The Ronin: A Novel Based on a Zen Myth

by William Dale Jennings

The violence of twelfth-century Japan explodes in this half-legendary, half-true story of a violent man who becomes a folk hero. A heartless savage, the Ronin, or "wandering samurai," slashes his way up from the gutter to wealth, honor, and status. In spite of his crimes and bloodthirsty cruelty, he bears the strange mark of destiny that the wise see and respect, even as he destroys them.

Told with humor and irony, the tale ranges from the pleasantly colloquial to the brutally satiric, yet never relents in the Ronin's ruthless search for the truth. The storyteller hides nothing and speaks bluntly, yet this jewel-like tale shimmers with tantalizing riddles that will haunt the reader just as they haunted the Ronin. This brief tale is sure to shock, confound, and ultimately inspire readers.

Genres: Fiction, Japan, Historical Fiction, Literature, Japanese Literature, Martial Arts, Asia

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Daren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of a Japanese fable or legend by American author William Jennings.

It is a strange little book, obviously set in the times of Samurai and Ronin, Daimyo's and traditional villages. Probably the basis for The Karate Kid - as there are characters very much on the Mr Miyagi and Daniel-san mould. But neither of these are our main character, who is (at the start of the book) an unlikable character.

We start out with our wandering Ronin making his way through villages, full of attitude and a high opinion of himself. Partly for good reason, as he is a skilled swordsman, but taking advantage of village people seems like basic bullying and boorish behaviour. He takes a position as a Samurai for the Daimyo in a particular city, for a change of pace, and decides quite soon to have the Daiymo's wife. This sets of a chain of events and a revenge story spanning the next generation.

There are a few clues above, but I don't want to give too much more away.

I picked this up with a bundle of other books about Japan, without really knowing what it was about, and it turned out a fun short read. I think a second reading and there would be much more to pick up. There are plenty of zen lessons to pick out, some obvious and likely some more intricate. Also some clever writing and playing on words.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next to "Expiation" (Elizabeth von Arnim), this might be my favorite book of the year. The two are joined at the hip, despite being of entirely different genres - Expiation: a sort of "domestic" novel, written by a woman in 1929 - Ronin: a sort of "adventure" novel, written by a man in 1968. You wouldn't think they'd have much in common. But the idea of expiation is everything in both -
(Expiation: noun
the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement.- in case you wondered, which I did).

On the one hand you have a woman who has had a long affair; and on the other, a man who has murdered, raped, and destroyed many lives. How to atone?

But aside from all that - the writing! It's been age since I read a book that appealed to me so much. Jennings does this sort of what I imagine in my ignorant Western mind to be a "Zen-ish" style - compact and vivid and full of little memorable phrases.

Rather than review, I'll just put some examples in here.

"To him, sainthood was just a villain's loophole of escape."

"First, it took eons of awkwardness to discover that all gifts are not welcome, that a show of gratitude is not mandatory nor desired by the best of givers, that contests of reciprocity are a bestial travesty on man, and that the sweet or deadly reason for giving is more important than the gift."

"It was very much like having a pubic hair caught under one's forskin while being crowned Emperor."

"It is understandable that the new samurai should be deeply hurt that anyone could be so utterly right about his character on so little eveidence. It is only natural that a murderer prefer to be hanged rather than lynched."

"When life is more terrible than death, than it is the truest valor to dare to live."

"From his extreme humility, everyone at once sensed that here was a sinner desperately afraid of Hell and using them as a bribe to slip into the suburbs of Heaven."

There was talk at first, then only some. Then none. Very little can be said with words."

Just typing those makes me want to re-read the book. It's violent, ugly violent at times, but wow. Amazing writing and storytelling. Maybe one of my all-time favourites.

[Smiley · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the table of contents of this English-written novel, there are altogether 27 chapters in which we would find no chapter number inside; instead each starting with a seemingly Japanese-style, sword-related drawing followed by a phrase. For instance, presumably Chapter 1 A great rustling behind him. …, 2 Watching from the shadows. …, 3 The honor of being chosen. …, etc. (p. 13, 19, 25) so I could not help finding such a chapter style mysteriously exciting and I enjoyed reading since the beginning. However, I could keep reading it about two-thirds then my focus started to wane due to its obscure characters, plot, climax, etc. In short, it is like being in a surreal myth till I wondered if the author’s writing style is a kind of Zen myth uniquely presented to his readers in this genre.
Therefore, I think these three-part extracts taken form the last episode, that is, Chapter 27 And become what I am. . would help to illustrate my point:

Every evening of the next two years, the young Daimyo entered the Tunnel with a bundle of wood, built the fire, laid aside his clothes and greeted the Enemy with the six syllables of hate: “Still digging up your dead?” Then the two worked steadily through the night.
There was talk at first, then only some. Then none. Very little can be said with words.
It was the fourth month of the thirteenth year with Spring still timid on the slopes. The big man looked over at his young executioner and said, “Tomorrow morning at the Hour of the Ram.”
“Tomorrow morning what?”
“It will be done.”
“Maybe. There has been a change in the sound of the rock.” (pp. 155-156)
…
The big man looked at him: “I’m not forcing you to do anything.” The young Daimyo burst out, “But you know I must! You know I will!”
The big man went to him, took him by his arms and laid his cheek upon the young head. He spoke soothingly: “I know and I’m glad you can’t forgive. It becomes you and gives meaning to your dream of goodness.”
The young man pulled away: “Damn you, don’t say this holy trash! You can’t woo me from my Vow!”
“I wouldn’t want to.” (p. 157)
…
The Ronin walked to the fire: “No, let’s have the duel and get it over.”
The young voice was loud with anger: “I can’t finish this alone! It’s not my work!”
“It’s anyone’s. Let them,” and he began to walk away. “Bring the swords and let’s get out of here. It might cave in.”
The young Daimyo didn’t move: “But you can’t just leave it like this! Come back here and I’ll help. Time’s cheap.”
The big figure was striding naked toward the other light: “Not mine! No more! Not me!”
The young man screamed after him: “But you can’t leave a thing like this undone! It’s wrong not to finish what you start!”
And the big voice echoed from a vast distance in the dark, “The hell with it!” (pp. 158-159)

[Daniel Polansky]

Brilliant, well written, strange, frightening, a minor masterpiece and I am utterly at a loss as to why I haven't heard this yet.

Another favorite which, on re-read, remains as good as I remember. Cheers for you, Danny! Thanks, Danny. Cheers also for William Dale Jennings, an early gay rights activist and occasional writer who tossed off this absolute gem of a book, about a monstrous thug and the boy samurai who seeks vengeance against him and the impossible entanglements of human fate. The language is very finely wrought, with no tossed off words and every sentence practically a koan. A book desperately demanding re-discovery.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always very difficult to pick a favorite. Can you pick a favorite child? Probably.

This is quite possibly my favorite book.

I've looked for an audiobook for years, but have never found one. (But that's no reason to dock any stars, this is easily a 6-star in my book)

This is based on an old zen tale, about a Samurai and his story through life. Amazing action and humor, but will also pull at your heart strings and make you stop and think.

I cannot even put into words how incredible this book is.

Do yourself a favor, and read it.
Then read it again.
Then read it once a year for the rest of your life and you will be happy.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK so aside from all the rape, and the rape, and the raping of the rapist, and a little more rape, and a large dose of vengeance, I felt like this book has to be given some credit for the Karate Kid. There is a definite Mr Miyagi character in the book and a strong candidate for Daniel-san. I felt like a lot of the fleshed out scenes were gratuitous and unnecessary and were probably not part of the original Japanese folklore. So in some ways, I am going to say Jennings might have been a perv. However, the core of the story is great and there are some lessons to be learned. Wax on, Wax off.

[Chris Cox, a librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at our library book sale a few years ago. I was intrigued by the drawing on the front cover. It resembled the ronin or maybe the samurai played by Toshiro Mifune in such Kurosawa movies as Yojimbo or Sanjuro.

So I was intrigued enough to read this short fable of a deadly ronin and a child’s quest for revenge. I thought it was good enough to make me wish Jennings had done more in this genre. The jacket said he intended to, but I see no listing that he did.

His best known work was “The Cowboys” which later became a John Wayne movie in the 70’s. If I find a copy of that at the next library book sale, I might pick it up…and I definitely plan to rewatch Yojimbo!

[Ashley Benson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got a quarterway through the book and thought: "this is the guy we're supposed to be rooting for?"

Then I got halfway through the book and thought: "THIS is the guy we're supposed to be rooting for??"

Then I got three-quarters through the book and thought: "finally, someone worth rooting for"

Then I got to the end of the book and thought: "we were rooting for you. we were all rooting for you! the least he could do was finish the job"

[Allester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Pretty short and the book could easily fit in my jacket pocket. You could finish this in a few hours. It’s only 158.

The violent assaults and the profane actions of the Ronin build up a great story that make you question whether or not to side with the main character from the start. One sin leads to another that cause a ripple effect on the people around him, some greater than others affecting multiple generations. The realization that we were following the villain/antagonist all along creeps in slowly from one wrongdoing to the next.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the journey of hate, disappointment, hope, vengeance, reconciliation, and physical and spiritual growth. The story gives way to the possibility of sinners becoming saints, and for saints to expose their sins.

4/5 stars cause no pay off, but I guess it makes sense for a zen myth. It’s meant to teach a lesson.


K thanks bye

[Katherine Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written tale. It's central character is a ronin, an unemployed warrior, who has mastered the outer strength. He is powerful, strong, skilled, experienced, angry and cruel. No one can defeat him in combat or bring him to justice. He is his own justice. He encounters someone who annoys him, he hurts with with his sword. If they annoy him any more, he kills them, sometimes in one cut, at others, if he wants them to suffer, he cuts them so they die slowly.

Not exactly the main character most people want to read about. Some not-so-positive reviews of the book are written by readers who could not get through seeing the gore the ronin dispenses and simply give up. The man is beyond redemption. The author more than does his job in setting the ronin up.

Jennings' tale is, as stated in the title, based on a Zen Myth. The ronin is not mono-dimensional. The author by showing, at least at first, presents his crudeness as other see it. The ronin gets by through inspiring fear in others because the ronin can do so much damage. Yet isn't it because the ronin himself is afraid and by honing his skill with a sword he masters the very thing that causes him fear.

In a surreal scene, as far as the ronin is concerned, the tory pend as the ronin comes to a town where people do not show enough fear of him and one softly says the ronin is not as great as he thinks he is--after the ronin buys food, eats it, and then says he does not have any money. And thus begin a series of events where people do not cower before his blade, even though it means their own death or injury.

[Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I own. Sometimes I wish it were the only book I owned. The prose is quick, zen and enticing. It reads like a movie and leaves you wanting.

[Mike Angelillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great eastern warrior story with a classic ending.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, and I can't tell you how many times I've read it. I'm not going to review it, I'm not going to analyze it. I just suggest that you read it.

[T.W. Huey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this, it'll change your life for the better.

[Joe Vallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Japanese folk tales of all-time. There are different versions of this one but William Dale Jennings adaptation is my preferred way to digest this short but POWERFUL tale.
There are so many layered themes in this story that you can think about it for years and years (at least I have, anyway).
If you are into Samurai tales but want something with a deeper web of complicated themes, this is a perfect book for you....

[Ming Terk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense writing. I don't know if it is literary writing or just pretension. Zen style? Difficult to understand. I very much prefer straight story telling.

[Felix Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story, very much worth your time.

[Igal Press · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great book, but the first 60 pages are just the ronin killing children and raping women. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful novel takes a Zen Tale and elaborates into a longer work. A Masterless Samurai (Ronin) selfishly moves through his universe like a human typhoon, causing death, destruction and great pain in his wake. The son of one of his victims vows to avenge his father's death, knowing that several young samurai have already been killed attempting to stop the savage renegade. After several years pass, the Ronin meets an elderly sage who is working diligently to dig a cave passageway through a mountain to benefit the people of his region. He does not stop his work, or even regard the possibility of his murder at the hands of the impetuous and bloodthirsty Ronin.
As in all Zen tales, there is a moment of illumination (or Satori) which falls upon the Ronin as he prepares to kill the tunneling sage. His life will change, and the story will take a different direction following the moment of Satori.
I consider this story to be a "Desert Island Book", one which can be read and enjoyed by most everyone in the same manner as "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse. It is both simple and profound in its own way, and plotted very well by Jennings.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some people will love this book, but not everyone. I found myself liking parts of it very much, but not liking other parts at all. For example, there is a female character whose personality and development I just found hard to believe, even though the developing personality of the central ronin character was interesting even when he was more of a monster than anything.
The writing was mostly very good, although I found the resolution to be a tad annoying. Among other things, a time estimate to carefully considered and explained to the reader shouldn't be off by YEARS in the final measure. Maybe that's just me...
The information about Japanese culture was mostly fascinating, although parts of it seemed like modern takes on classic ideas. In one case, a nobleman selects bodyguards for his wife from a group of women in training with the naginata. That's great, but from historical sources, women using naginatas didn't develop until centuries after the rest of this story takes place. That was weird and a bit sloppy on the part of the author.
Still, it's not a bad book, if you're used to samurai-movie violence at its grimmest.

[Goran Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shocking tale of a masterless samurai set in 12th century Japan. William Dale Jennings recounts a Zen myth in the form of a novella that plots the rise and fall of a brutal Japanese swordsman.

The writing style is wonderfully colloquial. The depraved antics of the ronin are recounted in gory detail, while the story of a young boy's martial training at the hands of an old master is beautifully told.

The boy is determined to have his revenge on the ronin, but in true Zen style, nothing is as it seems and the plot takes several unexpected twists and turns before reaching a dramatic and unexpected climax.

The Ronin is unlike any book you have ever read. A rare treat.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book! It was short and interesting, I thought the story was very unique and filled with many asian/japanese anecdotes (as far as I could tell) and the characters were colorful.

But then the book ends so suddenly and fast! It really comes too such an abrupt ending and I was left searching for a lost page almost! Now most books when they do that it is a terrible ending or a lame ending and you are frustrated with the book or author or characters. But for me the abrupt ending went well with the book and I would recommend it to anyone.

[Brian Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Zen myth, spanning many years as the titular Ronin and a young Daimyo find the calmness and solitude to temper their impetuosity.

The Ronin at the start is a whirlwind of desires and destruction. The Daimyo is the son of a woman who ran off with him after killing the boys father.

There are a lot of good points raised in the manner of a fable, along with dry humour.
The ending is completely unexpected and a good finish to a good book.

[Michael Norwitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

The self-indulgent violence of the main character, the indifference to it on the part of the rest of the cast, and the minimal prose with no sense of atmosphere or historical detail, all added up to bore me. Unable to finish. Perhaps I ought to think of it as an extended fable or koan, but nothing seems worth the extension.

[JFKW · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like to read genre stuff by now-dead authors with the ability and desire to describe balls (as in testicles) a number of different, yet equally erotic, ways, you'll love this one. I, however, only moderately enjoy such flashy strokes of the pen.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't step in the same river twice, and you can't get revenge on that evil Ronin because now he's all cool and shit.

[Tammy Lim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zen myths are weird. This one is kind of a Sisyphus story in Japanese packaging - all individually wrapped, but strangely unsatisfying.

[Amarta Adi · Rating 2 out of 5]

kemampuan untuk memaksa atau bahkan untuk membunuh bukanlah kekuatan yang paling absolut, kemampuan untuk menghantui pikiran orang lainlah yang demikian.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I've read three time. I discover new things to think about every time.

[Zuzana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. The use of anachronistic expression here and there jerked me out of the story sometimes.