The Last Samurai (novel)

The Last Samurai is a 2003 novel by Helen DeWitt. It is not related to the 2003 film of the same name starring Tom Cruise.

The novel centers on the single mother, Sibylla, and her gifted son, Ludo. Sibylla, a classics scholar, strives to raise Ludo outside of the traditional educational system by exposing him to a vast and varied curriculum, including classical languages, mathematics, and literature. A key element of Ludo's unconventional upbringing is his exposure to Akira Kurosawa's film Seven Samurai, which becomes a touchstone for him and a source of inspiration.

As Ludo grows, he becomes increasingly independent and intellectually driven, eventually seeking out father figures and mentors who can satisfy his craving for knowledge and guidance. The novel explores themes of single motherhood, giftedness, unconventional education, the search for meaning, and the influence of art and culture. It is notable for its dense prose, complex narrative structure, and the author's extensive use of foreign languages and scholarly references.