Readers who were enthralled by or even bemused by Helen DeWitt’s The Last Samurai may be looking for some intelligent discussion of the novel. If so, Lee Konstantinou’s contribution to Columbia University Press’ “Rereadings” series may be just the ticket. He promises a fresh approach incorporating methodologies from sociology and anthropology which, he thinks, help to appreciate just what DeWitt has attempted and possibly accomplished with her novel. His account is supplemented with numerous interviews with key players in the publishing process for the novel as well as, especially, with DeWitt herself. It makes for an interesting yet engaging read.

Konstantinou’s thesis is that The Last Samurai, in effect, reflects its own troubled publishing history. The challenges DeWitt faced, some of which were self-generated, find analogy in Sibylla’s and Ludo’s story. It is a bold claim that may risk Konstantinou taking on the folly of Roemer, whose fallacious critical reasoning set Sibylla on her path to destruction (or salvation). Yet, I think he does enough to at least merit consideration for his comprehensive interpretation. Or at least it makes for diverting reading, whether or not you find it ultimately persuasive.

Recommended for those who have read The Last Samurai and are ready to think about it anew. ( )

The Last Samurai Reread, by Lee Konstantinou, is the third book I've read in the Rereadings series and like the others it offers new (at least for me) perspectives on reading The Last Samurai.

There is one major difference for me with this volume and the other two in the series that I've read. I had read the novels discussed (Vineland and A Visit from the Goon Squad) in the other books multiple times while I have only read The Last Samurai once. If you are like me in this respect, then I think this book will be a wonderful read and will likely make you want to both reread (imagine that!) The Last Samurai as well as (re)visit Helen DeWitt's other work.

I don't yet know to what extent I am in agreement with some of Konstantinou's connections (within the work, between the work and DeWitt, or as a larger statement about society or the writing/publishing life) but I certainly find the case he makes compelling. Since I don't currently have a copy of DeWitt's book I am probably not going to be rereading it for several months, but I will have some of my notes from reading this book handy.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who has read The Last Samurai, no matter what your opinion of it is. This book sheds light on some things and makes connections you might not have considered. I don't recommend this to those who haven't read it, but I can't imagine too many people who haven't read it would pick up a book about rereading it. If you are by nature someone who rereads books on occasion, this is ideal for you.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )