Helen DeWitt - author of ‘The Last Samurai’ - has a new book out!

[NorWouldTilly]

It’s called ‘Your Name Here’ - and if you read her earlier book you’ll comprehend why news of a new one is making me almost shiver with anticipation. ‘Samurai’ was indeed a work of breathtaking genius (it literally almost made my heart stop at one point) so it would be unreasonable to hope for that level of achievement again from anyone. And this new book has been co-written. But still …

Whoop!

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/books/helen-dewitt-your-name-here.html?unlocked_article_code=1.xE8.djsu.Fage3B-Tz7Ob&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Someone else must have read ‘The Last Samurai’?

I started it and couldn't get into it at all I'm afraid. I haven't dismissed the idea of trying again one day.

Oh my! I read the opening chapter and it was as if no one in the entire history of the world had ever grasped and understood and pinned down the stumbling, accidental vastness of failure in the way she did.

But maybe the new book might speak to you?

For some reason I’ve been able to download a kindle sample, even though the print edition won’t be available until December. I’m waiting for an auspicious moment to start reading.

I have read The Last Samurai fairly recently and I thought it was brilliant. I'm really glad she has a new novel out and I didn't know that, so thank you. I will definitely look out for it. Can't wait.

I loved The Last Samurai and have been waiting eagerly for Your Name Here. Delighted to have it finally.

Yes, it's brilliant. She's a genius. It says a lot about the state of publishing that she's found it so hard to find publishers for her subsequent work.

When you say have it, @loosestrife - please tell me if you have a physical book in your possession! Amazon tells me December 11th (one month to go) and I’m reluctant to start the kindle sample while there will still be a long wait for the rest.

(For admirers of - almost - that level of genius, I highly recommend Rosalind Belben’s ‘Hound Music’.)

And yes, @TheBirches - indeed …

I'm sorry @NorWouldTilly , I don't have the physical book -- just the Kobo epub edition. I'm in the US though so the release schedule might be different.

And thanks for the recommendation. I hadn't heard of Rosalind Belben and will investigate Hound Music.

I look forward to reading about what you, @TheBirches, and anyone else who plans to read it think of Your Name Here. I haven't started it yet -- I've been saving it for an upcoming flight. (Which is tomorrow!✈️)

Hope it’s an epic journey!