A Bob Lee Swagger Novel (Bob Lee Swagger Novels) - The 47th Samurai

I resisted buying this one at first because I thought it would be difficult to keep track of the Japanese characters and it was. As usual, however, Mr. Hunter draws you in with his storytelling and incredible knowledge of his subject.

I love the Stephen Hunter books, and while this is not a bad read, it spends as much time focusing on swords as a part of Japanese culture as it does the story. I found that aspect of the narrative tedious after a while.

It was very unfamiliar territory, but I had a familiar guide, so seeing it through his eyes made it understandable. I feel like I know more about samurai and Japanese sword fighting than I ever expected I would. I enjoyed the journey. Thanks, Stephen. I knew what the ending must be, but you got me anyway.

Read this book for fun. The context, twists and turns kept me turning the pages until I finished the book and was looking for another. The plot ties a WWII battle to decendents of this century. The unexpected directions are "really good".

A delightful, fun book. To enjoy it, simply accept the fantasy - a late middle aged man, completely inexperienced with all things Japanese and with swords, quickly becomes exceptionally skilled - and once over that hiccup, the book is pure action and fun, as well as an interesting introduction to the heart of the Japanese samurai culture.

A delightful, fun book. To enjoy it, simply accept the fantasy - a late middle aged man, completely inexperienced with all things Japanese and with swords, quickly becomes exceptionally skilled - and once over that hiccup, the book is pure action and fun, as well as an interesting introduction to the heart of the Japanese samurai culture.

Great quick read. Hunter further develops the complexity of Bob Lee Swagger and thru Bob Lee, his father Earl. Technically fairly accurate in arms. Hunter does it again. I have been reading the Bob Lee and Earl Swagger novels out of sequence over the last 6 months.. makes for some unique comparisons and fact checks..I am a Viet Nam veteran also and am really hooked on these novels.

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Bob Lee Swagger is a wonderful fictional hero who has moved me and since Steven Hunter has spent much of his recent literary past writing about Bob Lee's father, Earl, I have anxiously awaited the publishing of the latest chapter in Bob Lee's life. Sadly, this book failed to reach the impact of the previous episodes.

In this book we find Bob Lee to be an aging man who buys into a mission of honor and justice. As the title suggests, the venue is Japan. The weaponry is no longer sniper rifles but samurai swords and while the grit, determination and courage is there in spades the path Bob Lee follows stretches credulity a bit too much.

While I came to easily accept Bob Lee's proficiency with a rifle the 47th Samurai would have us believe that Bob Lee can become highly proficient with a Japanese sword after a week of lessons. Bad guys abound and the good guys are not always what they might appear to be at first. Bob Lee leaves his home in Idaho with only some mild protestations from his wife and then his daughter. Thereafter they are no a factor in Bob Lee's journey. Personally, I would have called home a couple of times just to say "hi".

Most disquieting are the "hard cuts" the book makes. There are several points in the story when I turned a page or went to a new paragraph and thought, "wow, did I miss something"? These deficiencies are as much errors on the part of Hunter's editors as they are errors on Mr. Hunter's
part. An editor should have read the manuscript and been able to see that the abrupt changes in locale are simply confusing. For instance, Bob Lee ends up in Seattle for a while and we don't really know anything about the move. Then, in an abrupt cut, he is back in Japan with little or non explanation and no warning.

Mr. Hunter certainly has done his homework on swords, Samurai culture and Japan itself. He always writes an interesting novel. I wanted to enjoy this one a lot more than I did.

very interesting regarding the Japanese. Not quite believable for a 60 year old not trained to be that capable with Karate etc. I studied Karate with a very good Japanese gentleman so know the skill required to win. Still Swagger is my number one hero.

A well written fictional story!!! If anyone is into the martial arts and/or the history of the samurai, this book is a must read fictional book. It is not a historical book by any means, but it brings out the world of the samurai in today's world.

I'm an avid Stephen Hunter reader. His attention to detail is one of his strengths. This novel has that. Most of his stories are believable, this one is not. If you're a Stephen Hunter regular, you'll have to read this; just wait for it to come to the public library. If you haven't read Hunter before, don't start with this one.

Mr. HUNTER is a master of storytelling. Oftentimes the end of a chapter raises the bar of an urgency to keep reading. Lots of info on a rich culture and sportsmanship. Love Bob Lee and Earl's adventures.

Hi like the story and the Japanese details of society and culture. Being a practioner of martial arts I also enjoyed discussion on swordmanhip. If all of these topics really interest you then the book won't be boring. :)

Knowing what I know about the Samuri culture and the training that goes into creating a person who can use the sword expertly, I found this book a stretch. I just don't see Swagger getting the skills or, considering his age at this time, able to do what he needs to do.

The story drags at first but gains momentum. Stephen Hunter tends to use too many words particularly in the beginning.
This was my third Bob Lee Swagger book. I'll read another author next & then try another.

I have enjoyed this writers stories, am looking forward to more from this writer, thank you very much. The kindle versions keep me happy, now I don't have to store the old paper back books. Thank you.

this was a bit of departure from the previous books in setting. but the depiction of japan was pretty accurate (i live in japan, and must say that i did not find the narrative contrived). the story as always was well told.