Customer Reviews

Shogun

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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.

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!

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.

This is the novel that introduced the Samurai's bushido, daimyos rivalries and the bakufu Shogunate to the average westerner. Through the eyes of a shipwrecked navigator, Blackthorn, a previously hermetically closed world is revealed.

From battle ethics and sepuku to hygiene and tea ceremonies, the interwoven narrative lines flow harmonically, like carps in a Zen rock garden pool. Beautiful, economical and seamless, Clavell's insights on human nature have produced another Masterpiece.

Like most of James Clavell's novels, SHOGUN is a thinly veiled historical story. There was a "Blackthorn" (English pilot William Adams), as well as a "Torenaga" (Shogun Tokugawa whose dynasty ruled Japan for over 200 years). However, like most James Clavell's novels, the story comes alive in some many ways it is pure enjoyment!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

PS:
There is a 1980 TV mini series based on this book - of comparable merit. Casting Toshiro Mifune and Richard Chamberlain was just the tip of the iceberg. Truly beautiful production. Nevertheless, my advice is to first read the book and only THEN watch the TV version.

When I was a kid, we owned this really abstract game for our Commodore 64 called "Shogun". None of us had any idea how to play it, but we liked the music and thought the characters were funny looking. Fast-forward about 21 years and I am at a book fair and I come across this gem. I got it for like, a buck I think. This is a HUGE book. Something like 1,500 pages. I was always curious what it was that inspired such a crummy game. Well, this book is GREAT. Extremely well-written, it plays out like a movie. Some of it is confusing - as I have trouble remember who is who aside from a few key characters. But, it's a great read. I only recently learned this was a made-for-TV thing back in the day, and thanks to netflix, I'm going to watch that next. Good book. You'll like it.

This novel is a masterpiece - it intrigues and fascinates, captures and excites... more importantly, it gently nudges the reader on a spiritual journey... You are lucky if you come across this book as a teenager, but even at a senior age it's a real treat!

This is an old classic as far as I am concerned. As you read through the book, it gives you an insight into the elegant and committed life style of the Japanese culture. I've read this book at least 4 times and decided to get a copy for keepsake as I lost a previous copy in one of my travels.

one of the richest and entrancing books I've ever read. A historical work of fiction that reflects the cultural clash between East and feudal Japan. When Master pilot Blackthorne and his crew are shipwrecked off the coast of Japan the odyssey begins. Adventure abounds, deeply layered characters and a story that makes this a very difficult book to put down. On my Top Ten List of All Time Favorite Books.

I really looked forward to reading this book for months, so I brought it with me on a trip to Japan and read it in the first ten days of my trip.

As the other reviewers have pointed out, this work of fiction contains very detailed character descriptions. Some of the details are superfluous (the excessive talk of men's 'lavish yangs', the Japanese women speaking of said men's yangs and pillow toys, silly conversations and daydreams, distracted mental wanderings of various characters, the repetition of the word "karma", etc.) and having just finished I wish I had stuck with the movie or found an abridged version of the book. At points tedium drove me to speedreading.

Aside from the few grammatical mistakes in the English narration (the use of compound verbs) there are some bizarre language conventions the author incorporates in the text.

Spanish:
If it's intended to be Spanish (and not Portuguese), then "¡Qué va! should be written as such, the rules of Spanish grammar being written in 1493, so not much should have changed since the time period of the narrative. However, the vernacular of that time was different from the 20th century when the book was written, so terms like "Qué va!" and "Leche" while used in Spain today, may not have been so common five centuries ago. Moreover, sailor's have their own speech which is often quite different from the language of landlubbers.

English:

Grog is an incorrect term for what the sailors drank or wanted to drink in the book, as grog wasn't conceived of until the 1700s or perhaps even the mid 1600s.

Ropes. There are no "ropes" on boats. Sailors use "lines".

Bosun can be written, but since the author used terms like Captain (instead of "Cap'n") perhaps it would have been more uniform to use "Boatswain".

Japanese:

Seppuku means "cut stomach", so to refer to it as a woman's suicide act is absolutely incorrect since female samurai slit their throats (jigai) and men cut their stomach (seppuku). "Jigai" is a preferable term for suicide for females in Japanese language instead of "seppuku".

The term "pillowing" is not correct. A translation such as "sharing the pillow" is more appropriate. There are also some odd spelling conventions (Yedo instead of Edo, Kwampaku instead of Kampaku, Kwanto instead of Kanto). My wife and mother-in-law had a hard time figuring out some of the other Japanese translations.

The terms samurai and ninja are used frequently in the novel. Why is ninja always italicized but not samurai? It's odd.

Another historical inconsistency: The village "Yokohama" was called "Yokohama Mura" up until the end of the Edo period (the 1800s).

The author uses Japanese, but as my wife and mother-in-law point out, the Japanese in the book is not appropriate for the time period. It would be better to just use English rather than to mislead readers into thinking they're using some correct historical Japanese. For example, try reading Shakespeare: it is still English, but the morphology and lexicon is different than modern English; languages change over time.


Italian: Little used in the text, but what's there looks fine.

Latin: The "thee" and "thou" bit is very sappy and wearing in Shógun. The subject pronoun "Tu" (translated "thou" or "you") was not, and still is not, commonly used in Latin, just as "kimi" and "anata" or any subject pronouns are NOT used in everyday Japanese speech. "Te" ("thee") may have been used more commonly in informal speech in the 1600s, as is even used informally today in various Italian dialects descended from Latin.

It would have been rare (and even insulting) for a woman to learn Latin as the Lady Mariko did. Latin was a language for educated men, but since Mariko was special, and it is fiction we can give the author a pass here....

Ultimately, this is the sort of soap opera fiction with a thousand convenient coincidences (like in Harry Potter stories, the Kite Runner, Tom Clancy [who presents plenty of research in his novels], Ayn Rand [whom Clavell greatly admired], and so on) that I enjoyed as a teen but now would just prefer to get over with in a two or three hour movie. It was really disingenuous all the writing about how disgusting the women found the Anjin-san. As soon as I started reading that it was just a matter of counting pages until you knew the women would end up in bed with him. Then there were the penitential periods and well-timed earthquakes. In one soundbyte: Ugh.


If I'm going to "suspend belief" for fiction, I prefer like the action to be on the big screen for a movie like Star Wars or LOTR. This book is VERY highly fictionalized, but there are still some interesting and accurate cultural tidbits in the book that make it worth reading (the women keeping a hesokuri and maintaining responsibility for household finances, the Japanese not necessarily being inhibited by nudity, the importance of cleanliness in Japan, Shinto in Japan, etc.). Sadly, many readers will not be able to distinguish between stereotypes, the author's impression of Japan based on his experiences as a POW, and the realities of Japanese culture (both past and present). The author's experience as a POW during WWII no-doubt gave him some interesting impressions of Japanese culture which are clearly reflected in the text, though this does not pass for accurate historical research. I'm curious who edited his book and how/why certain inaccuracies were left in place.

There is no plethora of likable characters in the book, which would be OK if the characters showed some growth in the end. Toranaga, the anjin-san and most of the samurai are petulant creeps. Toranaga uses people as some sort of wannabe Machiavellian prince. The big difference between Toranaga and Machiavelli is that the latter always acted for the benefit of the people, seeking to unify the Italian peninsula for the benefit of all; Toranaga is petty, self-serving, and neurotic. At the end of the novel Toranaga says he'll never admit to having a friend... and then calls the anjin his friend. Whaaaaat? At that point, Clavell sums up a few future events and mercifully ends the story. Perhaps Clavell was just fatigued after writing 1100+ pages and missed the contradiction? In any case, Toranaga regresses, Blackthorne submits to his situation and Alvito also ends up in submission not just to the Church, but also to Toranaga. The Lady Mariko is likable, but her behavior is not plausible.

Further commentary about the book can be found here: [...]

That said, if you've got the time and the inspiration go ahead and read it. Enjoy the book!

I would love to review this item for you, but alas I can not. It never arrived. When it started taking me more time and work to track down why something you should have shipped me didn't arrive, I threw in the towel. Interesting how a company can lose a great customer over a small satisfaction issue.