Shogun by James Clavell
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Book Reviews of Shogun
Book Review: One of the Top Echelon of Historical Novels
Summary: 5 Stars
Shogun is one of my favorite novels, on several levels. One of Clavell's more admirable qualities is to write engaging, gripping very readable dialogue, without attempting to impress us mortal readers with his command of the English language. He writes the way confident, intelligent, interesting people talk; seriously, playfully, intimately, introspectively. Even characters that are not meant to be intelligent or confident are written so as to clearly define their character traits. Also, Clavell's ability to progress his characters based on their innate traits is outstanding. Toranaga, the warlord, all powerful and utterly alone, navigates his life's plan to fulfill his destiny, with endless subplans and devised plots to achieve that aim. Blackthorne, with his unceasing quest to destroy his enemies and return home, finds his greatest happiness and rewards in the midst of his worst nightmares; and finally understands that life is karma. Mariko, the opposite - that life is more than random events and unswerving duty, and that love is not only permissible but essential. There are other, powerful, influences in the story; Omi, Blackthorne's detested enemy and a friend; Yabu, provider and sadist; Fujiko, the consort. All are remarkable characters. Lest you, the reviewer, think I'm reading too much into this, I assure you I am not. I've read Shogun at least 4 times. The first time was simply to enjoy a gripping story, but each time after that I tried to follow the thought processes and event progressions of the various central characters and how they interact. Each time I read the book there are subtleties that are made apparent to me, and I notice pivotal points that I had not focused on during an earlier reading. Each time I read Shogun, I get something more out of it. That is the defining mark of a brilliant and great novel.
Book Review: The lord of the Kwanto pins the queen's navigator at 140E
Summary: 5 Stars
I read _Shogun_ as a young naval officer, while my submarine was in drydock for a year-long refueling overhaul, five years after I spent a summer learning celestial navigation and piloting aboard a sailing ship.
It is still one of the three most memorable novels I have ever read.
I was riveted by its portrayal of the bond among members of the Elizabethan era's tiny brotherhood of truly competent deep-ocean navigators. As this story unfolded, the phrase "brother to corsairs..." came alive for me as it never has before or since.
In 1600, when reliable measurement of longitude was still several generations in the future, an experienced voyager and shipwright who knew the latitude of The Lizard (for example) was worth many times his weight in gold to any nation. Pinning down a world-class navigator, as Toronaga does in _Shogun_, could give a leader a tactical advantage similar to the pinning of a well-placed knight in chess. Demonstrating mastery of the closely guarded lore of global navigation to a fellow pilot could also inspire his instant friendship and a claim on his aid when in danger far from home.
As they built upon the great tradition of Magellan and El Cano, plus Drake, Cavendish and the other English "sea dogs", captain-pilot John Blackthorne of the Erasmus and the Portuguese captain-pilot of the Black Ship inspired far more awe in me than did any other figure in this novel.
Often overlooked, this subtle thread in Clavell's masterpiece is what holds the entire tapestry together. Without the navigators' courage and skill, the Portuguese Jesuits, Spanish Dominicans, Dutch Calvinists and Japanese samurai in this masterful tale of religious and political intrigue would have lived out their lives in complete ignorance of one another.
Book Review: Historical Fiction at Its Best.
Summary: 5 Stars
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to visit, or be visited from people from another world? In Shogun, we learn that Japan was visited from strange aliens 350 years ago. These aliens were British and Spanish, citizens.In Shogun, the author takes us back in time to a completely foreign culture. He mixes in a great, and real political struggle, a forlorn love affair, and plenty of action and adventure. The result is a great book well worth the read and time.
The hero of Shogun is a British navigator, Blackthorne. He and his men, a small group, are all that remain from a ship that has gone through a bad storm. They land in the Japanesse Islands, which is itself in the beginnings of a civil war.
To the Japanesse, Blackthorne is a barbarian. He smells, because he doesn't bath; he has a furry beard, unheard of in Japan; and he has a vast set of strange customs and habits. Somehow, however, the English have great ships, guns, and technology undreamed of in Japan. Can you imagine their chagrin? These "barbarians" are more advanced then them.
For Blackthorne, called "Anjin" which means pilot in Japanesse, the situation is worse. He is in a strange country, he doesn't know if he will ever go home, he doesn't speak the language, and some of his men are attacked by his Japanesse host. When he finally learns that there are other Europeans there, he learns the horrible truth that they are Spanish. As England and Spain have been in a stage of war for 100 years, this isn't good news.
Because of his knowledge, Anjin because a pawn in the coming political struggles. Shogun shows you his adventures in Japan, and teaches you much about the history, culture, and people of those times. This is a great read for any fiction lover who has even the slightest interest in history. Highly recommended.
Book Review: a long review about nothing in particular
Summary: 5 Stars
this novel is quite possibly the best novel written after the death of sir dickens. in my mind, no author will ever surpass the genius of dickens' writing (especially bleak house. i love that one), but James Clavell has certainly come close. shogun being about as long as bleak house, the detail is just amazing. great character developement, especially when written in an age where bestsellers are pointless trashy love novels written to gain a few dollars (im exagerating here). not to the extent of 19th century english lit, but hey, hes not being paid by the word (or at least i dont think he was), so he can take the time to develop a plot-driven book with great (not amazing, but definitely worthy of the adjective great) characters. this is definitely one of those page-turners that you just can't put down, but it is deeper than that. james has a way of keeping you interested, yet a way of making the plot memorable, much like dickens except not depending on a set of circumstances (imo dickens' biggest downfall, but is easily overlooked). come to think of it, i don't think there were any EXTREMELY boring parts in this novel. some will argue that nothing happens in the beginning, which is true, but it isn't extremely boring because you are learning about japanese culture (which i already knew quite a bit about), which gives a touch of interestingness (is that a word?) that keeps you hooked. right before blackthorne gets his ship back is probably the most boring part for me because all it talks about is his secret relationship, but i got through it quickyl and with little encumbrance.
review in a nutshell: amazing book with good characters and plot. worthy of a read by ANYONE of any age, occupation, interests, etc.
READ IT you wont regret it...
Book Review: An Adventuresome Epic
Summary: 5 Stars
James Clavell's 70's novel Shogun is a long but enjoyable read. Set in the most defining moment of Japanese history- the time of its European conquest/exploration- it tells the story of Captain Blackthrone, who transforms himself from a bigoted Brit to a man who fully appreciates a foreign culture. The book is full of intrigue, adventure and romance. The historical details were well-researched and full of shocking authenticity. During this period of conflict between the Japanese and Americans/Europeans, many atrocities were committed on both sides. The characters are plentiful -Lord Toranaga, Lady Ochiba, Father Alvito, Lady Toda, Lord Ishido, Lady Sazuko, Lord Yabu, Lord Kiyama, Council of Regents, Lord General, Jan Roper, Kasigi Yabu, Toda Mariko, Lord Jesus, Lord Zataki, Lord Hiro-matsu, Lord Sudara, Father Sebastio, Lord God, and Lady Kiri. The principal characters develop and change throughout the novel. They are characters whom we care about, particularly Blackthorne, Lady Kiri, Father Alvito, Lord Yabu and Lord Kiyama in my personal opinion. The descriptions of kimonos, teahouses, samurai weaponry, ships, temples and castles are all very vivid. This is probably the greatest historical novel about ancient Japan ever made. It is first of all a work of fiction so don't expect 100 percent historical accuracy. But for aspiring writers of historical fiction, this is a fine study specimen. Clavell has a strong talent for this type of fiction as his other historic works attest. The detail, the precision, the imagery, it is Clavell's most famous work. It is his magnum opus. It must have takne years for him to write this and even if he had written nothing else, this novel would have secured his success. In the earl 80's it was made into an equally impressive film.