Book Barn hosts ‘Daughters of the Samurai’ lecture

WINSTED — Japanese dignitaries and area politicians mingled to hear Janice Namura of Colebrook talk about her new book on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Colebrook Book Barn on 100 Whiting St., Winsted. 

Winsted’s Beardsley and Memorial Library sponsored the event, which gave Namura an opportunity to relate tales from her recently released “Daughters of the Samurai.” The audience of 100 people waved Japanese folding fans, fitting for the sweltering summer day, as they listened intently to the author’s commentary on a detailed digital presentation. 

Photographs and artwork from the late 19th and early 20th century showed the growth and tenacity of five young girls from Japan along with their supporters who journeyed from “East to West and Back,” as the book’s subtitle says. Their supporters, caregivers and educators in North America all played a role in helping to shape the young girls’ future as leader back in their home country. 

Prior to leaving Japan, their closest contact with other Japanese women was in the presence of the royal empress behind a screened wall with her ladies in waiting. One of the girls attended Yale and her adoptive family spent summers away from New Haven at a cottage in Colebrook, very close to Namura’s home.

At one point Namura said, “I realized that I wasn’t so much writing the story, as the story was writing me.”

Colebrook Book Barn owners Bob Seymour and Mignon Smith, both of Colebrook, said they were “ecstatic and grateful for the turnout and support for this momentous occasion, including but not limited to Karin Taylor and Linda Gordon of the Beardsley and Memorial Library for their consistent enthusiasm. We also couldn’t have done this without our own staff that worked tirelessly to set up and prepare the space. Employee and graphic artist, Christine Rhoades, of Winchester, did a wonderful job designing the prominently displayed movie poster featuring the cover photo from Daughters of the Samurai.”

New Hartford resident Verna Gilson, Beardsley and a Memorial Library Genealogy and Local History Room assistant, said, “I found the discussion fascinating. Our library has two copies of the book available, so I’ve started the book, but had to return it before I finished so others have the chance to check it out. I also love the atmosphere at the Colebrook Book Barn. I’m also trying to learn Japanese. I hope there will be more culturally enlightening functions here like this one in the future.”

Toshiko Uchino, president of the Japan Society of Greater Hartford, said, “I look forward to bringing tea ceremonies and wood block art to the Beardsley and Memorial Library soon.” 

Uchino was the force behind this year’s successful Japan Festival at Blueback Square in West Hartford in June.