beginning of the Japanese delegation and Spanish shores readying to receive them, the reader is sucked into a maelstrom of movement and political maneuvering. Then we come to a slow section exploring either characters or just slow sequences, like sailing on the ship or exploring Spain. While having different paces in the story is a good thing, and in this particular one they were nicely done as well. It's the transitions from one pace to the other that jarred me, personally.
This work seems to be lesser-known given the small amount of reviews and comments I've noticed across the Internet. For all that, I felt it was an admirable attempt. The sheer idea is enough to give the author props. I enjoyed exploring this obscure corner of the historical record, through the eyes of a character that is both vibrant and well rounded. While there are hiccups along the way, this novel still comes over as enjoyable. Not the best out there, it certainly isn't the worst. I'd still recommend it, even if only for the extremely unique story it holds and how well the author handles the various cultures.
Note: Book received for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, the author pulls things off well. He obviously knows his subject matter and locations well; the book shines in these areas. Yet, there are times where the author falls behind in his characters and book pacing.
I'm not sure if the author has physically been to the Iberian Peninsula, Japan, or Central America, but his writings surely read like he has. His depth of knowledge when it comes to cultures from those areas and physical landscapes defies expectations. He conveys these images in his readers’ heads in such a way that we experience the setting rather than just reading it. He has a gift for description and cultural understanding that stands out above your standard fictional writer.
The real meat of the story was examination of cultural interactions between two such a divergent societies, through the eyes of a Japanese samurai new to Spanish shores and various Spanish individuals. The author’s cultural knowledge, understanding, and respect come through excellently as he tells the story. As Shiro grows on his journey, the reader can't help but be drawn into his story, going from staunch samurai warrior who decried interaction with outsiders to a confidante of Spanish nobles and royalty and a prized member of that society.
Our main lead of Shrio is a great example of a vibrant, intriguing lead. Yet at times, there are too many characters being explored, some having no bearing on the story at all beyond being a famous name to throw in there for extra punch. This is especially evident in the beginning of the story where we have Cervantes introduced as a character for one scene in a bar just to give exposition; then we don't see him again until the very end where he dies. I mean, did we really need him to add anything to the story besides his name??
In the beginning, we also have way too many people introduced in a very short timeframe. I'd say for about the first three or four chapters, I was lost in a deluge of names and places. That's why I had such a hard time starting this work and getting into it. Thankfully, once things got flowing as the Japanese expedition had finally left their stores, I got into the flow enough to tell characters apart and could follow the action. Yet, even throughout the rest of the work, there would be times I’d lose track of people as the story progressed.
There were also some issues with the pacing of our story. Like I mentioned with the characters in the beginning, the novel starts with a bang and rush as we hit the ground running. Exploring the beginning of the Japanese delegation and Spanish shores readying to receive them, the reader is sucked into a maelstrom of movement and political maneuvering. Then we come to a slow section exploring either characters or just slow sequences, like sailing on the ship or exploring Spain. While having different paces in the story is a good thing, and in this particular one they were nicely done as well. It's the transitions from one pace to the other that jarred me, personally.
This work seems to be lesser-known given the small amount of reviews and comments I've noticed across the Internet. For all that, I felt it was an admirable attempt. The sheer idea is enough to give the author props. I enjoyed exploring this obscure corner of the historical record, through the eyes of a character that is both vibrant and well rounded. While there are hiccups along the way, this novel still comes over as enjoyable. Not the best out there, it certainly isn't the worst. I'd still recommend it, even if only for the extremely unique story it holds and how well the author handles the various cultures.
Note: Book received for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2019
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The book follows a delegation of 17th century Samurai to King Phillip III's Spain and their attempts to find some common ground between two very different cultures.
This was a fascinating premise for a novel; unfortunately I struggled with the execution. Immediately I noticed how little dialogue there was, specifically in the first half, and I think this contributed to me having a harder time following and remembering specific characters, because we don't really get to know their personalities. I spent much of the time trying re-orient - Which widow is this? Which duke is she having an affair with? And who is related to this duke? Wait, is this a NEW duke? - except for the main three characters: Julian, Guada, and Shiro, everyone else kind of blended together.
Then about 2/3 of the way through, the villain got very mustache twirly and in my opinion the book had a hard time recovering its grounding after that.
If you are interested in learning about a very specific and not much remarked upon time in Spanish as well as Japanese history, this book might be a good fit for you. I certainly seem to be in the minority regarding its ability to hold my interest.
The book follows a delegation of 17th century Samurai to King Phillip III's Spain and their attempts to find some common ground between two very different cultures.
This was a fascinating premise for a novel; unfortunately I struggled with the execution. Immediately I noticed how little dialogue there was, specifically in the first half, and I think this contributed to me having a harder time following and remembering specific characters, because we don't really get to know their personalities. I spent much of the time trying re-orient - Which widow is this? Which duke is she having an affair with? And who is related to this duke? Wait, is this a NEW duke? - except for the main three characters: Julian, Guada, and Shiro, everyone else kind of blended together.
Then about 2/3 of the way through, the villain got very mustache twirly and in my opinion the book had a hard time recovering its grounding after that.
If you are interested in learning about a very specific and not much remarked upon time in Spanish as well as Japanese history, this book might be a good fit for you. I certainly seem to be in the minority regarding its ability to hold my interest.
June 15, 2016
Ambientado en el siglo XVII, parte en Japón, pero principalmente en Sevilla, narra la historia de cómo uno samurais llegaron a España, y lo hace a través de Shiro, un joven samurai que ve cómo su vida cambia no sólo por el viaje y el contacto con nuevas culturas, sino por conocer a cierta familia, que le hará plantearse su futuro.
El autor, narra a través de esta historia ficticia de Shiro, en una forma distendida con cierto toque de romanticismo, el dato real de la llegada de un barco japonés a las costas andaluzas.
Es un libro más romántico que histórico, pero que como sin quererlo te muestra la controversia de la lucha entre religiones (la inquisición en España, la expulsión de los católicos en Japón), el ambiente palaciego de Felipe III y el duque de Lerma, con cameos de personajes tan conocidos como Galileo Galilei y Cervantes.
El autor, narra a través de esta historia ficticia de Shiro, en una forma distendida con cierto toque de romanticismo, el dato real de la llegada de un barco japonés a las costas andaluzas.
Es un libro más romántico que histórico, pero que como sin quererlo te muestra la controversia de la lucha entre religiones (la inquisición en España, la expulsión de los católicos en Japón), el ambiente palaciego de Felipe III y el duque de Lerma, con cameos de personajes tan conocidos como Galileo Galilei y Cervantes.
March 11, 2018
It's now been a week since I read this and I'm finally ready to come back and write this review. I decided on 3 stars as my final rating.
Whilst the book is trying to be somewhat unique, this was not what caused a tumult of emotions in me. It was how much I related to the main character that sets out on a mission from Japan to Spain. It hits home as I lived in Spain for a year and I was delighted by similar if not the very same things as the samurai protagonist. Mind you, I am no samurai and no good with katanas. He just goes to places and does and eats things and I found the whole thing eerily familiar. The romance bits I was not a fan of, but the travelling from Seville to Madrid via La Mancha (where I once lived) and the descriptions of this journey though short got me very emotional. I loved my time in Spain dearly and have very fond memories of said places. I'm sure certain Spanish traditions and customs must seem quite a bit more foreign to a Japanese person. I'm from Europe after all.
I was an emotional wreck at the end when he departs the beloved land on a boat and says a heartfelt farewell. I left by plane but the parallel still works as I imagine we felt more or less the same. I've been back there since for short visits, the goal is to move back eventually.
This review will probably make no sense to anyone but me. And I'm quite OK with that. I'm gonna cherish my copy of this book as something that brought back fond memories and emotions like few books have done.
Whilst the book is trying to be somewhat unique, this was not what caused a tumult of emotions in me. It was how much I related to the main character that sets out on a mission from Japan to Spain. It hits home as I lived in Spain for a year and I was delighted by similar if not the very same things as the samurai protagonist. Mind you, I am no samurai and no good with katanas. He just goes to places and does and eats things and I found the whole thing eerily familiar. The romance bits I was not a fan of, but the travelling from Seville to Madrid via La Mancha (where I once lived) and the descriptions of this journey though short got me very emotional. I loved my time in Spain dearly and have very fond memories of said places. I'm sure certain Spanish traditions and customs must seem quite a bit more foreign to a Japanese person. I'm from Europe after all.
I was an emotional wreck at the end when he departs the beloved land on a boat and says a heartfelt farewell. I left by plane but the parallel still works as I imagine we felt more or less the same. I've been back there since for short visits, the goal is to move back eventually.
This review will probably make no sense to anyone but me. And I'm quite OK with that. I'm gonna cherish my copy of this book as something that brought back fond memories and emotions like few books have done.
July 2, 2021
Una interesante propuesta que mezcla ficción con realidad histórica (si te preguntas por qué en un pueblo de Sevilla hay gente que se apellida Japón, aquí encontrarás la respuesta), aunque narra tantos sucesos en tan pocas páginas que el libro se queda un poco flojo.
Los personajes podrían haber tenido un mayor desarrollo si el autor se hubiera extendido algo más, pero todas las relaciones y conflictos terminan resueltos y no tengo quejas para ellos en contenido pero sí en la forma (repito que se debería haber profundizado más, alargarlos).
Un ejemplo de esto es el romance principal de la obra. Me puedo tragar que sea amor a primera vista, curiosidad por el otro que desencadena en otro tipo de sentimiento, que se enamoran a través de las cartas que se mandan o por designio del Espíritu Santo, lo que sea, pero he echado en falta más momentos juntos, más conversaciones. Algo más que un simple rodillazo, miradas furtivas y ser humillado por el marido de la que te gusta.
El final me resultó adecuado e inesperado por la tragedia que lo envuelve, pero no me ha despertado interés por leer la continuación (tal vez cambie de opinión en un futuro).
Lo mejor son las conversaciones sobre el cristianismo entre Shiro, el samurái, y la mojigata de Guada, su amada, y demás cristianos con los que interactúa.
Lo peor: sogún en lugar de shogun.
Los personajes podrían haber tenido un mayor desarrollo si el autor se hubiera extendido algo más, pero todas las relaciones y conflictos terminan resueltos y no tengo quejas para ellos en contenido pero sí en la forma (repito que se debería haber profundizado más, alargarlos).
Un ejemplo de esto es el romance principal de la obra. Me puedo tragar que sea amor a primera vista, curiosidad por el otro que desencadena en otro tipo de sentimiento, que se enamoran a través de las cartas que se mandan o por designio del Espíritu Santo, lo que sea, pero he echado en falta más momentos juntos, más conversaciones. Algo más que un simple rodillazo, miradas furtivas y ser humillado por el marido de la que te gusta.
El final me resultó adecuado e inesperado por la tragedia que lo envuelve, pero no me ha despertado interés por leer la continuación (tal vez cambie de opinión en un futuro).
Lo mejor son las conversaciones sobre el cristianismo entre Shiro, el samurái, y la mojigata de Guada, su amada, y demás cristianos con los que interactúa.
Lo peor: sogún en lugar de shogun.
December 20, 2021
One of the best historical fiction novels I've read in some time!
January 28, 2018
door dit boek ben ik me gaan verdiepen in de geschiedenis die hier wordt beschreven. erg interessant
May 15, 2017
Beautiful work of historical fiction, based on an actual emissary of samurai sent from Sendai, Japan to Spain in 1614. I'm so impressed by this author's ability to embellish a chapter of history involving such wildly diametrically opposed cultures, so smoothly and convincingly. John J Healey's lived half his life in Spain, clearly he writes about it with great love and knowledge, and The Samurai of Seville is not his first book about early Japanese visitors to that particular region. Excellently written and researched; with its love story, convincing characters, gorgeous descriptions of surroundings and family intrigue, it's no surprise to learn the novel's already being adapted for film.
I will definitely be looking to read more of John J Healey's work!
I will definitely be looking to read more of John J Healey's work!
June 10, 2017
I was given an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
In the year 1614. a Japanese delegation led by Hasekura Tsunenaga visited Spain. Instead of returning to Japan in 1617. six samurai remained. And this is the story of that journey.
This story presents a piece of history that most people have never heard of or generally aren't familiar with. And that includes me. But reading this story was a journey i won't soon forget.
At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Shiro. A fictional character that the author uses as the focal point of the story. Through him and his interactions and relationships we are introduced to differnces in two cultures, the Renaissance Spain & warrior culture of Japan.
While the book takes a look at the Japanese delegations arrival to Spain, most of the story is following the 2 years delegation remained in Spain. We get introduced to a veriety of characters whose POV gives us an insight into how these two cultures interact, clash, and view each other. We see the influence Catholicism played in bringing the Japanese to Spain but also being what stops any trade developing between the two nations & ultimately being the reason the six Japanese decided to stay behind, fearing religious persecution back home.
While the story starts of slow, the narative is impeccable & the veriety of characters who provide their POV's make the overall story very hard to resist. Instead of being an observer to the story the author actually puts you in the story & that way makes it easier for the reader to follow. You will fall in love with some characters, and despise the others. Getting a first person view at the story will make you feel their pain, lust, resentment, hatred, sense of honor & justice, and ultimately love.
And while the story has a lot of fictionalelements in it, it is based on real events, and the characters you meet, for the most part existed in real life & interacted with the Japanese delegation.
If you are a fan of historic fiction, or just someone who wants to give the genre a try, i recommend you read this book.
SYNOPSIS:
A sumptuous novel inspired by one of history’s most intriguing forgotten chapters—the arrival of Japanese Samurai on the shores of Europe.
In 1614, forty Samurai warriors and a group of tradesmen from Japan sailed to Spain, where they initiated one of the most intriguing cultural exchanges in history. They were received with pomp and circumstance, first by King Philip III and later by Pope Paul V. They were the first Japanese to visit Europe and they caused a sensation. They remained for two years and then most of the party returned to Japan; however, six of the Samurai stayed behind, settling in a small fishing village close to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where their descendants live to this day.
Healey imbues this tale of the meeting of East and West with uncommon emotional and intellectual intensity and a rich sense of place. He explores the dueling mentalities of two cultures through a singular romance; the sophisticated, restrained warrior culture of Japan and the baroque sensibilities of Renaissance Spain, dark and obsessed with ethnic cleansing. What one culture lives with absolute normality is experienced as exotic from the outsider’s eye. Everyone is seen as strange at first and then—with growing familiarity—is revealed as being more similar than originally perceived, but with the added value of enduring idiosyncrasies.
The story told in this novel is an essential and timeless one about the discoveries and conflicts that arise from the forging of relationships across borders, both geographical and cultural.
In the year 1614. a Japanese delegation led by Hasekura Tsunenaga visited Spain. Instead of returning to Japan in 1617. six samurai remained. And this is the story of that journey.
This story presents a piece of history that most people have never heard of or generally aren't familiar with. And that includes me. But reading this story was a journey i won't soon forget.
At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Shiro. A fictional character that the author uses as the focal point of the story. Through him and his interactions and relationships we are introduced to differnces in two cultures, the Renaissance Spain & warrior culture of Japan.
While the book takes a look at the Japanese delegations arrival to Spain, most of the story is following the 2 years delegation remained in Spain. We get introduced to a veriety of characters whose POV gives us an insight into how these two cultures interact, clash, and view each other. We see the influence Catholicism played in bringing the Japanese to Spain but also being what stops any trade developing between the two nations & ultimately being the reason the six Japanese decided to stay behind, fearing religious persecution back home.
While the story starts of slow, the narative is impeccable & the veriety of characters who provide their POV's make the overall story very hard to resist. Instead of being an observer to the story the author actually puts you in the story & that way makes it easier for the reader to follow. You will fall in love with some characters, and despise the others. Getting a first person view at the story will make you feel their pain, lust, resentment, hatred, sense of honor & justice, and ultimately love.
And while the story has a lot of fictionalelements in it, it is based on real events, and the characters you meet, for the most part existed in real life & interacted with the Japanese delegation.
If you are a fan of historic fiction, or just someone who wants to give the genre a try, i recommend you read this book.
SYNOPSIS:
A sumptuous novel inspired by one of history’s most intriguing forgotten chapters—the arrival of Japanese Samurai on the shores of Europe.
In 1614, forty Samurai warriors and a group of tradesmen from Japan sailed to Spain, where they initiated one of the most intriguing cultural exchanges in history. They were received with pomp and circumstance, first by King Philip III and later by Pope Paul V. They were the first Japanese to visit Europe and they caused a sensation. They remained for two years and then most of the party returned to Japan; however, six of the Samurai stayed behind, settling in a small fishing village close to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where their descendants live to this day.
Healey imbues this tale of the meeting of East and West with uncommon emotional and intellectual intensity and a rich sense of place. He explores the dueling mentalities of two cultures through a singular romance; the sophisticated, restrained warrior culture of Japan and the baroque sensibilities of Renaissance Spain, dark and obsessed with ethnic cleansing. What one culture lives with absolute normality is experienced as exotic from the outsider’s eye. Everyone is seen as strange at first and then—with growing familiarity—is revealed as being more similar than originally perceived, but with the added value of enduring idiosyncrasies.
The story told in this novel is an essential and timeless one about the discoveries and conflicts that arise from the forging of relationships across borders, both geographical and cultural.
June 3, 2017
3.5 stars. Until I read this book, I’d never heard of the extraordinary Japanese embassy that arrived at the court of King Philip III of Spain in 1615. Its members had come halfway round the world, encouraged by the need to seek new trading markets and made curious by the stories of Christian missionaries. Led by the ambassador Hasekura Tsunenaga and escorted by a party of samurai, this remarkable entourage arrived in Europe to be feted and gawped at by peasants and nobles alike. Healey’s readable novel spins a tale around this encounter between two great empires and, even if the writing isn’t always the most gripping, it’s well worth seeking out for its fascinating and very unusual subject...
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2017/04/24/t...
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2017/04/24/t...
October 10, 2021
Der Samurai von Sevilla ist eine Geschichte über das Zusammentreffer zweier Kulturen. Der Kontrast und das Zusammenbringen der japanischen und spanischen Kultur hat mir sehr gefallen und ist auch wirklich mal etwas Anderes, was man sonst eher weniger antrifft. Die Geschichte an sich ist eher leicht und einfach zu lesen. Die Handlung konnte mich nicht immer ganz fesseln und daher habe ich deutlich länger für dieses Buch gebraucht. Nachdem ich das Buch gelesen habe, konnte ich es zufrieden auf die Seite stellen. Es ist ein angenehmes Buch, welches sich hervorragend für Zwischendurch eignet.
Fazit: Eine Geschichte, die nicht wahnsinnig fesselt, aber dennoch interessant ist und einen Einblick in zwei völlig verschiedene Kulturen gewährt.
Fazit: Eine Geschichte, die nicht wahnsinnig fesselt, aber dennoch interessant ist und einen Einblick in zwei völlig verschiedene Kulturen gewährt.
June 27, 2017

The Samurai of Seville
A Novel
by John J. Healey
Skyhorse Publishing
Arcade Publishing
Historical Fiction
Pub Date 13 Jun 2017
Archive Date 22 May 2017
I am reviewing a copy of the Samurai of Seville through Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley:
This book takes us back in time to 1614, where 40 Japanese Samurai Sail to Spain. The majority of the Samurai spend two years there, but six stay behind, settling and growing roots.
Julian finds company with a woman that is not his wife.
Guada is assigned a plain looking girl as her handmaiden.
Shiro is one of the ones chosen to go to Spain.
Guada is Julian's wife. Her son and law and husband share the same mistress.
The sixth Samurai who stay behind settle in Coria Del Rio.
I give the Samurai of Seville five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The Samurai of Seville
A Novel
by John J. Healey
Skyhorse Publishing
Arcade Publishing
Historical Fiction
Pub Date 13 Jun 2017
Archive Date 22 May 2017
I am reviewing a copy of the Samurai of Seville through Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley:
This book takes us back in time to 1614, where 40 Japanese Samurai Sail to Spain. The majority of the Samurai spend two years there, but six stay behind, settling and growing roots.
Julian finds company with a woman that is not his wife.
Guada is assigned a plain looking girl as her handmaiden.
Shiro is one of the ones chosen to go to Spain.
Guada is Julian's wife. Her son and law and husband share the same mistress.
The sixth Samurai who stay behind settle in Coria Del Rio.
I give the Samurai of Seville five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
August 23, 2017
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.
March 18, 2021
Light but interesting historical fiction about a Japanese delegation to Spain in 1614. The warrior culture of Japan meets Renaissance Spain, and prejudice and intrigue abound. Of course it has to have the requisite romance, which made the story less interesting for me. But I love stories about Spain and enjoyed the history.
April 20, 2018
Based on true facts and some conjecture but the writing was oh so flowery and even old fashioned almost like a translation from the Japanese language. Not one of my favourite reads this year and I would so like to know what happened to shiro and his baby daughter when they returned to Japan.
November 7, 2018
Diese Buch brachte mich zum Lachen, machte mich traurig und wütend und sprach über das Leben und den Tod aller Menschen, all dies mit einer Geschichte eines jungen Samurai und seine Reise in die Fremde.
January 2, 2022
Samurai of Seville Healey, John J. 3 Hist.F Hist. 1614 Illegal Samurai sails to Spain meets with King & Pope, meets woman trapped in marriage with a selfish man she thought she knew, Samurai shows her what love means even with cultural differences + Galileo + research 2018 7/14/2018 7/10/2018
June 1, 2017
THIS BOOK.
I must admit I put off reading it for a while even after getting an ARC because I need to be in a particular mood to read historical fiction. Finally got around to it and couldn't even take a break. But let me try to make my thoughts a bit more coherent than that.
Plot
Shiro, bastard nephew of Lord Date Masamune, is sent with a Japanese ambassador to visit Baroque-era Spain. A place of intolerance towards outsiders, Christianity in crisis, and courtly decadence. And also some really great art (Can I have a VELAZQUEZ?) but that's beside the point. Here, he becomes friends with the Duke of Medina-Sidonia and falls in love with a beautiful girl named Guada (who unfortunately is already married).
Meanwhile everyone is having affairs.
Things I Liked
-The political intrigue is a lot of fun. Here it's more focused on who's having sex with who than the usual struggle for power, but the power element is still present. And while at times I lost track of all the characters' names, the undercurrent of conflict is basically what drives the book.
-I love that although the author shows how the amount of infidelity going on in Baroque-era Spain caused pain for many noblewomen without automatically saying that everyone cheating on anyone is evil. He allows you to come to your own conclusions.
-Shiro is a sympathetic narrator and I loved seeing him explore Spain, getting into problems and coming out of them, preserving his honor.
-Huge variety of characters, each mostly serving his or her own interest. But all of them followed and most of them given a coherent plot line (if you can keep them all straight).
-The fact that not everyone involved in the drama is as upper-class as you'd expect: Rosario is a common woman and still becomes one of the major players of the novel (speaking of which, was that marriage even legal with her low birth?), and the death of an ordinary sailor causes a major conflict in the novel. Lower class people are important too!
Things I Did Not Like So Much
-The number of characters running around makes it hard to explore any one of them thoroughly.
-Sometimes I felt like there was a little too much emphasis on sex, especially in how the women are characterized. Especially with Guada and Rosario, who are given little character outside of their interest in various men.
-The sheer number of affairs and romances going on makes it hard to take any one relationship, even the one between Shiro and Guada, all that seriously.
-At times the narration summarizes events more than I'd like-but that's more of an issue I have with all historical novels than anything else.
Overall
A good book, very engaging. Gave me a very good afternoon. Now I want to know how much of it was factual and how much made up. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in Baroque Spain or political intrigue.
I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit I put off reading it for a while even after getting an ARC because I need to be in a particular mood to read historical fiction. Finally got around to it and couldn't even take a break. But let me try to make my thoughts a bit more coherent than that.
Plot
Shiro, bastard nephew of Lord Date Masamune, is sent with a Japanese ambassador to visit Baroque-era Spain. A place of intolerance towards outsiders, Christianity in crisis, and courtly decadence. And also some really great art (Can I have a VELAZQUEZ?) but that's beside the point. Here, he becomes friends with the Duke of Medina-Sidonia and falls in love with a beautiful girl named Guada (who unfortunately is already married).
Meanwhile everyone is having affairs.
Things I Liked
-The political intrigue is a lot of fun. Here it's more focused on who's having sex with who than the usual struggle for power, but the power element is still present. And while at times I lost track of all the characters' names, the undercurrent of conflict is basically what drives the book.
-I love that although the author shows how the amount of infidelity going on in Baroque-era Spain caused pain for many noblewomen without automatically saying that everyone cheating on anyone is evil. He allows you to come to your own conclusions.
-Shiro is a sympathetic narrator and I loved seeing him explore Spain, getting into problems and coming out of them, preserving his honor.
-Huge variety of characters, each mostly serving his or her own interest. But all of them followed and most of them given a coherent plot line (if you can keep them all straight).
-The fact that not everyone involved in the drama is as upper-class as you'd expect: Rosario is a common woman and still becomes one of the major players of the novel (speaking of which, was that marriage even legal with her low birth?), and the death of an ordinary sailor causes a major conflict in the novel. Lower class people are important too!
Things I Did Not Like So Much
-The number of characters running around makes it hard to explore any one of them thoroughly.
-Sometimes I felt like there was a little too much emphasis on sex, especially in how the women are characterized. Especially with Guada and Rosario, who are given little character outside of their interest in various men.
-The sheer number of affairs and romances going on makes it hard to take any one relationship, even the one between Shiro and Guada, all that seriously.
-At times the narration summarizes events more than I'd like-but that's more of an issue I have with all historical novels than anything else.
Overall
A good book, very engaging. Gave me a very good afternoon. Now I want to know how much of it was factual and how much made up. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in Baroque Spain or political intrigue.
I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2018
excellent book
I found this book captivating. A Samurai experiences a new culture when he leaves Japan for diplomatic purposes. He shows acceptance, grace, honour and compassion for those he meets. If you are a fan of historical fiction this has it all .
I found this book captivating. A Samurai experiences a new culture when he leaves Japan for diplomatic purposes. He shows acceptance, grace, honour and compassion for those he meets. If you are a fan of historical fiction this has it all .
April 28, 2020
Entertaining
Inspired me to research the history of Japanese people in Spain. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Inspired me to research the history of Japanese people in Spain. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
April 29, 2020
The book started slow for me with all the names and ranks, but it soon took off. I had a hard putting it down. I am eager to read the next book in the series.
November 30, 2020
This story hit all of my sweet spots. I love Spain. I love stories about ancient Japanese culture. This Novel was a perfect blend of the 2. I am looking forward to reading the sequel. Definite 4 stars, checked it out on hoopla. Read it in 2 days. Could not put it down.
May 29, 2021
This book had a slow start, but oh my Gosh how interesting did it get. I had no idea it was inspired by real history. I loved it. The whole idea of putting a samurai in Seville in the early 1600s...Wow! If you love historical fiction and samurai books this will enchant you.
April 23, 2018
This is a great read and I highly recommend it! Nothing more need be said. I defy you to open it and be able to put it down.
May 17, 2018
very well written, It really kept me interested and I hardly put it down!
July 31, 2022
Una historia simple, fácil y entretenida de leer.
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