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Asian Saga: Chronological Order #1, part 1 of 2
Шогун, том първи
"...Шогун беше най-висшия ранг, който някой смъртен можеше да достигне в Япония. Шогун означаваше върховен военен диктатор. Само един от всички даймио можеше да притежава титлата и само негово императорско величество, божественият син на небето, живеещ в уединение в Киото заедно с императорското семейство, можеше да даде титлата.
С назначаването си шогунът получаваше абсолютната власт: печата и правата на императора.
Шогунът управляваше от името на императора."
"... Торанага се усмихна наум... А аз ще се сдобия с истински трофей в голямата игра, започнала в деня, когато тайко умря - шогуната. За това съм се борил цял живот, за това съм кроил планове цял живот. Аз и само аз съм наследник на тази империя. И ще стана шогун. И ще основа една династия. Вече всичко е възможно благодарение на Марико-сан и странния варварин, който се появи от източните морета. Марико-сан, твоята карма е била славно да умреш и вечно да живееш. Анджин-сан, приятелю мой, твоята карма е никога да е напуснеш тези земи. А моята карма е да стана шогун..."
Джеймс Клавел (1924-1994) е един от стоте най-големи писатели на XX век според класацията на "Модърн Лайбръри". Романът му "Шогун" е част от така наречената азиатска сага заедно с "Търговска къща", "Тай-пан" и "Цар плъх".
С назначаването си шогунът получаваше абсолютната власт: печата и правата на императора.
Шогунът управляваше от името на императора."
"... Торанага се усмихна наум... А аз ще се сдобия с истински трофей в голямата игра, започнала в деня, когато тайко умря - шогуната. За това съм се борил цял живот, за това съм кроил планове цял живот. Аз и само аз съм наследник на тази империя. И ще стана шогун. И ще основа една династия. Вече всичко е възможно благодарение на Марико-сан и странния варварин, който се появи от източните морета. Марико-сан, твоята карма е била славно да умреш и вечно да живееш. Анджин-сан, приятелю мой, твоята карма е никога да е напуснеш тези земи. А моята карма е да стана шогун..."
Джеймс Клавел (1924-1994) е един от стоте най-големи писатели на XX век според класацията на "Модърн Лайбръри". Романът му "Шогун" е част от така наречената азиатска сага заедно с "Търговска къща", "Тай-пан" и "Цар плъх".
611 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
James Clavell
169 books3,933 followersJames Clavell, born Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell was a British novelist, screenwriter, director and World War II veteran and POW. Clavell is best known for his epic Asian Saga series of novels and their televised adaptations, along with such films as The Great Escape, The Fly and To Sir, with Love.
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James Clavell. (2007, November 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:16, November 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?t...
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James Clavell. (2007, November 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:16, November 14, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?t...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 895 reviews
October 14, 2019
Read this book decades ago and it stayed on my top five books of all time for many years. I started reading this book one day after work and read it right through the night, took a shower and went to work. (This happened with very few books).
Then, years later (after I had started writing) I reread the book and found it not the way I remembered it. I give it five stars now out of respect for all the great memories I had of the book from the first read.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
Then, years later (after I had started writing) I reread the book and found it not the way I remembered it. I give it five stars now out of respect for all the great memories I had of the book from the first read.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
January 20, 2026
LT/ENG
4* su ilga uodega.
Apie istoriją.
Apie kitokią šalį.
Apie samurajus ir jų kodeksą.
Apie kitataučius.
Apie religiją.
Apie moterį ir vyrą.
Apie strategiją ir politiką.
Apie karmą.
Apie ištikimybę.
Apie savigarbą.
Įsiurbė nuotykiai, kitas pasaulis, supratimas kiek daug nežinau, herojai tarsi atgyję ir pasakojantys savo gyvenimą. Visgi nepaliaujamai graužia vidinis kirmėliukas, kiek iš pasakotos istorijos- tiesa, kiek-fikcija, nes istorijos įvykių kiekis ir autentiškumas- sodriausia knygos dalis, ir gilinantis į ją labai norisi, kad tai darai ne veltui.
Japonija. Taifūnų ir žemės drebėjimų kraštas. Ten kur karma - visų gyvenimo įvykių pasiteisinimas, o tuo pačiu sielos išsigelbėjimas. Ten kur mirtis- svarbi kaip mums gyvenimas. Šalis neatsiejama nuo samurajų, sapukos, kardų ir vienintelės bausmės- mirties. Tauta besišypsanti, rodanti svetingumą, dėmesį o išties besislepianti tarp savo minčių klosčių ir labirintų, užsisklendusi vienumoje, susikūrusi vidines sienas, tam kad išgyventų, neišeitų iš proto, neišsižudytų ar patys nenusižudytų.
Samurajumi turi gimti. Samurajus- nuo žodžio "tarnauti". Lankstosi vienas prieš kitą, visgi visi tarpusavyje lygūs. Turintys nuosavą garbės kodeksą ir taisyklių rinkinį. Vieninteliai gali nešiotis ginklą ir užpulti kitą samurajų. Jiems nužudyti arba mirti taip pat lengva, kaip mums nusišlapinti.
🖋️Japonai turi po šesis veidus ir tris širdis.
🖋️Ištikimybė- vienintelis dalykas,kurį japonai laiko vertų apdovanojimo.. ištikimybė ir pareiga- tai jų kultas.
🖋️Kodėl nepasijuokus kai reikia išlieti skausmą...juk juokas- vienintelis dalykas, leidžiantis pasijusti lygiaverčiais su dievais, padedantis ištverti gyvenimą...
🖋️Kai nori išgyventi priešiškuose vandenyse, pirma taisyklė- nieko neprašomam nepasakoti.
***********************************************
About history. About a different country. About samurai and their code. About foreigners. About religion. About women and men. About strategy. About karma. About loyalty. About self-respect.
I was absorbed by the adventures, another world, realizing how much I don't know, heroes as if coming back to life and telling their own stories. However, an inner worm is constantly gnawing at me - how much of the told story is true, how much is fiction, because the amount and authenticity of historical events is the richest part of the book, and delving into it, I really want to make sure that I'm not doing it in vain.
Japan. A land of typhoons and earthquakes. Where karma is the justification for all life events, and at the same time, the salvation of the soul. Where death is as important to them as life is to us. A country inseparable from samurai, seppuku, swords, and the only punishment - death. People who smile, show hospitality, attention, but in reality, hide among the folds and labyrinths of their thoughts, locked in solitude, having created internal walls to survive, not to go crazy, not to kill each other or commit suicide.
You have to be born a samurai. Samurai - from the word "to serve". They bow to each other, yet they are all equal among themselves. Having their own code of honor and set of rules. Only they can carry a weapon and attack another samurai. For them, to kill or to die is as easy as it is for us to pee.
4* su ilga uodega.
Apie istoriją.
Apie kitokią šalį.
Apie samurajus ir jų kodeksą.
Apie kitataučius.
Apie religiją.
Apie moterį ir vyrą.
Apie strategiją ir politiką.
Apie karmą.
Apie ištikimybę.
Apie savigarbą.
Įsiurbė nuotykiai, kitas pasaulis, supratimas kiek daug nežinau, herojai tarsi atgyję ir pasakojantys savo gyvenimą. Visgi nepaliaujamai graužia vidinis kirmėliukas, kiek iš pasakotos istorijos- tiesa, kiek-fikcija, nes istorijos įvykių kiekis ir autentiškumas- sodriausia knygos dalis, ir gilinantis į ją labai norisi, kad tai darai ne veltui.
Japonija. Taifūnų ir žemės drebėjimų kraštas. Ten kur karma - visų gyvenimo įvykių pasiteisinimas, o tuo pačiu sielos išsigelbėjimas. Ten kur mirtis- svarbi kaip mums gyvenimas. Šalis neatsiejama nuo samurajų, sapukos, kardų ir vienintelės bausmės- mirties. Tauta besišypsanti, rodanti svetingumą, dėmesį o išties besislepianti tarp savo minčių klosčių ir labirintų, užsisklendusi vienumoje, susikūrusi vidines sienas, tam kad išgyventų, neišeitų iš proto, neišsižudytų ar patys nenusižudytų.
Samurajumi turi gimti. Samurajus- nuo žodžio "tarnauti". Lankstosi vienas prieš kitą, visgi visi tarpusavyje lygūs. Turintys nuosavą garbės kodeksą ir taisyklių rinkinį. Vieninteliai gali nešiotis ginklą ir užpulti kitą samurajų. Jiems nužudyti arba mirti taip pat lengva, kaip mums nusišlapinti.
🖋️Japonai turi po šesis veidus ir tris širdis.
🖋️Ištikimybė- vienintelis dalykas,kurį japonai laiko vertų apdovanojimo.. ištikimybė ir pareiga- tai jų kultas.
🖋️Kodėl nepasijuokus kai reikia išlieti skausmą...juk juokas- vienintelis dalykas, leidžiantis pasijusti lygiaverčiais su dievais, padedantis ištverti gyvenimą...
🖋️Kai nori išgyventi priešiškuose vandenyse, pirma taisyklė- nieko neprašomam nepasakoti.
***********************************************
About history. About a different country. About samurai and their code. About foreigners. About religion. About women and men. About strategy. About karma. About loyalty. About self-respect.
I was absorbed by the adventures, another world, realizing how much I don't know, heroes as if coming back to life and telling their own stories. However, an inner worm is constantly gnawing at me - how much of the told story is true, how much is fiction, because the amount and authenticity of historical events is the richest part of the book, and delving into it, I really want to make sure that I'm not doing it in vain.
Japan. A land of typhoons and earthquakes. Where karma is the justification for all life events, and at the same time, the salvation of the soul. Where death is as important to them as life is to us. A country inseparable from samurai, seppuku, swords, and the only punishment - death. People who smile, show hospitality, attention, but in reality, hide among the folds and labyrinths of their thoughts, locked in solitude, having created internal walls to survive, not to go crazy, not to kill each other or commit suicide.
You have to be born a samurai. Samurai - from the word "to serve". They bow to each other, yet they are all equal among themselves. Having their own code of honor and set of rules. Only they can carry a weapon and attack another samurai. For them, to kill or to die is as easy as it is for us to pee.
July 3, 2014
Shogun is a great read that provides insight into Japanese culture and politics but it isn't great literature.
On a recent episode of This American Life, Stephanie Foo tells the story of a Japanese man, Nasubi, who endured 15 months of starvation, deprivation and isolation for a reality TV show. He could have walked out, called his friends, gone home, got dressed and eaten meat but he stayed with it simply because he had verbally committed to do so. The psychological impact was so severe that he lost the ability to maintain prolonged discussions and wearing clothes made him sweaty and uncomfortable. The show made him wildly famous but the fame faded quickly. It didn't make him rich. Today, he isn't significantly better off than when he started.
How could a verbal commitment be so compelling? Nasubi said it was simply part of the Japanese character. Could that possibly be true?
Shogun, a novel about a British pilot marooned in Japan around 1600, corroborates Nasubi's stated motivation. It's best approached as a fictionalized anthropological text with the adventure and intrigue turned up to 11. The surface focus of the book is on grand, predictable story arcs: a great leader uses cunning and political intrigue to gather power; a great adventurer overcomes all obstacles, a great romantic sacrifices herself for her ideals. On their own, these plot lines and character are enjoyable but thin. They're acceptable but not extraordinary summer reading. However, a thorough and compelling exploration of Japanese politics and culture courses through it all and elevates it to a story worth reading.
For example, Shogun showed me how important duty was to these Japanese of that time. It was expected that a lord would ask his vassal samurai to commit suicide if that vassal failed in a task. It was expected that peasants would be killed in bulk if they failed to meet a quota. None of this was seen as particularly bloodthirsty or cruel, it was accepted as a necessary ingredient for a successful community. These suicides were predictably tinged with sadness but they were also infused with honor.
Did Nasubi inherit some sense of this duty? I'm going to assume so. I doubt he would commit suicide but I'm willing to believe that he'd undergo extreme hardship simply because he felt he was committed to it.
I don't know how accurate Clavell was. Wikipedia tells me it was based on the true story of William Adams, the first Englishman to land in Japan whose story shares the same arc as the protagonist of Shogun. Wikipedia also tells me that the novel is frequently used in university courses as source material. I'm inclined to believe that Clavell got his cultural studies right.
If you're interested in Japan, in how cultures clash or in cultural studies more broadly I'd recommend the book. If you're looking for compelling plots, rich characters or great literature in general you can pass it up.
On a recent episode of This American Life, Stephanie Foo tells the story of a Japanese man, Nasubi, who endured 15 months of starvation, deprivation and isolation for a reality TV show. He could have walked out, called his friends, gone home, got dressed and eaten meat but he stayed with it simply because he had verbally committed to do so. The psychological impact was so severe that he lost the ability to maintain prolonged discussions and wearing clothes made him sweaty and uncomfortable. The show made him wildly famous but the fame faded quickly. It didn't make him rich. Today, he isn't significantly better off than when he started.
How could a verbal commitment be so compelling? Nasubi said it was simply part of the Japanese character. Could that possibly be true?
Shogun, a novel about a British pilot marooned in Japan around 1600, corroborates Nasubi's stated motivation. It's best approached as a fictionalized anthropological text with the adventure and intrigue turned up to 11. The surface focus of the book is on grand, predictable story arcs: a great leader uses cunning and political intrigue to gather power; a great adventurer overcomes all obstacles, a great romantic sacrifices herself for her ideals. On their own, these plot lines and character are enjoyable but thin. They're acceptable but not extraordinary summer reading. However, a thorough and compelling exploration of Japanese politics and culture courses through it all and elevates it to a story worth reading.
For example, Shogun showed me how important duty was to these Japanese of that time. It was expected that a lord would ask his vassal samurai to commit suicide if that vassal failed in a task. It was expected that peasants would be killed in bulk if they failed to meet a quota. None of this was seen as particularly bloodthirsty or cruel, it was accepted as a necessary ingredient for a successful community. These suicides were predictably tinged with sadness but they were also infused with honor.
Did Nasubi inherit some sense of this duty? I'm going to assume so. I doubt he would commit suicide but I'm willing to believe that he'd undergo extreme hardship simply because he felt he was committed to it.
I don't know how accurate Clavell was. Wikipedia tells me it was based on the true story of William Adams, the first Englishman to land in Japan whose story shares the same arc as the protagonist of Shogun. Wikipedia also tells me that the novel is frequently used in university courses as source material. I'm inclined to believe that Clavell got his cultural studies right.
If you're interested in Japan, in how cultures clash or in cultural studies more broadly I'd recommend the book. If you're looking for compelling plots, rich characters or great literature in general you can pass it up.
November 20, 2014
I remember when I was still in school; there was a question which was occasionally being asked in our exams-
Who colonized Kenya?
A. Britain B. Portugal
C. Spain D. France
Yes, the British colonized Kenya. First they arrived like Missionaries. Their aim, to spread the word of God. They found our religion, if we had one, apathetic. They wanted to shine the light into our dark hearts, clean us of our cultural filth.
Salesmen will tell you that, all they need is to get a foot inside the door and they will sell you anything. That was the work of the missionaries. Having established their feet inside the door, it took them no effort before they could have their full body inside.
After the missionaries, came the traders and then the colonialists. Within no tome, Kenya was declared a protectorate of the majesty, her highness the queen. All land without any semblance of authority belonged to her. The natives were pushed into native camps.
Our way of life and culture was eroded. They termed it as backwards. They spread Christianity and some of our leaders were converted to Christianity. There was war, to those who dared to rebel.
Our leaders, some of them rebelled and they were met with strong opposition from the British. They wanted wealth, minerals and raw products for their factories and their country.
They also wanted slaves for labor back in their country. So they traded with the locals for these slaves.
Long story short, they ended up partitioning Kenya and enforcing their own laws. They build schools, hospitals, roads, railway line etc.
We gained independence in the year 1963 after the Mau Mau war.
Reading Shogun, brings back those memories as Japan tries to establish and maintain stability through their leaders, in the empire. This, among other challenges facing the empire.
There are also the traders and barbarians in the empire who cannot be trusted. They brought with them guns, gun powder, cannons etc under the cover of trade prospects. They also brought with them Catholicism, with the aim of converting the heathens in Japan.
So now, the country has to try and maintain peace among their leaders, keep close watch of the barbarians and Christians, ensure the growth of the empire and maintain their culture.
An epic historical saga!
The events take place in Japan!
I have so many times wanted to drop this book and get another one because: It's big, it's historical, it's cultural, it's adventurous, it's religious etc.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, that these are more reasons to read than to abandon it!
You are right.
Patience is what you need as the showdown starts deep, deep into the book!
Who colonized Kenya?
A. Britain B. Portugal
C. Spain D. France
Yes, the British colonized Kenya. First they arrived like Missionaries. Their aim, to spread the word of God. They found our religion, if we had one, apathetic. They wanted to shine the light into our dark hearts, clean us of our cultural filth.
Salesmen will tell you that, all they need is to get a foot inside the door and they will sell you anything. That was the work of the missionaries. Having established their feet inside the door, it took them no effort before they could have their full body inside.
After the missionaries, came the traders and then the colonialists. Within no tome, Kenya was declared a protectorate of the majesty, her highness the queen. All land without any semblance of authority belonged to her. The natives were pushed into native camps.
Our way of life and culture was eroded. They termed it as backwards. They spread Christianity and some of our leaders were converted to Christianity. There was war, to those who dared to rebel.
Our leaders, some of them rebelled and they were met with strong opposition from the British. They wanted wealth, minerals and raw products for their factories and their country.
They also wanted slaves for labor back in their country. So they traded with the locals for these slaves.
Long story short, they ended up partitioning Kenya and enforcing their own laws. They build schools, hospitals, roads, railway line etc.
We gained independence in the year 1963 after the Mau Mau war.
Reading Shogun, brings back those memories as Japan tries to establish and maintain stability through their leaders, in the empire. This, among other challenges facing the empire.
There are also the traders and barbarians in the empire who cannot be trusted. They brought with them guns, gun powder, cannons etc under the cover of trade prospects. They also brought with them Catholicism, with the aim of converting the heathens in Japan.
So now, the country has to try and maintain peace among their leaders, keep close watch of the barbarians and Christians, ensure the growth of the empire and maintain their culture.
An epic historical saga!
The events take place in Japan!
I have so many times wanted to drop this book and get another one because: It's big, it's historical, it's cultural, it's adventurous, it's religious etc.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, that these are more reasons to read than to abandon it!
You are right.
Patience is what you need as the showdown starts deep, deep into the book!
July 28, 2019
A great book to read if you're a fan of historical fiction! I've learned a lot about culture in feudal Japan and how the Japanese interacted with the outside world. Fascinating!
January 23, 2024
Първата класика, която има реални шансове да ми стане любима книга 🤞наистина лъха на изток, чай, змиорки, чест, дълг, тактики, интриги, различия и доста разсипани карантии описани цветущо 😅 Читаво ревю след втори том
June 19, 2026
Μια συγκλονιστική ιστορία που μας μεταφέρει στη Φεουδαρχική Ιαπωνία μέσα από τα μάτια του Βρετανού καπετάνιου Τζον Μπλάκθορν. Ένας άνθρωπος που φτάνει σε μια χώρα την οποία θεωρεί βάρβαρη και ακατανόητη, μόνο για να ανακαλύψει σταδιακά ότι οι βεβαιότητες που κουβαλούσε από τον δυτικό κόσμο ίσως να μην ήταν τόσο ακλόνητες όσο πίστευε.
Ο Clavell καταφέρνει να παρουσιάσει με μοναδικό τρόπο έναν πολιτισμό εντελώς διαφορετικό από τον δικό μας. Την αυστηρή ιεραρχία των σαμουράι, την απόλυτη αφοσίωση στο καθήκον, την τιμή που αξίζει περισσότερο από την ίδια τη ζωή και μια κοινωνία που λειτουργεί με κανόνες συχνά ακατανόητους για έναν Ευρωπαίο της εποχής.
Αυτό όμως που απογείωσε τα βιβλίο για μένα είναι οι χαρακτήρες του. Πολυεπίπεδοι, ανθρώπινοι και γεμάτοι αντιφάσεις, εξελίσσονται διαρκώς καθώς η ιστορία προχωρά. Σχέσεις που ξεκινούν με καχυποψία, φόβο ή ακόμη και εχθρότητα μετατρέπονται σταδιακά σε βαθύ σεβασμό, αφοσίωση και αδελφικούς δεσμούς. Κανείς δεν είναι ακριβώς αυτό που φαίνεται στις πρώτες σελίδες και σχεδόν όλοι κρύβουν πολύ μεγαλύτερο βάθος απ' όσο αφήνουν να φανεί αρχικά.
Πέρα από τις πολιτικές ίντριγκες, τις συγκρούσεις και τις μάχες, το Σογκούν είναι πάνω απ' όλα μια ιστορία για τη συνάντηση δύο κόσμων. Για το πώς η πραγματική κατανόηση ενός διαφορετικού πολιτισμού μπορεί να αλλάξει έναν άνθρωπο ριζικά και να τον κάνει να αμφισβητήσει όλα όσα θεωρούσε δεδομένα.
Ένα έπος γεμάτο ίντριγκα, τιμή, φιλία, έρωτα και χαρακτήρες που δύσκολα ξεχνάς μετά την τελευταία σελίδα.
Ο Clavell καταφέρνει να παρουσιάσει με μοναδικό τρόπο έναν πολιτισμό εντελώς διαφορετικό από τον δικό μας. Την αυστηρή ιεραρχία των σαμουράι, την απόλυτη αφοσίωση στο καθήκον, την τιμή που αξίζει περισσότερο από την ίδια τη ζωή και μια κοινωνία που λειτουργεί με κανόνες συχνά ακατανόητους για έναν Ευρωπαίο της εποχής.
Αυτό όμως που απογείωσε τα βιβλίο για μένα είναι οι χαρακτήρες του. Πολυεπίπεδοι, ανθρώπινοι και γεμάτοι αντιφάσεις, εξελίσσονται διαρκώς καθώς η ιστορία προχωρά. Σχέσεις που ξεκινούν με καχυποψία, φόβο ή ακόμη και εχθρότητα μετατρέπονται σταδιακά σε βαθύ σεβασμό, αφοσίωση και αδελφικούς δεσμούς. Κανείς δεν είναι ακριβώς αυτό που φαίνεται στις πρώτες σελίδες και σχεδόν όλοι κρύβουν πολύ μεγαλύτερο βάθος απ' όσο αφήνουν να φανεί αρχικά.
Πέρα από τις πολιτικές ίντριγκες, τις συγκρούσεις και τις μάχες, το Σογκούν είναι πάνω απ' όλα μια ιστορία για τη συνάντηση δύο κόσμων. Για το πώς η πραγματική κατανόηση ενός διαφορετικού πολιτισμού μπορεί να αλλάξει έναν άνθρωπο ριζικά και να τον κάνει να αμφισβητήσει όλα όσα θεωρούσε δεδομένα.
Ένα έπος γεμάτο ίντριγκα, τιμή, φιλία, έρωτα και χαρακτήρες που δύσκολα ξεχνάς μετά την τελευταία σελίδα.
December 28, 2012
The Shogun novels were written by James Clavell who had been a prisoner of war in a Japanese prison camp (Changi- Singapore). His experiences there led him to find out what kind of people the Japanese were and how they could be so cruel to their prisoners. To some extent his books answer his question in a way that I thought would have surprised him - the Code of Bushido has no place for prisoners but there was honour and duty and 'a code' in the Japanese Army.
The book itself is excellent and builds the world of ancient Japan extremely well with memorable characters. I still remember the samurai who was so dangerous that even as he prepared himself for ritual death at his own hands (seppuku), the ring or warriors kneeling around him gripped the handles of their swords tightly in case he attacked. The rituals, manners and attitudes I assume were properly researched, they had a ring of authenticity about them.
Well worth a read even 30 years on.
The book itself is excellent and builds the world of ancient Japan extremely well with memorable characters. I still remember the samurai who was so dangerous that even as he prepared himself for ritual death at his own hands (seppuku), the ring or warriors kneeling around him gripped the handles of their swords tightly in case he attacked. The rituals, manners and attitudes I assume were properly researched, they had a ring of authenticity about them.
Well worth a read even 30 years on.
February 4, 2024
Такъв епичен кръш имам по Торонага, че е направо смешно 😂💘💗💕 Sapiosexuality strikes again and I'm all good with it 😌👌🧠❤️🔥
February 9, 2026
Я так боялася, коли брала цю книгу до рук. Обожнюю цю історію ще з юності і всі ці роки плекаю цю любов. Мені було страшно, що під час перечитування виявиться, що вона не настільки чудесна, як я сприймала її колись.
Вона все така ж чудесна, захоплива, неймовірна!!! Це зіткнення культур та звичаїв, грубе поєднання буденності та витонченості. Де можуть сходити в туалет при будь-кому і будь-де, а фекалії ще й продадуться за кошти як добриво. Де на першому місці честь самурая. Де стикаються християнський Бог, гидливі священники, Будда і люди, які не гребують зайвий раз присягнутися його іменем і порушити цю присягу. Де є чарівна романтична нотка між тими, хто не має на неї шансів, у світі, де розпалюється боротьба за владу.
Люблю без меж ❤️
Вона все така ж чудесна, захоплива, неймовірна!!! Це зіткнення культур та звичаїв, грубе поєднання буденності та витонченості. Де можуть сходити в туалет при будь-кому і будь-де, а фекалії ще й продадуться за кошти як добриво. Де на першому місці честь самурая. Де стикаються християнський Бог, гидливі священники, Будда і люди, які не гребують зайвий раз присягнутися його іменем і порушити цю присягу. Де є чарівна романтична нотка між тими, хто не має на неї шансів, у світі, де розпалюється боротьба за владу.
Люблю без меж ❤️
October 5, 2019
Read long ago.
Recreates the world of ancient Japan,but a bit too lengthy.
Recreates the world of ancient Japan,but a bit too lengthy.
July 28, 2020
Клавел се очертава като един от най-харесваните от мен писатели, а "Шогун" влиза в моя топ 10 за книги.
September 20, 2025
Um épico absolutamente envolvente e cativante.
Numa mistura de factos e ficção, imergimos no Japão feudal do século XVII.
Os meandros das intrigas são um desafio permanente, os detalhes históricos, as emoções, a crueza e a beleza em igual medida, tal como as personagens densas e tão bem caracterizadas fundem-se numa poderosa história.
Adorei explorar os contrastes dos valores ocidentais (neste caso em particular, sobretudo dos cristãos e expansionistas) e os princípios tão vincados de uma cultura onde a honra, o dever e o sacrifício nos surpreendem em grande escala.
Prossigo de imediato para o segundo volume.
Numa mistura de factos e ficção, imergimos no Japão feudal do século XVII.
Os meandros das intrigas são um desafio permanente, os detalhes históricos, as emoções, a crueza e a beleza em igual medida, tal como as personagens densas e tão bem caracterizadas fundem-se numa poderosa história.
Adorei explorar os contrastes dos valores ocidentais (neste caso em particular, sobretudo dos cristãos e expansionistas) e os princípios tão vincados de uma cultura onde a honra, o dever e o sacrifício nos surpreendem em grande escala.
Prossigo de imediato para o segundo volume.
February 20, 2025
Epic knyga. Labai patiko, net gailiuosi, jog pirma peržiūrėjau serialą… O ir serialas taip puikiai atkartoja knygą, jog yra vertas atskirų pagyrų.
Istorija. Atmosfera. Veikėjai. Viskas puiku, nors suprantu, jog kartais detalės gali kiek susimaišyti, bet finale viskas atsistoja į savo vietas. Japonijos kultūra yra nuostabi, o ši knyga, mano nuomone, puikiai ją perteikia, parodo, kiek skirtumų turi vakarų ir rytų pasauliai.
Ir džiaugiuosi, jog laukia ir antroji knyga, nes šis viduramžiškas epas tikrai neprailgo!
Istorija. Atmosfera. Veikėjai. Viskas puiku, nors suprantu, jog kartais detalės gali kiek susimaišyti, bet finale viskas atsistoja į savo vietas. Japonijos kultūra yra nuostabi, o ši knyga, mano nuomone, puikiai ją perteikia, parodo, kiek skirtumų turi vakarų ir rytų pasauliai.
Ir džiaugiuosi, jog laukia ir antroji knyga, nes šis viduramžiškas epas tikrai neprailgo!
May 6, 2015
This was abandoned, not finished.
I was initially thrilled and excited about this book. The storm tossed seas, the salt of adventure, the sight of Japan after ten thousand miles of travel, the culture shock of a hyper-advanced, death obsessed society. Surely this will be a rollicking good time!
But it rollicked on and on and on, violence and death and the same episodic pattern of conflict and intrigue and boring politics. 200 pages. 400 pages. 600 pages. Nope. The characters were static, or else contradictory. Their internal lives are the flat array of desires and prejudices and stereotypes needed to move whatever immanent rollicking episode toward dramatic conclusion. Blackthorne's transformation from brute to sensitive soul seems to come in service of immediate dramatic requirements, rather than organically.
An unconvincing, boring novel. It was abandoned without regret.
I was initially thrilled and excited about this book. The storm tossed seas, the salt of adventure, the sight of Japan after ten thousand miles of travel, the culture shock of a hyper-advanced, death obsessed society. Surely this will be a rollicking good time!
But it rollicked on and on and on, violence and death and the same episodic pattern of conflict and intrigue and boring politics. 200 pages. 400 pages. 600 pages. Nope. The characters were static, or else contradictory. Their internal lives are the flat array of desires and prejudices and stereotypes needed to move whatever immanent rollicking episode toward dramatic conclusion. Blackthorne's transformation from brute to sensitive soul seems to come in service of immediate dramatic requirements, rather than organically.
An unconvincing, boring novel. It was abandoned without regret.
March 11, 2016
Страхотен разказ за войните за власт във феодална Япония.. Интересно,динамично,напрегнато написана книга,която те кара да се интересуваш и да търсиш още и още... Такива машинации,изкусно оплетени схеми, интриги и подмолност...изглежда Клавел е сложил Мартин в малкия си джоб още през седемдесетте.. И все още съм само до средата! Завиждам си!!
June 18, 2026
My reading this was bedevilled from the beginning by 1) my prejudice against dad lit; 2) my assumption that commercial fiction from the 70s about Japan would be embarrassingly basic and have to define "saké" or "sushi" (or worse, orientalist in the full cringe sense) (or worse, just make shit up); 3) my rolling my eyes at the self-insert conceit of the white samurai banging geishas (isekai avant la lettre); and 4) my everpresent urge to compare all maritime fiction to Patrick O'Brien, who cannot be beaten at this game.
And then all that said I read the whole 1000 pages of this in about 4 days and was sorry to see it go.
I am happy to report that Clavell is actually much more ignorant about Elizabethan England than Sengoku Japan (which he clearly studied quite deeply and admires). For instance, he has the Anjin treat potatoes as the Western staple food (when they were still courtly exotica), and he is anachronistically free of bigotry, superstition, disease, misogyny, illiteracy, and animal cruelty.
And I didn't know about William Adams! Whose existence justifies the whole charade. (Clavell also deletes Jan Joosten, though, because one protagonist is cleaner than two.)
Why would a daimyo make friends with a foreigner? Countersignalling; monopoly on foreign knowledge; but also a lack of threat from the fargroup: "I daren't make friends among my own [murderous, scheming, climbing] people".
If Clavell needed justification - which he is talented enough to not. The book has three effective literary devices:
1. A clash of civilisations where the toss-up is genuinely unclear. Choose your fighter: either clean, sexually liberated, #aesthetic Sengoku Japan (but which is murderous/suicidal, totalitarian, apartheid, robotic/hypocritical, nihilistic, stagnant) vs hopeful, occasionally compassionate, creative Europe (but filthy, superstitious, cancerous, repressed, fanatical). Even the two patriarchies don't have an obvious winner. And yet England and Japan are very similar now.
2. The Dutch crew (who wash in with the Anjin) disappear for a full 600 pages. We are thus immersed in Japan and start to see its logic, and only then can we be struck (as the Anjin is) with the sheer squalor and vulgarity of the Euros by comparison. That's art ladies and gents!
3. after a few hundred pages of giving inline translations of all Japanese expressions, Clavell starts to trust us with untranslated romanised Japanese dialogue, and the hesitance the reader feels is the Anjin's, and the growing fluency his too.
ok maybe also 4. there's no attempt to depict the lord the Anjin serves (Toranaga / Tokugawa) as the good guy vs his enemy Ishido. Toranaga is just clever, and as we know this is enough to carry a protagonist. Tokugawa did bring centuries of peace, and maybe that's what Clavell is relying on. The constant refrain of "support Toranaga; Ishido will close the country" is quite funny:
but actually Ieyasu did open up; it was his grandson Iemitsu who closed the country.
My main complaint, besides the no-longer-needed annoying explanations of basic Japanese nouns in the first 200 pages, is that the Anjin just doesn't sound very Elizabethan. He curses at papists sufficiently, and leaps to violence a lot, but he lacks the superstition (he's a sailor!), other bigotries, inflexibility, and hypocritical piety I associate with them.
It's interesting how often the Japanese commoners here are rude, even when this begets their beheading. You would think that 2000 years of selection pressure provided by petty summary executions would have ground them down totally. Maybe a suicide by cop sort of thing. But actually ignore that: this self-destructive bull-headedness is realistic, menschlich, and cheers me. Kuso yarou-domo ni omae o suriherasa seru na.
And then all that said I read the whole 1000 pages of this in about 4 days and was sorry to see it go.
I am happy to report that Clavell is actually much more ignorant about Elizabethan England than Sengoku Japan (which he clearly studied quite deeply and admires). For instance, he has the Anjin treat potatoes as the Western staple food (when they were still courtly exotica), and he is anachronistically free of bigotry, superstition, disease, misogyny, illiteracy, and animal cruelty.
And I didn't know about William Adams! Whose existence justifies the whole charade. (Clavell also deletes Jan Joosten, though, because one protagonist is cleaner than two.)
Why would a daimyo make friends with a foreigner? Countersignalling; monopoly on foreign knowledge; but also a lack of threat from the fargroup: "I daren't make friends among my own [murderous, scheming, climbing] people".
If Clavell needed justification - which he is talented enough to not. The book has three effective literary devices:
1. A clash of civilisations where the toss-up is genuinely unclear. Choose your fighter: either clean, sexually liberated, #aesthetic Sengoku Japan (but which is murderous/suicidal, totalitarian, apartheid, robotic/hypocritical, nihilistic, stagnant) vs hopeful, occasionally compassionate, creative Europe (but filthy, superstitious, cancerous, repressed, fanatical). Even the two patriarchies don't have an obvious winner. And yet England and Japan are very similar now.
2. The Dutch crew (who wash in with the Anjin) disappear for a full 600 pages. We are thus immersed in Japan and start to see its logic, and only then can we be struck (as the Anjin is) with the sheer squalor and vulgarity of the Euros by comparison. That's art ladies and gents!
"This is an eta village? Jesus Christ, these people're eta?"
"What's wrong with eters?" van Nekk asked. "Of course they're eters... Eters are the best heathen we've seen here. More like us than the other bastards."
3. after a few hundred pages of giving inline translations of all Japanese expressions, Clavell starts to trust us with untranslated romanised Japanese dialogue, and the hesitance the reader feels is the Anjin's, and the growing fluency his too.
ok maybe also 4. there's no attempt to depict the lord the Anjin serves (Toranaga / Tokugawa) as the good guy vs his enemy Ishido. Toranaga is just clever, and as we know this is enough to carry a protagonist. Tokugawa did bring centuries of peace, and maybe that's what Clavell is relying on. The constant refrain of "support Toranaga; Ishido will close the country" is quite funny:
"It's time to open up the country, Mariko-san... If I were President of the Regents again, I'd make treaties with any nation...
but actually Ieyasu did open up; it was his grandson Iemitsu who closed the country.
My main complaint, besides the no-longer-needed annoying explanations of basic Japanese nouns in the first 200 pages, is that the Anjin just doesn't sound very Elizabethan. He curses at papists sufficiently, and leaps to violence a lot, but he lacks the superstition (he's a sailor!), other bigotries, inflexibility, and hypocritical piety I associate with them.
"On the first day of the New Year you will become a Christian."
"Me!"
"Yes. Of your own free will. Tell Tsukku-san privately."
"Sire?"
Toranaga wheeled on him. "Are you deaf?..."
"Please excuse me. Yes, Father, I understand."
It's interesting how often the Japanese commoners here are rude, even when this begets their beheading. You would think that 2000 years of selection pressure provided by petty summary executions would have ground them down totally. Maybe a suicide by cop sort of thing. But actually ignore that: this self-destructive bull-headedness is realistic, menschlich, and cheers me. Kuso yarou-domo ni omae o suriherasa seru na.
October 3, 2022
,, M-am născut ca un strop de rouă
Ca roua dispar
Castelul Osaka și tot ce am făcut
Nu e decât un vis
Într-un alt vis '
Ca roua dispar
Castelul Osaka și tot ce am făcut
Nu e decât un vis
Într-un alt vis '
November 29, 2025
Дочитала першу книгу. Зараз будуть лише проміжні враження,адже основна історія ще не закінчена.
Для мене ця книга весь час перегукується із Тисячею осеней. Я наче читаю історичний приквел)) зараз буде трохи порівнянь.
В Тисячі осеней ми застаємо 1800-і роки,Японія повністю закрита. Лише голландці живуть на рукотворному острові і їх не пускають всередину країни. За сповідування християнства стратять тебе і всю твою сімʼю,а японців повинні виконувати обряд фумі-є - топтання по іконах. Самураї вже не ті,збанкрутілі і займають себе іншими ремеслами.
В Шьогуні ми переносимось у 1600-і і тут Японією вільно розгулюють ієзуїти,навертають населення. Навколо є церкви і тисячі християн,в тому числі даймьо (великі володарі-феодали). На території Японії лише португальці та іспанці. Голландців і англійців там називають єретиками,бо вони протестанти і жодного голландця там нема. (До нашого головного героя,звісно). Самураї у великому почті,їм кланяються і поважають. Всі проблеми вирішуються за допомогою сеппуку 😅
І я думаю: вау,як країна може так змінитись за 200 років?. Тут ми все це спостерігаємо.
У персонажів є реальні історичні прототипи. Мені це розказав джипіті і заодно проспойлерив всі історичні події,яких я, каюсь, не знала.
Мені подобається,що автор дуже багато інформації вкладає в текст. Не треба весь час гуглити,всі звичаї пояснюються і розкриваються.
Також одразу ми бачимо коріння відчуття вищості японців над іншими народами (тими ж корейцям-моя відсилки до роману Пачінко). І те,чому вони так просто ставляться до смерті. Про їх філософію життя і смерті тут дуже багато.
Багато про різницю культур,адже одні й ті ж події показують нам через думки європейців та японців.
А ще це доволі пригодницька річ. Весь час тримає увагу,бо політичні інтриги тут просто на рівні гри престолів
Для мене ця книга весь час перегукується із Тисячею осеней. Я наче читаю історичний приквел)) зараз буде трохи порівнянь.
В Тисячі осеней ми застаємо 1800-і роки,Японія повністю закрита. Лише голландці живуть на рукотворному острові і їх не пускають всередину країни. За сповідування християнства стратять тебе і всю твою сімʼю,а японців повинні виконувати обряд фумі-є - топтання по іконах. Самураї вже не ті,збанкрутілі і займають себе іншими ремеслами.
В Шьогуні ми переносимось у 1600-і і тут Японією вільно розгулюють ієзуїти,навертають населення. Навколо є церкви і тисячі християн,в тому числі даймьо (великі володарі-феодали). На території Японії лише португальці та іспанці. Голландців і англійців там називають єретиками,бо вони протестанти і жодного голландця там нема. (До нашого головного героя,звісно). Самураї у великому почті,їм кланяються і поважають. Всі проблеми вирішуються за допомогою сеппуку 😅
І я думаю: вау,як країна може так змінитись за 200 років?. Тут ми все це спостерігаємо.
У персонажів є реальні історичні прототипи. Мені це розказав джипіті і заодно проспойлерив всі історичні події,яких я, каюсь, не знала.
Мені подобається,що автор дуже багато інформації вкладає в текст. Не треба весь час гуглити,всі звичаї пояснюються і розкриваються.
Також одразу ми бачимо коріння відчуття вищості японців над іншими народами (тими ж корейцям-моя відсилки до роману Пачінко). І те,чому вони так просто ставляться до смерті. Про їх філософію життя і смерті тут дуже багато.
Багато про різницю культур,адже одні й ті ж події показують нам через думки європейців та японців.
А ще це доволі пригодницька річ. Весь час тримає увагу,бо політичні інтриги тут просто на рівні гри престолів
June 10, 2024
4,5 ⭐️. Porque com mais de 3000 páginas no kobo, interessou-me tanto que não li mais nada durante este tempo e foi quase um mês! O que gostei mais foi do encontro, desconhecidos vindos de partes diferentes do mundo entram em contacto pela 1a vez e da desconfiança inicial nasce a amizade, o amor e a confiança. O que gostei menos foi que apenas uma personagem era na verdade digna dessa confiança, e os portugueses saem com a sua reputação abaixo dos limites da decência. Mas o livro, embora extensíssimo, mantém-nos sempre agarrados, a tensão entre espionagem, traição e o anúncio da guerra não nos deixa abrandar o ritmo. E adorei que acabasse antes dessa tensão se desfazer, deixando-nos a matutar no possível desfecho. Sendo que como é localizado num tempo e espaço reais, não ignoramos o que na verdade aconteceu.
August 20, 2021
Clavell descrie, într-un mod captivant, societatea japoneză din secolul al XVII-lea, urmărind destinele pilotului John Blackthorne, seniorului Toranaga și al frumoasei Mariko-san. Fiind un împătimit al istoriei, Shogun m-a introdus într-un univers în care domnesc ispitele, trădările și interesele fiecărei persoane. Întinderea sa (peste 600 de pagini) nu a constituit o piedică în calea lecturii. Am trecut deja la cel de-al doilea volum pe care îl savurez în tihnă.
„Astăzi orice călătorie pe mare este plină de riscuri, pentru că puținele hărți de navigație existente sînt atît de neclare încît aproape că nu-ți sînt de folos.”
„(...). De cîte ori trebuie să-ți spun: un pilot trebuie să aibă răbdare. Învață să ai răbdare, băiete!”
„Astăzi orice călătorie pe mare este plină de riscuri, pentru că puținele hărți de navigație existente sînt atît de neclare încît aproape că nu-ți sînt de folos.”
„(...). De cîte ori trebuie să-ți spun: un pilot trebuie să aibă răbdare. Învață să ai răbdare, băiete!”
April 9, 2022
I first read this book when I was 12 or 13 and have read it several times since. Such a good story and descriptions of feudal Japan. I learned so much of their culture and the meanings behind some traditions. But first and foremost a amazing story !!
May 22, 2025
Това беше един от най-добрите романи които съм чел до момента наистина Невероятен, наистина уникален роман, потапящ те в друга култура, в друг свят. Просто нямам думи, наистина много интригуващ. Нямам търпение да прочета и втория том.
S.T.
S.T.
October 21, 2024
Despite the reputation preceding this book, it only grabbed my attention occasionally. Much of it I had to work through, and intermittently I would find myself hooked. I enjoyed the obvious enthusiasm the author had for Japanese history. Oftentimes he would spend paragraphs gleefully explaining some the historical context to the audience regardless of whether such an explanation fit into the part of the narrative he wedged it into. Despite this, it straddles the line of historical fiction awkwardly. It is too historically accurate for me to enjoy the deviations, and yet it felt too distinctly its own for me to fully appreciate the historical character. I can’t help but feel as though this book would have benefitted from leaning more into the history the author is so obviously enamoured by and doing away with the pseudonyms and deviations.
The characters themselves were interesting enough, however their dialogue felt stilted. This may be a gripe I hold more with the audiobook than with the text itself, but I can’t say for certain. I rarely felt there was depth to these characters, or that I ever might learn anything unexpected about them. The authorial voice would haphazardly switch between different characters’ internal monologue so rapidly and unceremoniously that it was difficult to follow, or imbue these characters with distinct identities.
This is truly only part of a book. There is no satisfying conclusion or enticing cliffhanger to part 1, and I don’t feel like I’ve read a full story. I am not feeling particularly compelled to read part 2. It is not unreadable or unpleasant but it is not a book I will miss now that I’ve put it down.
The characters themselves were interesting enough, however their dialogue felt stilted. This may be a gripe I hold more with the audiobook than with the text itself, but I can’t say for certain. I rarely felt there was depth to these characters, or that I ever might learn anything unexpected about them. The authorial voice would haphazardly switch between different characters’ internal monologue so rapidly and unceremoniously that it was difficult to follow, or imbue these characters with distinct identities.
This is truly only part of a book. There is no satisfying conclusion or enticing cliffhanger to part 1, and I don’t feel like I’ve read a full story. I am not feeling particularly compelled to read part 2. It is not unreadable or unpleasant but it is not a book I will miss now that I’ve put it down.
July 24, 2023
„Колко красив е животът и същевременно колко е тъжен! Колко е мимолетен, без минало и настояще, само едно безкрайно сега.“
Не успя да ми въздейства така завладяващо, както „Цар плъх“, но все пак впечатляващ роман, който позволява на читателя да опознае японската култура, да се докосне до един далечен и различен свят. На места вървеше по-трудно, но това е книга, която изисква търпение и е добре да се чете бавно.
Голям Клавел!
"Започвате, като пречиствате мисълта си от хората — поставяте се в друга плоскост. Много полезно упражнение е наблюдаването на залеза, също и слушането на дъждовните капки — забелязали ли сте, Анджин-сан, колко различно звучи всеки дъжд? Ако наистина слушате, тогава настоящето изчезва. Други полезни упражнения са например да слушате как падат листенцата на цветята или как растат камъните. Разбира се, предполага се, че вие виждате не материални неща, а само знаци, послания до вашата хара — сърцевината ви — които ви напомнят за преходността на живота и ви помагат да постигнете _уа_ — вътрешна хармония, абсолютна хармония, която е най-желаното нещо в живота на японеца, в японското изкуство, във всяко едно..."
Не успя да ми въздейства така завладяващо, както „Цар плъх“, но все пак впечатляващ роман, който позволява на читателя да опознае японската култура, да се докосне до един далечен и различен свят. На места вървеше по-трудно, но това е книга, която изисква търпение и е добре да се чете бавно.
Голям Клавел!
"Започвате, като пречиствате мисълта си от хората — поставяте се в друга плоскост. Много полезно упражнение е наблюдаването на залеза, също и слушането на дъждовните капки — забелязали ли сте, Анджин-сан, колко различно звучи всеки дъжд? Ако наистина слушате, тогава настоящето изчезва. Други полезни упражнения са например да слушате как падат листенцата на цветята или как растат камъните. Разбира се, предполага се, че вие виждате не материални неща, а само знаци, послания до вашата хара — сърцевината ви — които ви напомнят за преходността на живота и ви помагат да постигнете _уа_ — вътрешна хармония, абсолютна хармония, която е най-желаното нещо в живота на японеца, в японското изкуство, във всяко едно..."
January 20, 2025
I swear this book is laced with something addictive.
This was only part one of the Shogun epic, but this alone was a LOT. It’s a historic fiction set in Japan in 1600. John Blackthorne, an Englishman piloting the Erasmus is the first of his nation to pass through the Magellan Strait to land in Japan, or Nippon. At this point the only Europeans to have done this are Portuguese and Spaniards seeking trade and spreading religion.
Blackthorne has a very rough go of it. He is seen as a barbarian who is insolent and uncultured. Him and his men are imprisoned, some tortured, and held hostage. Their ship and weapons are taken and they are all but stuck. Little do they know, war has already been brewing in Japan.
Honestly, very little action wise happens in this book. For a time with war on the horizon and samurai’s featured, I expected a lot of action - much of this I assume will be in part 2. This is not a criticism because I was engrossed. Learning Japanese culture through Blackthorne and the ensemble of Japanese characters, I really learned a lot about the time and the people and gained an entirely new perspective on what I thought I had understood.
The characters are insanely well developed as the perspective shifts frequently and we get to know a lot of them. As far as plot goes, as I said not much happens but a lot happens. So much of the politics are unfolded and there is so much backstabbing and questionable trust and allegiances. And somehow Blackthorne finds himself at the middle of it all.
This is sitting as a 4 star right now but honestly it sits somewhere between a 4 and 5. It was great and I ordered the second part quite quickly after I started this one. It’s not an easy historical fiction but it’s absolutely worth it if Japanese culture and history might possibly interest you.
As an aside, from everything I’ve heard, this is also a very well researched book which is always good for the genre!
This was only part one of the Shogun epic, but this alone was a LOT. It’s a historic fiction set in Japan in 1600. John Blackthorne, an Englishman piloting the Erasmus is the first of his nation to pass through the Magellan Strait to land in Japan, or Nippon. At this point the only Europeans to have done this are Portuguese and Spaniards seeking trade and spreading religion.
Blackthorne has a very rough go of it. He is seen as a barbarian who is insolent and uncultured. Him and his men are imprisoned, some tortured, and held hostage. Their ship and weapons are taken and they are all but stuck. Little do they know, war has already been brewing in Japan.
Honestly, very little action wise happens in this book. For a time with war on the horizon and samurai’s featured, I expected a lot of action - much of this I assume will be in part 2. This is not a criticism because I was engrossed. Learning Japanese culture through Blackthorne and the ensemble of Japanese characters, I really learned a lot about the time and the people and gained an entirely new perspective on what I thought I had understood.
The characters are insanely well developed as the perspective shifts frequently and we get to know a lot of them. As far as plot goes, as I said not much happens but a lot happens. So much of the politics are unfolded and there is so much backstabbing and questionable trust and allegiances. And somehow Blackthorne finds himself at the middle of it all.
This is sitting as a 4 star right now but honestly it sits somewhere between a 4 and 5. It was great and I ordered the second part quite quickly after I started this one. It’s not an easy historical fiction but it’s absolutely worth it if Japanese culture and history might possibly interest you.
As an aside, from everything I’ve heard, this is also a very well researched book which is always good for the genre!
May 21, 2018
I don't often enjoy historical fiction (a personal preference for biographies and historical NON-fiction) but Shogun was a very engaging and fascinating tale. I enjoyed how the book begins from Blackthorne's perspective and ends with Toranaga's. Clavell uses the 1200+ pages of this epic adventure to tell various, yet intertwining, stories...and he writes from the perspective of many different characters, men and woman, Japanese and foreigner. I found the ending to be rather anti-climatic, which is why I am holding back 1 star in my rating. I felt a bit cheated at the end with the somewhat rushed finale and the vague lack of resolution. But I would recommend it to any and all readers.
May 4, 2020
The book is much than the series, and the series was quite good. It is the same story and yet it has many differences. It's an action packed adventure and a love story too. Clavell writes it beautifully.
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