Customer Reviews

A Daughter of the Samurai

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was completely charmed by this beautifully written autobiography! I couldn't put it down! Not only did I learn some rich social history of Japan, but I was able to see into the Japanese heart for the first time. Although many of the customs mentioned are now outdated, they show the foundation that shaped and molded the Japanese people of today. I can now say that I have a much clearer understanding of the Japanese. Apart from what I learned of Japan, I also got a glimpse of America and how we haven't changed much over the years in our attitudes. I saw into the heart of the immigrant and the adjustments and readjustments they must face. I was awed and inspired!

Unfortunately, out of print - but seek it out any way you can. A fascinating, wonderful, and truthful account of the life of a daughter of the Samurai class, which had existed for centuries, just at the time when it was beginning its decline. Much of what you read in this book will explain the behaviour of modern-day Japanese. As an American living in Japan, that has proved invaluable. The book is well-written, focused, imaginative, whimsical, and resourceful, just like the author herself. If you can get your hands on a copy, be prepared to fall in love with Etsu-bo!

I didn't want this book to finish so soon. I loved the style and became involved in the characters. I want to know how her children re-adjusted back to life in the USA - how did she manage as a single Japanese mother alone in the USA.

Nothing tumultuos happens, no sex, no violence - just a peek into the not-so distant past!

Especially interesting for me since I am a Brit who has lived in the USA and now living in Japan.

Can anyone reccomend more books of this calibre?

Unfortunately, out of print - but seek it out any way you can. A fascinating, wonderful, and truthful account of the life of a daughter of the Samurai class, which had existed for centuries, just at the time when it was beginning its decline. Much of what you read in this book will explain the behaviour of modern-day Japanese. As an American living in Japan, that has proved invaluable. The book is well-written, focused, imaginative, whimsical, and resourceful, just like the author herself. If you can get your hands on a copy, be prepared to fall in love with Etsu-bo!

The rating of 4 stars is due to the fact that I have not finished reading the book. My sister sent me this book a while back, and I finally started reading it while traveling this week. The copy I have is in Japanese, and knowing that it was translated into Japanese from the original English text, both my sister and I were interested in finding the English version, which I just found and ordered from Amazon.

Half way through the book, I am fascinated to read about the many daily and seasonal rituals that were historically embedded in Japanese life. Today, many of these rituals and ceremonies have been either forgotten or so truncated that almost no one knows what they were for, and how they were done properly. It's a shame to think of the loss of these beautiful and respectful practices, and a lot of her book has to do with the theme of lost times. Also just having seen the "The Art of the Samurai" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this book gives you an idea of how so many of the amazing pieces of armour were sold by samurai families in a state of acute economic decline. It made me think of the curious journeys that all the exhibit pieces must have made from the hands of the original owners.

The book is altogether elegant, quaint and very touching (all based on the Japanese version but I am sure the same can be said of the English original). It really is a glimpse into a world lost forever.

A great book if you are interested in old Japanese ways. Well written, but not hard to understand. Would recomend to anyone