61 pages • 2 hours read
Helen DeWittThe Last Samurai
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt, Sibylla, an American student at Oxford, raises her genius son Ludo while grappling with his insatiable intellectual curiosity and questions about his absent father. As Ludo embarks on a journey to uncover his father’s identity, guided by Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, he learns about language, science, and the essence of genius. The book addresses sensitive topics including suicide, mental health stigma, and rape.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Helen DeWitt's The Last Samurai is lauded for its intellectual depth and unique narrative, centering on a prodigious boy and his exceptional upbringing. Reviewers commend DeWitt's erudition and inventive storytelling, though some find the complexity daunting. The novel's blend of humor, cultural references, and philosophical inquiries is both its strength and potential stumbling block for readers.
Who Should Read The Last Samurai?
A reader who enjoys The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt is likely drawn to intellectually stimulating narratives, the intersection of genius and eccentricity, and rich, multi-layered storytelling. Fans of Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 or David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas may find this book equally compelling due to its intricate plot and literary depth.