I had hoped this story would have covered an earlier time period, so I was a bit disappointed. I happen to mostly enjoy reading about Japanese history, even in fiction. It's just so damn fascinating! While I wouldn't say the book wasn't worth reading, it wasn't a favorite. It's hard to imagine a samurai quitting and going to work as a servant in a hotel. Not likely, but I suppose it could happen. They just weren't raised that way. Anyway, the story was entertaining enough to read and I am sure others will find the book enjoyable. The plots there and the characters interesting. So not a complete was of time. Seems some research went into it, so well-written.