Heart of a Samurai Audiobook By Margi Preus cover art

Heart of a Samurai

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Heart of a Samurai

By: Margi Preus
Narrated by: James Yaegashi
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Praised as “a timeless tale” by Booklist in a starred review, this Newbery Honor book by Margi Preus explores the cultural divide between the East and West circa 1841. When Manjiro, a Japanese teenager, is thrown from his fishing boat during a storm, he’s rescued by an American whaling ship. Befriending the ship’s captain, Manjiro decides to travel with the crew to Massachusetts. But years later, when Manjiro attempts to return to his homeland, he’s imprisoned as an outsider.

©2010 Margi Preus (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC Fiction Historical Fiction Heartfelt

Critic reviews

“Preus mixes fact with fiction in a tale that is at once adventurous, heartwarming, sprawling, and nerve-racking ...." ( Publishers Weekly)
Engulfing Story • Well-written Story • Excellent Reader • Admirable Protagonist • Fascinating History • Easy Listening
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What a unique view into Japanese lifestyle & culture & the US through the eyes of an outsider. A remarkable true story about the first Japanese person to interact with the US & influence his people once he returned.

Unique view

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Would you consider the audio edition of Heart of a Samurai to be better than the print version?

yes

What other book might you compare Heart of a Samurai to and why?

Hemingway's Green Hills of Africa

Which character – as performed by James Yaegashi – was your favorite?

John

If you could take any character from Heart of a Samurai out to dinner, who would it be and why?

John.it would be interesting to hear how his thoughts progressedfrom childhood to adult

Any additional comments?

the fantastic story about the early history of Japan and America

a beautiful story of the first Japanese boy in Ame

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I really enjoyed this story, the narrator was really easy to listen to. I really love learning about the history of Japan and how Japan and America come to know each other.

fantastic!

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I carpool my 11 year old son and his friend and they both really enjoyed the story. They thought it was really cool that it is based on a true story.

11 year old son loved it

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And adventure! On top of that, it’s based on a true story. Lovely tale for its target age group of 8-12. Can’t wait to read more from Margi Preus!

Beautifully written story of love, courage and tolerance

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Heart of a Samurai is a beautifully written and inspiring novel that bridges history and fiction. It offers readers a unique perspective on cultural understanding and personal growth. Manjiro’s story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making it a perfect read for those interested in adventure, history, or stories about finding one’s place in the world.

A beautifully written and inspiring novel that bridges history and fiction.

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wonderful historical fiction for kids. great story and characters provide an interesting view of history from the other side of the world.

great book

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Would you listen to Heart of a Samurai again? Why?

What do Moby Dick and Edo-era Japan have in common and why should you care? The two eras overlap in the incredibly well-written and engulfing story by Margi Preus, Heart of A Samurai.

The story opens in the mid 1800’s. Manjiro is a young fisherman whose boat is wrecked somewhere off the coast of Japan. At the time, Japan was a fully closed society. Citizens had no contact with other nations, and if they did, they’d be excommunicated and banned from returning.

Stuck on a rock with little food and water, Manjiro and his mates are discovered by a whaling boat from New Bedford, Massachusetts. They spend several months on this boat as men on whaling hunts (a la Moby Dick).

Who was your favorite character and why?

Manjiro is the sole member of the Japanese fishing team who learns English. Despite the fact that his culture has taught him to think of Westerners as devils, he begins to believe in the American Dream and chooses to go back with the whalers to Massachusetts when the others are dropped off in the Sandwich Islands (known now as Hawaii).

Any additional comments?

Heart of A Samuari is about the tug-of-war between following one's dreams, while yearning for the security. This is the classic crisis that all children can relate to: who doesn't want to be themselves, follow their desires, and to uncharted territories—while also wanting the comforts of family and familiar customs. Which one should you choose when you can only choose one?

This story is well written and engulfing and provides realistic historical references as well.

Highly recommended, a Newbery Honor Book.

A story with heart and history

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This book was a dynamic story with an excellent reader. Also, fascinating history about Japanese and American history. home school win...

enjoyed every minute

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I love this story, and the reader. It was awesome. there were several places where the story skipped a line or a little bit ahead. I am not sure if it was just my download or if it was the actual problem with the recording

great story, couple of places where it skipped

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