I was swept away by this swashbuckling true tale of a shipwrecked Japanese fisherman’s son. Manjiro’s story begins in 1841 when he and his companions are rescued by an American whaling ship after being stranded on a small island after a storm. Fourteen-year-old Manjiro’s curiosity, bravery, and buoyant spirit earn him the respect and affection of the ship’s Captain who brings the boy to New England and adopts him. Manjiro is the first Japanese person to visit America and in spite of the Captain’s kindness, he is met with intolerance and prejudice. Yearning to return home, he takes a job on a ship heading for Japan. Years pass with many adventures, including panning for gold in California, before he finally reaches home. Instead of a homecoming he is met with arrest and imprisonment as a Western spy. While in prison the political climate changes and Japan begins to open her ports to Western ships. Manjiro’s knowledge of Western language and culture are now invaluable and the adventure continues when he is released from prison and called into service by the shogun and becomes a Samurai.
Classic adventure story elements combined with Manjiro’s original illustrations make this a great read for anyone 10 years or older. ~Anne