Loved it, ancient Japan as seen through the eyes of Europeans, with a love story and affair. Clavell is a historical fiction writer, as to Asian culture, like Louis L'Amour is to Western writing. Shogun is the Japanese chapter of a multi part series that Clavell did and like Tolkien, concludes each novel with an opening to the next novel, which follows the same pattern. Also read "Tai Pan", and "The Noble House" to get the full trilogy. Shogun is set in medieval Japan, in the time of warlords and endless battles. The samurai were the "knights" of their day, and reigned supreme in their land. A Lord's ranking and status dictated how many samurai he had at his disposal, and his army would gladly die - sometimes at their own hand - to serve him. The land was divided into provinces and the shifting of power was an endless tide of blood and deception. Into this world walks an English pilot, John Blackthorne, whose ship and crew are marooned by shipwreck and are now at the mercy of Lord Toranaga, in whose province they have come ashore. The rest of his crew suffer the indignities of wartime criminals, but Blackthorne is singled out by Toranaga because of his intelligence and quick thinking. He eventually melds into the Japanese community, and is immersed in the waves of deceit and deception, a pawn in the constant struggle for control.This book is an absolute MUST read to anyone interested in feudal Japan. The historic accuracy is unparalleled, and once you pick it up, you will not put it down.
What do You think about Shogun Volume 2 (1975)?
This micro-level examination of the Japanese culture demystified some of their customs for me.
—zaeem
Clavell makes me wonder if his characters were real.. This book is a page turner.
—Bitter
One of the best books I ever read. A must read for everyone.
—zaika
Un livre divertissant et agréable à lire.
—Theruler666
