This engrossing collection of 8 stories evokes early 17th-century Japan, when peace finally reigns after centuries of warfare. It is a period of upheaval and change as the rulers carve out their territories, and clan politics are full of intrigue, rivalry, and betrayals. The samurai are still valued for their swordsmanship, but without battles to fight they struggle to retain their sense of pride and meaning in life as they devote themselves to mundane jobs, marry, and raise families. However, sympathies, conspiracies, kindnesses, enmities - all kinds of odd relationships are formed and conflicts resolved in surprising ways: including the traditional way, when the sword is again unsheathed. These tales are colorful, evocative, exciting, tender and violent - uniquely complex.