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.

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.

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.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Humorous

Helen DeWitt

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Last Samurai reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Last Samurai | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Last Samurai and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Last Samurai Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Last Samurai Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, Part 1: “Do Samurai Speak Penguin Japanese?”

Prologue-Book 1

The Last Samurai Prologue-Book 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 1: “We Never Get off at Sloane Square for Nebraska Fried Chicken” - Book 2, Part 6: “We Never Do Anything”

Book 2, Parts 1-7

The Last Samurai Book 2, Parts 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Part 2: “I Know All the Words” - Book 4, Part 5: “For David, with Best Wishes”

Books 3-4

The Last Samurai Books 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Book 5, Part 1: “A Good Samurai Will Parry the Blow” - Book 5, Part 2: “A Good Samurai Will Parry the Blow”

Book 5, Parts 1-2

The Last Samurai Book 5, Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Book 5, Part 4: “A Good Samurai Will Parry the Blow” - Book 5, Part 5: “A good samurai will parry the blow”

The Last Samurai

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Last Samurai?

Reading Age

Book Details