altlovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
"Perhaps it would be better not to look back with such pride to a glorious past; but instead, to look forward to a glorious future. One means quiet satisfaction; the other, ambitious work."
Etsu grew up the daughter of a samurai at a point in time when samurai are no longer needed. Regardless, she grew up learning those ideals, and took them with her into adulthood and America. She had a remarkably pragmatic and insightful way of looking at the world around her, and it was really interesting to me to read her thoughts on her American way of life when compared with her Japanese upbringing.
She was educated (beyond what women in that period were), kind, and generous with those around her. I learned many things about Japanese history and folklore through the stories she'd tell her family and friends, and I loved her insight into things I wouldn't have considered. For instance, she told a story about how an American friend of hers had pretty rosary beads displayed next to an intricately carved Japanese backscratcher. The woman had no idea it was something so mundane, she saw it as an object of beauty and not a tool. Etsu likened its oddity to someone displaying the Holy Bible next to a toothbrush. I appreciated that honesty, and Etsu and the friend laughed about it together.
The really only strike I can give this book is that its rather mundane. There's no struggles or trials to overcome here, just a nice Japanese woman living a nice life and having good things happen to her as a result. Depending on what you're reading for, it might come off slow and boring to some.
Etsu grew up the daughter of a samurai at a point in time when samurai are no longer needed. Regardless, she grew up learning those ideals, and took them with her into adulthood and America. She had a remarkably pragmatic and insightful way of looking at the world around her, and it was really interesting to me to read her thoughts on her American way of life when compared with her Japanese upbringing.
She was educated (beyond what women in that period were), kind, and generous with those around her. I learned many things about Japanese history and folklore through the stories she'd tell her family and friends, and I loved her insight into things I wouldn't have considered. For instance, she told a story about how an American friend of hers had pretty rosary beads displayed next to an intricately carved Japanese backscratcher. The woman had no idea it was something so mundane, she saw it as an object of beauty and not a tool. Etsu likened its oddity to someone displaying the Holy Bible next to a toothbrush. I appreciated that honesty, and Etsu and the friend laughed about it together.
The really only strike I can give this book is that its rather mundane. There's no struggles or trials to overcome here, just a nice Japanese woman living a nice life and having good things happen to her as a result. Depending on what you're reading for, it might come off slow and boring to some.
starlings's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.75
dilliemillie's review against another edition
3.0
A Daughter of the Samurai was an interesting peek into a life very unlike my own. The story shared a perspective unfamiliar to me and helped to remind me once again how varied the lives of people can be. I appreciated the author's simple, beautiful discussion of her experiences and of the cultural traditions that form who we are, inviting us as readers to explore along with her.
June Angela did a perfect job narrating the audiobook!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June Angela did a perfect job narrating the audiobook!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
kcollett75's review against another edition
A daughter of the samurai: how a daughter of feudal Japan, living hundreds of years in one generation, became a modern American. The most striking thing is that she is describing her childhood from the inside, as the Samurai daughter being brought up into the traditional woman's role and ALSO having the education almost of a son (both roles stiff with honor and hedged with tradition)--but from the perspective of the American acculturated woman that she became--and that this is the _same person_.
critter's review against another edition
5.0
I am reviewing an audiobook version of this book. The narrator did an excellent job. This book was an interesting look at the life of Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto. While I agree with other reviewers that Etsu seemed to be unaware of some of her privileges in life, her writing shows highlights ways that gender, race, class, and nationality affected people. This memoir was beautifully written, and I enjoyed the insight into Etsu's life and experiences.
I would like to thank Dreamscape media for providing me with an audiobook recording.
I would like to thank Dreamscape media for providing me with an audiobook recording.
altlovesbooks's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
"Perhaps it would be better not to look back with such pride to a glorious past; but instead, to look forward to a glorious future. One means quiet satisfaction; the other, ambitious work."
Etsu grew up the daughter of a samurai at a point in time when samurai are no longer needed. Regardless, she grew up learning those ideals, and took them with her into adulthood and America. She had a remarkably pragmatic and insightful way of looking at the world around her, and it was really interesting to me to read her thoughts on her American way of life when compared with her Japanese upbringing.
She was educated (beyond what women in that period were), kind, and generous with those around her. I learned many things about Japanese history and folklore through the stories she'd tell her family and friends, and I loved her insight into things I wouldn't have considered. For instance, she told a story about how an American friend of hers had pretty rosary beads displayed next to an intricately carved Japanese backscratcher. The woman had no idea it was something so mundane, she saw it as an object of beauty and not a tool. Etsu likened its oddity to someone displaying the Holy Bible next to a toothbrush. I appreciated that honesty, and Etsu and the friend laughed about it together.
The really only strike I can give this book is that its rather mundane. There's no struggles or trials to overcome here, just a nice Japanese woman living a nice life and having good things happen to her as a result. Depending on what you're reading for, it might come off slow and boring to some.
Etsu grew up the daughter of a samurai at a point in time when samurai are no longer needed. Regardless, she grew up learning those ideals, and took them with her into adulthood and America. She had a remarkably pragmatic and insightful way of looking at the world around her, and it was really interesting to me to read her thoughts on her American way of life when compared with her Japanese upbringing.
She was educated (beyond what women in that period were), kind, and generous with those around her. I learned many things about Japanese history and folklore through the stories she'd tell her family and friends, and I loved her insight into things I wouldn't have considered. For instance, she told a story about how an American friend of hers had pretty rosary beads displayed next to an intricately carved Japanese backscratcher. The woman had no idea it was something so mundane, she saw it as an object of beauty and not a tool. Etsu likened its oddity to someone displaying the Holy Bible next to a toothbrush. I appreciated that honesty, and Etsu and the friend laughed about it together.
The really only strike I can give this book is that its rather mundane. There's no struggles or trials to overcome here, just a nice Japanese woman living a nice life and having good things happen to her as a result. Depending on what you're reading for, it might come off slow and boring to some.