The African Samurai: The incredible story of Yasuke

Based on actual events, The African Samurai is a novel that tells the story of Yasuke, a slave who became a Japanese samurai. The book was longlisted for the 2024 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize and praised for its gripping, vivid, and richly detailed storytelling. It offers a unique perspective on the making of modern Japan and explores themes of freedom, identity, and the power of the human spirit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Canelo

Longlisted for the 2024 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, Conn Iggulden's gripping novel "The African Samurai" is a must-read for fans of "Shogun." Set in 1579, the story follows a young East African slave who is taken from his village and sold to mercenaries. Despite his experiences, he becomes a skilled soldier and joins an expedition to Kyoto, where he meets Oda Nobunaga, the most powerful warlord in Japan. Under Nobunaga's tutelage, the slave becomes Yasuke, Japan's first foreign samurai, and the only one of African descent.

The novel is a magnificent reconstruction of a lost historical figure and a truly enthralling narrative that delves into the making of modern Japan. It is filled with insights and wisdom, and written with compassion and an authenticity brought on by painstaking research. Iggulden's attention to detail and ability to evoke varied emotions in the reader with few words make "The African Samurai" a standout novel that will leave readers in awe.

Praise for "The African Samurai" has been pouring in from critics and readers alike. "Breathtakingly visual with dialogue that's filled with insights and wisdom," Shreve is a rare writer who can evoke emotions in the reader with few words and attention to detail. "I experienced sixteenth-century Japan like never before, despite being a huge fan of the novels of Eric Van Lustbader and the se," said one reader.

In conclusion, "The African Samurai" is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, history, and compelling storytelling. Conn Iggulden's novel is a masterpiece that will leave readers in awe of the power of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804366257