What did you like most about The Samurai?
The sample
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
Emptiness
Which scene did you most enjoy?
The sample
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I really felt the mood of the characters as they went through mental anguish, pain and suffering from which there was no relief.
There were also quiet shows of compassion and comradeship.
Any additional comments?
If you are drawn by the title and cover picture this book is probably not for you; it is steeped in religious fervour and is about a zealous Catholic missionary and four peasant Samurai who reluctantly go on an epic voyage to Europe as envoys for Japan.
I found the sample of this book the best and happiest part of the story. It is set mostly outside of Japan and based on true events, probably why I found it so gloomy. All five face hardship and disappointment with fortitude, the missionary via his religion and the Samurai through their culture.
I found it very depressing and kept expecting something good to occur, even something small but for me it didn't, perhaps for a religious person (Catholic Christian) it would.
It is a deep book that has left a deep mark on me but if you want to learn about Japan, it's culture and the Samurai, try another book like "Shogun".