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Shogun

Book 1 in the series:Asian Saga

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Shogun by James Clavell is an epic tale set in 16th century Japan, following the journey of English protagonist Blackthorne as he navigates a new continent, new customs, and new ways of life. The story delves into Blackthorne's transformation from a heretic to a Samurai, his struggles with loyalty, and his romantic entanglements. The narrative is filled with political intrigue, drama, and personal turmoil, offering a vivid perspective on life in Japan during the 1600s. The book is praised for its insightful portrayal of Japanese culture, historical accuracy, and captivating storytelling that immerses readers into the foreign world of feudal Japan.

The author, James Clavell, weaves a complex and intricate plot that seamlessly blends elements of love, war, faith, passion, revenge, friendship, and honor. The book is lauded for its detailed cultural descriptions, engaging storytelling, and well-researched insight into Japanese history. Despite its length, Shogun is described as a captivating and emotional saga that transports readers to a time of conflict, ambition, and the struggle for power in a foreign land.

Characters:

The characters, notably Blackthorne and Toranaga, showcase depth and transformation, representing the clashes and integrations of their respective cultures.

Writing/Prose:

Clavell's writing style is immersive, filled with vivid details and character perspectives, though it can sometimes be awkward or clunky.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline focuses on an English pilot navigating the complexities of feudal Japan, emphasizing the interaction between Western and Japanese cultures amidst political turmoil.

Setting:

The narrative is set in a richly detailed 17th century Japan, portraying its landscapes, cultural practices, and the socio-political environment.

Pacing:

While the story starts slowly, it becomes more engaging as it delves into intricate plots and character developments.
Blackthorne was suddenly awake. For a moment he thought he was dreaming because he was ashore and the room unbelievable. It was small and very clean and covered with soft mats. He was lying on a thick...

Notes:

Shogun by James Clavell is set in 17th century Japan during the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The story is about an English ship pilot named John Blackthorne who washes ashore in Japan after a shipwreck.
Clavell portrays the clash of Eastern and Western cultures through the eyes of Blackthorne.
The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, love, and cultural adaptation.
Blackthorne learns Japanese and becomes embroiled in the political intrigue of Japanese warlords.
Clavell's depiction of Japanese culture is rich and detailed, making the reader feel immersed in the setting.
The book delves into the complexities of Japanese social hierarchies and religious conflicts between Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity.
Despite being a work of fiction, the novel is inspired by the true story of William Adams, the first Englishman to reach Japan.
Shogun is over 1,000 pages long, earning it a reputation as an epic novel that's a significant investment of time for readers.
The character development in Shogun is notable, with multi-dimensional characters that the readers can relate to or sympathize with.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Shogun contains graphic violence, detailed depictions of torture, and explicit sexual content, along with themes of cultural insensitivity and xenophobia.

Has Romance?

The romance in Shogun is significant but not the sole focus; it is woven into the larger narrative of adventure and cultural exploration.

From The Publisher:

'Clavell never puts a foot wrong . . . Get it, read it, you'll enjoy it mightily' Daily Mirror

This is James Clavell's tour-de-force; an epic saga of one Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, and his integration into the struggles and strife of feudal Japan. Both entertaining and incisive, SHOGUN is a stunningly dramatic re-creation of a very different world.

Starting with his shipwreck on this most alien of shores, the novel charts Blackthorne's rise from the status of reviled foreigner up to the hights of trusted advisor and eventually, Samurai. All as civil war looms over the fragile country.

'I can't remember when a novel has seized my mind like this one. It's irresistable, maybe unforgettable. Clavell creates a world so enveloping you forget who and where you are' - New York Times

Ratings (85)

Incredible (35)
Loved It (34)
Liked It (11)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (191):

Read It (89)
Currently Reading (4)
Want To Read (72)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (24)

5 comment(s)

Incredible
3 months

Algo totalmente inesperado, un libro escrito por un extranjero sobre la epoca medieval de Japon? No tenia buena pinta pero... Este libro es increible.

Cosas que encontraras en este libro:

- Planes sobre planes sobre planes sobre planes.

La lealtad de los subordinados, el espionaje generalizado, lo formal de los ritos, etc. Hace que los personajes puedan planear y calcular movimientos que sus rivales haran, pero estos saben eso por tanto pueden plantear otro plan basado en como contrarestaran, etc.

- Todo el mundo tiene una agenda.

En el libro te metes en la cabeza de al menos 10 personas distintas, cada una tiene sus planes sobre planes y a veces entran en conflictos, otras en alianzas con los demas personajes

- Los personajes evolucionan, mas notorio es el protagonista, pero los demas por el contacto con el tambien. Este aspecto me recuerda a "The left hand of darkness".

- Romance

- Accion y suspense. Nunca sabes que va a pasar por lo de arriba, cada actor puede sorprenderte con su nuevo plan, recuerdo cuando me quedarian 150 paginas o asi y pensaba en escribir este comentario que ocurrio algo que casi se me cae la barbilla al suelo, en serio? No me lo podia creer, pero cuando me quedaban 120 paginas ocurrio algo todavia mas rompedor, es todo asi.

 
Loved It
8 months

Historical inaccuracies aside, Shōgun, by James Clavell is definitely worth the read. Its real portrayal of human nature, and gritty narrative make this story so immersing and believable. Blackthorn's transformation from the filthy, uncivilized pilot to the clean, honourable samurai is flawless.

Shōgun has everything you could want in a novel; adventure, romance, danger and wit. Clavell is incredibly consistent in his use of language, especially in dialogue. How he was able to juggle half a dozen languages, all the while keeping Shōgun believable and consistent, I have no idea. The rhythm and pacing are constant, as is the Anjin-san's progress. A splendid historical fiction.

 
Loved It
10 months

Intrigue, politics. Kept me hooked. Thought the ending was abrupt though .

 
Loved It
11 months

long and graphic but I think it is beautiful written and it has an engaging plot

 
Loved It
2 years

It's been a while since I've read Shogun, but I remember it as having everything you could ask for in an historical adventure story.

 
 
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