Review of African Samurai; the True Story of Yasuke.
Review of Africa Samurai: the True story of Yasuke, A legendary Black Warrior in Fedual Japan By Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard c. 2019; 380 Pages This was an amazing book. It detailed the true story of a African borne warrior named Yasuke who rose up through various positions in Japanese society around 1579, eventually being granted title of Samurai and allowed two swords. The story is supposed to be historically accurate while being entertaining similar to historical dramas. A lot of understanding of Japanese culture and background was needed to flesh out the parts that were historically silent but the author did a good job of what would likely have happened. Yasuke was a kidnapped African sold into the slave trade but eventually ended being a valued body guard and warrior for whatever general or lord he was serving under. He fought often and early in India eventually coming to the guard services for a Catholic regional manager with the Jesuits. The J...