African Samurai

March 1, 2019

A kidnapped African child who was trained as a soldier in India and eventually made bodyguard to the head of the Jesuit mission in 1500s Asia, Yasuke caused a stir when he landed in Kyoto, where the populace saw him as the embodiment of the black Buddha, or war god, of local legend. The head of Japan's most powerful clan claimed him for his court, making him Japan's first foreign-born samurai. From Lockley, a professor at Nihon University College of Law in Tokyo, and Bram Stoker Award nominee Girard; with a national tour.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Gary Furlong narrates a vivid biography of the first non-native samurai in feudal Japan, who was also black. Yasuke has achieved almost mythical status in Japan, but he was very much human and flawed. While telling Yasuke's life story, the audiobook covers a staggering amount, including the topics of warfare and politics. Furlong capably imbues the well-researched and detailed biography with respect and awe. The story alternates between dramatic historical fiction and nonfiction, with the narration keeping both on a steady and even keel. Furlong's youthful voice coupled with natural-sounding accents and an engaging tone combine for a captivating listen that's difficult to pause. The narration and writing complement each other well. J.M.M. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine