Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Shōgun by James Clavell is our second Hefty read for the year.

It chronicles the end of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) and the dawn of the Edo period (1603–1868). Loosely based on actual events and figures, Shōgun narrates how European interests and internal conflicts within Japan brought about the Shogunate restoration. (Wikipedia)

The story follows the fate of John Blackthorne, the navigator of the shipwrecked Dutch vessel, Erasmus. He is caught in a political strife, and his life hangs by a thread as the Catholic Regents, urged by Portuguese mercenaries, seek to execute him. To save him, he must negotiate with unknown people of foreign language and customs.

According to the Goodreads blurb, Shōgun is a story "powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan." It is "a critically acclaimed powerhouse of a book. Heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action melds seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion."

Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell (10 October 1921 – 7 September 1994) was a British and American writer, screenwriter, director, and World War II veteran and prisoner of war. Clavell is best known for his Asian Saga novels, several of which have been adapted for television.

Anyone planning to read this?

I've read the whole Asian saga last year and have to say that Shogun is very good. Deserve to be read if you have not.

Thanks for the positive update, Lorraine. I hope that'll encourage our members. For my part, it's too lengthy to attempt at present. But I'll keep a note of it.

I've read Shogun couple of times in my youth, it was one of my favourite novels. I might reread it again now after watching the new tv show

Lorraine if you do not mind keep an eye on this thread incase others might have questions or thoughts you would not mind sharing.

Lesle wrote: "Lorraine if you do not mind keep an eye on this thread incase others might have questions or thoughts you would not mind sharing."

For sure, Lesle!
That reminds me, I still need to watch the new tv show.

Lorraine wrote: That reminds me, I still need to ..."

Where is it showing at? Some might be interested.

I read it in 2023. It was a great story but remember it was an American in the 1970s idea of Japan in 1600. People weren't just killing themselves at the drop of a hat.

Lesle wrote: "Where is it showing at? Some might be interested."
I think it's on hulu.

Of course it is. One of the streaming Apps I do not use!

Lesle wrote: "Of course it is. One of the streaming Apps I do not use!"
Of course. They claim all this streaming stuff is convenient but it's just an endless hassle. I want the video store back!

I'll be reading this one. Its many years since I read it, and my recollection is that I loved it and it set me off trying to learn more about Japan.

Great to have you, John. And NN, hopefully we'll have you as well.

I read this back in the 70s in a paperback edition- it was good and worth the time it takes to read it.

Rosemarie wrote: "I read this back in the 70s in a paperback edition- it was good and worth the time it takes to read it."

I was so enamoured I went out and bought a Japanese tea set.....which ended up in the charity shop!

I started reading it last night. I recently bought the 2 volume edition. I lucked out and got one volume at half price. I watched the 1970s mini-series and remember liking it. My husband has read the whole Asian Sagan series and recommended them to me. I don’t have time to read all of them but hope to get through Shōgun!

I ordered my copy yesterday, so hope to start reading next week.

Pam wrote: "I watched the 1970s mini-series and remember liking it."
From what I've heard that one was all from Blackthorne's point of view. The book has a lot of the Japanese character's POVs as well.

Maybe I'll read more of the Asian saga someday.

Book Nerd wrote: "Pam wrote: "I watched the 1970s mini-series and remember liking it."
From what I've heard that one was all from Blackthorne's point of view. The book has a lot of the Japanese character's POVs as w..."

Good to know! I'll be sure to pay attention to the POV aspect. I think it will be a quick read despite its 2 volume length.

I’m on ch. 7 and really enjoying it. I must have watched the first episode of the new TV series because I distinctly remember one dramatic/disturbing scene. But, I don’t know what happens after that so I obviously didn’t watch the whole series. I like the explanation of the Japanese culture and their political system. It’s fast-paced and is keeping my interest!

I just starting Book 2 ch.10. The story is very engaging! What the author does really well is capture the differences between the Japanese and western cultures. He lets you know what they think about each other’s action, which don’t make sense to them, and their own motivations. I think this one thought by Blackthorne, in reference to Yabu, touches on a theme that will be present throughout the book. “I admire that bastard, and detest him.”

I’m almost finished with V1 which is 673 pages. I don’t plan to start V2 immediately since I have some library books to read first. It’s an engaging story! I like how the characters are always thinking/plotting one thing while they are saying something quite the opposite. So much deceit and treachery!

Glad you're enjoying it, Pam.

Thanks Piyangie! I finished it a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Even though it's long, it's a quick read due to its fast pace. I hope to read volume 2 before the end of the year.