The Samurai

Translated by Van C. Gessel

A gripping adventure story from “a masterly historical writer” about a Japanese expedition to cross the Pacific Ocean in the 17th century (David Mitchell)

"A historical fiction with meanings for many cultures and all seasons, and a great travel narrative; its re-creations of place are extraordinary." ― The New York Times Book Review

"All of Endo’s work has been influential. He truly understands what it means to be both of ― and not of ― a place." ― Caryl Phillips, author of The Lost Child

A classic of Japanese literature, The Samurai is one of Shūsaku Endo’s finest and most atmospheric works, brilliantly conveying the searing traumas of faith, both lost and newly discovered.

In 17th-century Japan, a ship sets sail for Nueva España as part of an envoy to expand trade with the West. Onboard are a zealous Spanish missionary, who dreams of becoming bishop of Japan, and a disenchanted Samurai seeking to recover his lost family lands.

In a journey full of peril, both men’s lives and ambitions hang in the balance as political machinations loom large and the terrifying persecution of Christians advances through Japan.

Winner of the 1980 Noma Literary Prize, The Samurai is an intensely moving portrait of human courage and endurance, taken from a real event in history, and told with Endo’s signature stark simplicity.

Part of the Pushkin Press Classics series: outstanding classic storytelling from around the world, in a stylishly original series design. From newly rediscovered gems to fresh translations of the world’s greatest authors, this series includes such authors as Stefan Zweig, Hermann Hesse, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa and Gaito Gazdanov.