Originally written in 1979, I listened to the 2005 audio edition of this, well narrated by Joe Barrett, because the main character in a book series I like suggests it as good reading to another character. It's suggested in that series on the merit of it's marshal arts theme, and it is really great for that, as well as for rock climbing sequences, and a dash about life in Japan around WWI. But I can't fully recommend it myself, as the bawdy language, however softened by folksiness it may be, of more than one character, and a laundry list of criticisms of peoples, countries, customs, etc., were too off-putting for me, as was the seeming suggestion that someone who is violent (an assassin in fact), arrogant, obsessed with physical appetites for their own sake, and lacking compassion has the makings of an enlightened hero.
I meant to mention that I'd read an October 2011 brief article that Leonardo DiCaprio would be playing Nicholai Hel in a prequel to this called Sartori. I see the character more as a Benedict Cumberbatch type--maybe that's why the movie never manifested--or maybe they're still working on it. ( )

Okay but not stellar

Alright but not sure I'm a fan of the writer's phrasing and pacing. Glad I read it but not sure if I want to read anything else by the author. ( )

I don't remember anything about this story, but I do remember that I read several of Trevanian's books and liked them, although I can't remember if I actually liked every one. This was before the web, so he was a bit of a mystery to me. I just looked for his books in the bookstores.

I can't really rate any of his specific books, unfortunately, without rereading them.

Offensively bad. ( )

I first read this around the time it was published. I read his other books afterwords but this remains my favorite. It has the right mixture of philosophy and bravado. I know more about the Basques and about Japanese gardens now. The concept of shibumi remains captivating. Read as a paperback I believe. Very enjoyable as an audiobook. ( )