It develops slowly but very steadily, as successful revenge plots almost always do, and provides a pretty respectable emotional punch. Nonetheless, the story is fascinating, deeply rooted in a culture which is profoundly alien for a Western reader in many ways. The Ronin and their single minded leader are tainted by the clarifications in the prologue, so that there is a persistent 'but' stalking the entire narrative of the book. This sets up an interesting tension which is clearly troubling for some people. That is only true if they were referring to the prologue which draws a clear line between the actual events and the fictionalized account presented by the author. The publisher's notes suggest that in this book you can find the truth behind the classic Japanese story of the 47 Ronin (masterless samurai). John Allyn's masterful retelling of 47 Ronin has long been considered the definitive version of these dramatic historical events. They are in fact making careful plans for revenge, biding their time until the moment to strike is right! Their deeds became Japan's most celebrated example of bravery, cunning, and loyalty in an age when samurai were heroes, and honor was worth dying for. But the ronin only seem to accept their fate. They appear to adapt to their new circumstances by becoming tradesmen and teachers. These ronin are not trusted by their enemies and live under the watchful eyes of spies for months. His samurai retainers now become ronin, or masterless, and are dispersed.

His lands are confiscated and his family is dishonored and exiled. Although the wound Asano inflicts is minimal, the Emperor's punishment is harsh: Lord Asano is ordered to commit seppuku, or ritual suicide. In 1701, young Lord Asano is goaded into attacking a corrupt official at the Japanese Court. It led to one of the bloodiest episodes in Japanese history, and in the process, created a new set of heroes in Japan.

For those looking for the real story behind the fictionalized movie account of the 47 Ronin story, this is the definitive, fascinating account of this unforgettable tale of a band of samurai who defied the Emperor to avenge the disgrace and death of their master, and faced certain death as a result.

The 47 ronin story by john allyn