47 Ronin

I read 47 Ronin by John Allyn as the smash hit movie about Tom Cruise running through Japan a white guy in Japan was about to hit theaters. The story of 47 Ronin has many variations that have arisen over the years so I figured the movie would be nothing like the book.

I did end up watching the movie as well, and found it to be a wonderful pop corn action flick, but I did enjoy the book better. The version this book covers seems to be a more realistic and historical version. It focused strongly on honor and morals, things very important to the samurai. I found it fascinating how much importance the ronin placed upon the honor of their master. Sacrificing everything to restore it. Japanese literature has pumped out thousands of revenge stories, they seem to do it well and it feels like the story of 47 ronin is the originator. This one is definitely worth picking up and reading.