Slave, Soldier, Survivor, and Samurai – SDG Reads Feature Title: The African Samurai

The SDG Reads 2024 campaign has begun and readers will be entranced with this year’s author and his novels. Joining us this year will be Craig Shreve, whose featured novel at the event will be his 2023 publication: The African Samurai. Tickets for our October 7^th SDG Reads author visit will be available soon via online reservation on our website's events page, but SDG Library users can get their hands on The African Samurai, as well as Shreve’s 2015 debut, One Night in Mississippi, in both physical copies for individuals and book clubs and digital mediums as soon as their holds allow.

What can readers look forward to? The African Samurai will whisk you aboard a ship sailing to 16^th Century Japan amongst Jesuit missionaries. Here we see through the eyes of Yasuke, whose role on this adventure is bodyguard to his master, the powerful missionary, Father Alessandro Valignano. The company believe themselves well-prepared for their mission as all have practiced the Japanese language and customs, brought gifts and items for trade, and familiarized themselves with local leaders; none of whom is more essential for Valignano to ally with than the conqueror and daimyo, Lord Oda Nobunaga.

And upon first meeting him, Yasuke seems to agree that the man is worth knowing. While Nobunaga has never met a man with dark skin, or even a man as large and strong as Yasuke, he also shows a great interest in Yasuke’s thoughts and experiences. Yauske’s past, which he has had to suppress and keep only to himself, is slowly revealed to other characters, as he begins to develop respect and friendships with Nobunaga and his people. This is my favourite element of the story. The playful banter between Yasuke and Nobunaga’s inner circle reflects their quick acceptance of the African Samurai which warms my heart and brings a comedic lightness to this tale.   

Who will love this book? Naturally, all SDG Reads event fans excited to meet a fascinating Canadian author. Additionally, fans of historical fiction, of BIPOC authors and fiction, of learning about different cultures and traditions, or really anyone who loves a good “rags to riches” story will enjoy Shreve’s writing. Ok, I’ll admit that last one is a bit of an oversimplification of a very incredible journey of a boy taken into slavery who literally fights his way out to become a legendary hero, but the category still applies. Regardless of your usual reading preference, Shreve breathes life into a historical figure and country I knew little about and it was a refreshing change from the stories I am typically exposed to.

With this though, I admit that at first I was challenged in situating myself in the varying locations and character names that change quickly at the onset of the novel. But do not be dissuaded: as Yasuke begins to find his place in the world, so too will readers acclimatize themselves to the changing landscape of the story. If you’d like further support with familiarizing yourself, Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard’s non-fiction title: African Samurai might enhance your reading of Shreve’s depiction of these historical icons.  Either way, this year’s SDG Reads author has something to offer readers of varying interests and ages, as his own life’s experiences make him quite the adventurous character himself. Learn more on October 7^th, 2024 at North Stormont Place in Avonmore as we celebrate the largest book club in SDG with Canadian author: Craig Shreve!