by Shuhei Fujisawa, Gavin Frew (Translator)
List Price: $22.00
Amazon Price: $14.96
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Kodansha (March 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 4770030053
Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces.
Three stories by Shuhei Fujisawa have been made into films recently; "Twilight Samurai" and "The Hidden Blade" (both directed by Yoji Yamada, and "Semishigure" Directed by Mitsuo Kurotsuchi. A third film by Yoji Yamada, also based on a short story by Shuhei Fujisawa, is currently in production now.Amazon wrote:Book Description
This delightful collection of eight stories evokes early 17th-century Japan, when peace finally reigned after centuries of warfare. It was a period of upheaval and change as the rulers carved out their territories, and clan politics were full of intrigue, rivalry, and betrayals. The samurai were still valued for their swordsmanship, and were a cut above the peasants, artisans, and merchants in the social hierarchy. Without battles to fight, however, they struggled to retain their sense of pride and meaning in life as they devoted themselves to mundane jobs, marriage, and family. The occasional flash of the sword and samurai discipline was tempered by the unexpected intrusion of human interaction. Sympathies, conspiracies, kindnesses, enmities-all kinds of odd relationships were formed and conflicts resolved in surprising ways. These tales are colorful, atmospheric, exciting, tender, violent, and gently ironic.
) who goes to a merchant for a job and has to earn it. The second is about a knife-sharpener who watches his clients for weaknesses, then robs them at night.