You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I'm not much one for historical biographies, although I do enjoy historical fiction from time to time. Yasuke, frustratingly, is often both and neither of these things.
I bought the book on hearing the news that a film is being planned about Yasuke's life. I hadn't heard of Yasuke before and am partial to a samurai story, so off I went.
Overall, I think it's a good book. Yasuke's story is interesting, there's a lot of court intrigue (anyone who has read Shogun will find themselves at home here) and it is thrilling to know that this person once existed and lived such a varied life.
The issue that I had with this is that the writer doesn't seem able to pick a party line and stick to it. Hence we have sequences where Yasuke mops his brow standing at a ship rail, interspersed with author conjecture because sources are unclear as to what happened next. I doubt it's written down anywhere that Yasuke was particularly sweaty on a ship one day... I personally would decide whether or not you're writing a biography or a piece of fiction.
I bought the book on hearing the news that a film is being planned about Yasuke's life. I hadn't heard of Yasuke before and am partial to a samurai story, so off I went.
Overall, I think it's a good book. Yasuke's story is interesting, there's a lot of court intrigue (anyone who has read Shogun will find themselves at home here) and it is thrilling to know that this person once existed and lived such a varied life.
The issue that I had with this is that the writer doesn't seem able to pick a party line and stick to it. Hence we have sequences where Yasuke mops his brow standing at a ship rail, interspersed with author conjecture because sources are unclear as to what happened next. I doubt it's written down anywhere that Yasuke was particularly sweaty on a ship one day... I personally would decide whether or not you're writing a biography or a piece of fiction.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
While the story of Yasuke was fascinating, I could not get into this book itself. I typically enjoy stories that are written as historical fiction, but this being based on true story, didn't flow. This book took me forever to complete for this reason. I wanted to true facts laid out plainly for me, instead I got a lot of filler and fiction. I believe this was done because of the lack of documentation on Yasuke. In any case, do you own personal research if you're looking to learn about Yasuke and other African American warriors.
dark
informative
slow-paced
Yasuke (as a book) manages to impart both knowledge about the titular African Samurai, and also give great historical context of the late 15th century, plus some tidbits relating to prior and post eras: detailing the conditions of sea-traversal, the battles fought, the state of world affairs/politics, and a glimpse of all opposing beliefs/religions worldwide, especially the Jesuits. It looks at all this impartially and keeps the facts straight, with admittedly, some alterations due to conjecture regarding Yasuke's involvement and a lack of proper documentation in his actions.
The concept of a foreigner in a foreign land who quickly finds his footing and becomes native is cliche and unrealistic, but Yasuke's tale is as real as can be. That trope is likely derived from the events he experienced and to see the race-positivity, almost deification of him during his stay in Japan is truly fascinating and differentiates Yasuke from his peers. He still felt the effects of racism, yet was still welcomed in a land untouched by such moronic notions. An ideal, although imperfect, world we still strive for today.
Lockley sums up the reality, the plausible outcomes for the hero, and uses enough fictional (still based in actuality) elements to complete the unaccounted-for moments. A perfect audio-book for any fans of Japanese media and history, as well as generally immersing the listener in the world of the Country at War. And bonus points for a One Piece reference!
The concept of a foreigner in a foreign land who quickly finds his footing and becomes native is cliche and unrealistic, but Yasuke's tale is as real as can be. That trope is likely derived from the events he experienced and to see the race-positivity, almost deification of him during his stay in Japan is truly fascinating and differentiates Yasuke from his peers. He still felt the effects of racism, yet was still welcomed in a land untouched by such moronic notions. An ideal, although imperfect, world we still strive for today.
Lockley sums up the reality, the plausible outcomes for the hero, and uses enough fictional (still based in actuality) elements to complete the unaccounted-for moments. A perfect audio-book for any fans of Japanese media and history, as well as generally immersing the listener in the world of the Country at War. And bonus points for a One Piece reference!
Easy to follow. And had a storx line with history events
adventurous
challenging
informative
Due to the lack of historical record's specifically referencing Yasuke, this book ends up being more about the people he served (Jesuit missionaries and Japanese feudal lords) than about the man himself.
Honestly, I would have preferred a book half this length that focused on what we actually know about Yasuke. The amount of detail about his employers goes beyond what's necessary to understand the historical context and feels like it's there simply to pad the word count. He's an interesting and unique historical figure, but this book makes him a side character in his own story.
Honestly, I would have preferred a book half this length that focused on what we actually know about Yasuke. The amount of detail about his employers goes beyond what's necessary to understand the historical context and feels like it's there simply to pad the word count. He's an interesting and unique historical figure, but this book makes him a side character in his own story.
informative
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
So as a book, i'd say it was definitely a 5 - very enjoyable and easy to read. As a biography, it's more like a 2 - there is too much blending of fact and fancy.
I'd almost say it's a factual novel. It's written like a novel, but it's not fiction.
It definitely gave me a good understanding of Japan in the late 1500s, and I felt immerses into Yasuke's life. I felt the "end" had too many loose threads that seemed indirectly linked together (which leads to the factual novel aspect of it).
I'd almost say it's a factual novel. It's written like a novel, but it's not fiction.
It definitely gave me a good understanding of Japan in the late 1500s, and I felt immerses into Yasuke's life. I felt the "end" had too many loose threads that seemed indirectly linked together (which leads to the factual novel aspect of it).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Rape
It deals with war, so a lot of violence and death. Rape was mentioned but not elaborated on