Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Amazing Transformation of Master Pilot Blackthorne., February 10, 2006
This review is from: Shogun (Paperback)
I was first attracted to "Shogun"'s world by the TV series. First puzzled, then absorbed, waiting each week for the next step. As soon as it finished I rushed to the book store to buy my copy.
I wasn't disappointed. If the series is good, the book is better. Mr. Clavell constructs a master piece describing how two so different symbolic universes interact and react to each other. European vision and values embodied by Master Pilot Blackthorne, Japanese ones by Toranaga-sama and Mariko-san. Characters are based on real-life people: Master Pilot William Adams and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Situated in the late 16th century Japan, at the critical transitional moment from a feudal state to a centralized administration (the Shogunate) that will last until 19th century, the story depicts the struggle of Toranaga to be designed Shogun..
Master Pilot Blackthorne, his ship and his crew are thrown into Japanese shores by a mighty storm.
After a couple of shocking encounters with Portuguese Catholic priests and Japanese hieratic Samurai, Master Pilot starts a rollercoaster trip.
He will, step by step, discovers the values of Samurai code, learn Japanese, understand the complex psychology of the people surrounding him and fall in love with a noble woman. Finally he will be converted in a true Samurai with a high rank in Toranaga's entourage.
Mr. Clavell has done a great research of the period and presents it without boring the reader. The characters, even the secondary ones, are described in depth, penetrating their motivations and rationale.
After "Shogun" I was eager to read more Clavell's books. I picked "King Rat", "Tai Pan" and "Noble House". They are good, but "Shogun" is a master piece.
There is also a very interesting book about the real historical character: "Samurai Williams" authored by Giles Milton.
Enjoy this reading!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Where East meets West and worlds collide, December 25, 2010
This review is from: Shogun (Paperback)
Like many other people, I first encountered "Shogun" some years ago via the superb mini series that came out in the late '70's with Richard Chamberlain in the principal role as Captain-Pilot Blackthorne, the unhappy English leader of a desperate band of Dutch sailors shipwrecked on the coast of 16th century Japan - then a land virtually unknown to the outside world. The wonderful and detailed depiction of what was then a totally alien yet fascinating and incredibly complex culture made me want to find out more, so I acquired a copy of the novel -and a timely bout of flu enabled me to thoroughly absorb myself in the 1100 plus pages of this remarkable landmark work.
Many people may or may not be aware that Mr Clavell has had a long and complex relationship with the Far East. He suffered the full cruelties of the brutal Japanese conquest of South East Asia during the last war (see his book "King Rat", a direct reflection of life in the notorious POW camp of Changi), and despite all he suffered still maintained a respectful and remarkably insightful view of the Japanese people, their culture and their history and traditions. However, as depicted throughout "Shogun", the early European explorers of the Elizabethan era naturally had no such insight, and indeed (initially anyway)come across as the ignorant, filthy, coarse and undisciplined "barbarians" the Japanese undoubtedly took them for. But the Europeans for their part were equally baffled by their resentful hosts - they found themselves in a beautiful yet savage land where life and death were intertwined as one, where acts of appalling cruelty blended with remarkable sensitivity to refinement and art and where the genteel masked an almost incredible indifference to those the upper classes considered beneath them - this underclass is called "Eta" in Japanese. It is also by chance that Blackthorne and his companions stumble into this alien world during a period of massive political upheaval and where the great feudal lords of Japan are vying fiercely for the vacant role of Shogun - the supreme ruler of Japan, answerable only to the Emperor, who in reality has very little political power. Although most unwanted outsiders are immediately put to death, a couple of forward thinking samurai lords (the sadistic but wily Lord Yabu and his very capable and intuitive nephew, Omi) realise that the new arrivals have much needed knowledge of the outside world they do not, that could tip the balance of power throughout the whole country, and so spare their lives. However, the presence of the outsiders comes to the attention of the two greatest semi-royal nobles - Toronaga (based on the real life 16th century magnate, Tokugawa)and his deadly rival, Ishido. Both men have caused the country to divide into two warring camps and would also do anything to get their hands on Blackthorne and his priceless knowledge of ships and modern warfare. However, the brilliant and open minded Toronaga seeks to nurture and benefit by Blackthorne's substantial abilities - Ishido, bitter and firmly entrenched in superstitious tradition and hate, seeks only to destroy him. Blackthorne for his part needs all of his considerable resources of courage, linguistic skill, tact and diplomacy to weave his dangerous and complex path down the path of Japanese politics if he is to achieve his ultimate goal - to have his own wrecked ship, the "Erasmus", made seaworthy once more and to attack the mighty Black Ship - the Portugese trading vessel that regularly ferries a fortune in spices, gold and silks from the Orient back to Catholic Spain. This is a monopoly Blackthorne knows Queen Elizabeth of England would pay anything to achieve, and he means for England to achieve that right over their bitter enemy.
There is something in this epic novel that should cater for any serious reader. The viciousness of samurai battle is offset by the remarkable finesse of daily Japanse living, but the ever present threat of very real danger is there in every page. The snakepit of medieval Japanese politics permeates every twist and turn throughout the novel, which is startling in its depiction of a very advanced but brutal society. Mr Clavell's greatest triumph in this reviewer's opinion is his in-depth crafting of the characters, enabling the reader to truly understand the Japanese mindset as they may never be able to elsewhere. The reader may not always like or agree with what they read in the way of characters' opinions, but one can certailny understand them better and on occasion even admire and respect their single minded dedication to a set course, irrespective of the often terrible personal cost. Toronaga, although thoroughly ruthless, comes across as a truly far-seeing, brilliant, understanding and not unjust man with genuine hints of greatness in his character that Blackthorne comes to recognise and greatly respect. But he also comes to respect and deeply love the Lady Mariko, an unofficial interpreter and adviser to Toronaga who is unhappily married to one of his best generals. Mariko's intellect, sensitivity and bravery matches her considerable beauty and it partially through her wisdom and tuition that Blackthorne achieves what no other Westerner has ever done - the coveted rank of Samurai.
This is arguably one of the best depictions of medieval Asia one could ever read. Allow time to thoroughly absorb yourself in the pages as there is a lot to take in and understand. But it is truly well worth the time and effort!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely A Must Read!, May 21, 2008
This review is from: Shogun (Paperback)
James Clavell has written many books. This book is my favorite. I picked this book up and couldn't put it down. Clavell has a way with words that make it seem as if you are there in Japan with the characters. Be warned though. This book is intense. Once you start it, you will want to finish it. They made a movie out of this book, but it just wasn't the same.
If you have the time, pick up this book and journey to the land and culture of Japan. Learn what it takes to become a Shogun! What a masterpiece.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
