The Last Samurai

"The Last Samurai" by Helen DeWitt is a unique and captivating tale about Sibylla, a single mother trying to raise her child using high-minded principles of child-rearing. When her son, Ludo, shows signs of being a prodigy or genius, she turns to the teachings of J.S. Mill and Yo Yo Ma, causing chaos at school. To fill the gap of a fatherless role model, Sibylla turns to the classic film Seven Samurai but Ludo becomes obsessed with finding his father's name. At eleven years old, he sets out on a dangerous quest that could cost him his life. This debut novel was so highly-regarded it was sold into twenty countries and is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and unique tale.