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Shogun - James Clavell Reviews

mohitlatmiMouthShut Verified Member
Jaipur India
Disappointed
Jan 26, 2017 12:15 AM1739 Views

Here's the great: Clavell's chronicled fiction is brilliant in that it draws the peruser into a period and place with insignificant exertion. I was attracted to know more about the flighty hero—Blackthorn—and in addition other attentive characters, and wound up taking in a great deal about seventeenth Century Japan and increased a few subtleties and experiences into old Japanese culture.


The initial a few hundred pages of this behemoth are incredible. The following couple of hundred, less… was this person getting paid by the word? Around part of the way through the novel, the book, for me, had lost quite a bit of its course and strain. When I put the book down, I couldn't have cared less to lift it up once more. I needed to constrain myself to move forward and wrap up.


The closure was the best stun of all. Perhaps this is a spoiler, however I will keep it general. The book just finishes. All of a sudden, mid-story, there are just twelve pages left. At that point a couple. At that point abruptly, after 1152 pages(400 or so which ought to have been left on the altering room floor, as I would like to think) the novel just finishes. The story Clavell set out to tell is not over. It was as though one day he came up short on money or the manager requested a last original copy or he was excessively exhausted, making it impossible to proceed. Furthermore, it just finishes! The peruser is left with two little passages in italics to clarify what really occurs in the story. Evidently 1152 pages wasn't sufficient. I was left with an indistinguishable doubt and uncertain from when I read the Ilad in student before acknowledging it was only a section in a more drawn out account.


Splendid and even splendid on occasion… yet generally speaking, so sad, exceptionally disillusioning


Victoria UK
Shogun: A fantastic novel on all things Japanese.
Dec 31, 2008 08:53 PM2914 Views

A fantastic novel with a complicated plot that weaves patterns more colourful than any kimono known to man.


Life's ups and downs are wonderfully explored and time is given a rare quality uniquely Japanese. The has fantastic array of characters, each distinctly different from the other in manner and speech - a difficult idea to transfer to a book of this size. The book resonates with the spirit of Japan firmly anchored in its past and looking confidently towards the future. It recounts the turbulent time just before the Tokugawa Shogunate was founded nearly 5 centuries ago.


The book is a fascinating treasure trove of information on all things Japanese - from how to walk, talk, bathe, eat, drink, think, make love and war! Book explores the art of bitching, making war without moving a muscle, diplomacy with a healthy dose of contempt for the other side, complexities of religion when it mixes with politics, elegance trapped in a world of perpetual sadness, life of infinite power caged by rigid rules and much, much more.


A TV series of the book runs to 5 DVDs and is a wonderful accompaniment to the book. Personally, I have read the book twice over and have seen the serial twice too! Unlike most TV serialisations, this one really works and brings the book and its characters to life.


Don't be put off by its size, subject or other people's reviews.


Read it and rejoice in the ancient world of the Shogunate!


The eightfold fence
May 31, 2007 06:23 PM6593 Views

Do you want to know about the eightfold fence?


Have you ever watched a stone grow?


Have you ever been gifted a sunrise?


Can you sip cha from an empty cup?


When does life mean its utmost?


Do you know that life is but  a dream within a dream?


Have you ever been visited by a kami?


Welcome to the world of Shogun - ancient Japan as discovered through the eyes of John Blackthorne - captain, pirate, dictator on his ship, 'discoverer' of the Japans - and now a prisoner forever.



Shogun is not a pretty book - interesting, captivating, scintillating and sometimes discgusting but never boring. Be prepared to discover the "uncivilized" land of Japan as Blackthorne is stranded on Anjiro(part of Japan) and political machinations around his ship/ loot and self start immediately.


From being a prisoner to winning, his life, dignity and back to becoming a prisoner of Japan – for life – the Anjin San’s(Blackthorne  Japanese name) story is a rare one. Interlinked with his story is that of his interpreter, the Lady Mariko. Mariko introduces Blackthorne to this world of kimonos, samurai, massages and steaming hot baths(at a time when the English still believe that a bath is bad for health). Blackthorne sees a culture that is much wiser in matters of here and beyond than his own.


The samurai way of life teachesDuty, Discipline and Death.


Soon, through various services done to the Lord Toranaga, Blackthorne attains the status of Samurai and Hatamoto. He is given killing swords, taught Japanese and learns to appreciate cha, the drink of the Gods. He learns to think like the Japanese think and soon falls in love with the Japanese spirit of bravery, of recklessness abandon and timeless patience. He also falls in love with Mariko, one of the finest ladies of Japan.  Through Mariko he learns of the Japanese ways of “pillowing”. Blackthorne becomes one with time and explores the willow world, the world of geishas and a philosophy completely different from his own christian one.


A world free of grief, guilt and sorrow.


There are many subtleties to grasp in this book that combines adventure, philosophy, romance, war, greed for the shogunate and most of all the Japanese way of life. Shogun is a large story that goes beyond any one individual and instead captures the spirit of the land.


YOUR RATING ON

Shogun - James Clavell
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One thousand+ pages of adventure...
Jun 06, 2006 12:36 PM3134 Views

Ya... one look at this book is enough to discourage many would-be readers- MAN its big! I got a copy of this from my godfathers library: it was like nestled between an array of other similar looking titles. Though caught in a dilemma whether to read it or not, I decided to give it a try. What better way to while away time rather than to read a book that fitted like a brick in my hand and weighed that much too!


Other than for the fact that James Clavell's Shogun is massive and immensely long, nothing is left wanting in this Japanese masterpiece- be it action, romance, adventure, intrigue or suspense. There's an army of characters here, beginning from the shipwrecked English captain John Blackthorne, to the coutesan Mariko- san, with a bevy of nothing short of 75 characters in between. Reading this is like stepping into a world set five centuries back, so perfectly does Clavell cast his story, set in an era of emperors, courtesans, christian missionaries, wooden clipper ships, enormous stone castles et al. All the characters, be it Japanese or European, are shown from a perspective such that the reader lives through all their lives at the same time, with a livid display of emotions and feelings. Even the antagonists of the novel are portrayed in this light, which somehow doesnt make you hate them. The incidents given, especially the war scenes, are full of colour, vibrancy and radiate with a life that is seldom seen in novels, making it all the more addictive. I daresay that this book can be completed in five or six continuous sittings, and the end, it leaves you worn-out, exhausted, content and so Japanisized you can as well as take the next flight to Tokyo: wakarimasu reader-san!


All in all, this book makes compulsory reading for all adventure buffs, and it comes to being nothing short of an epic. Go watch Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai after reading this, and although the movie isnt gonna hook you up as much as this book did, you are bound to take up an instant liking of Japanese customs and rituals. I havent read the other novels by Clavell and am presently on the lookout for more, but if it comes to being as good as Shogun, then no holds barred, I can confidently assure you that James Clavell is second to none when it comes to writing epic dramas.


Wakarimasuka?
Feb 05, 2006 01:08 PM3265 Views

Wakarimasuka? Do you understand? This is what we used to keep saying to each other over and over again after reading Shogun by James Clavell. The book is based during the time of the opening of the japanese borders to europe and in particular relates to the trying and testing times of an englishman Blackthorne.


The book beautifully describes the japanese way of life - bushido (discipline) and the customs and traditions that to date are still there in the ultra-modern japanese culture. The samurai are shown very majestically and one cant help but feel vaguely romanticized by the notion of being a fiery samurai.


The magic of the book lies not only in the plot and the characters but the details which Clavell has provided. Right from the kimonos, paper walls to the rice paper they use after morning ''business''. The hierarchy and the social structure is very nicely written and you will cry for sake at the end of it all.


My association came with this book when a good friend of mine, a bookworm (considering the amount of books he had, literally) gave me a copy which was a pretty early edition and was rare at the time. The book though long keeps you engrossed and for a moment you forget small things like food, baths, and human contact. The book invariably takes you into medieval japan and (it happened to me, my brother and friends) you start thinking yourself to be a japanese, a samurai at that one! Co-incidence that after I finished this book, I went to watch The Last Samurai and could I relate to the movie or what? The authenticity of this book is very good and obviously Clavell has researched a lot on the Asian Saga of his.


I recommend all his books but, Shogun still remains a gem and I had the good fortunes to pick up a copy from Crosswords recently. Now, I have with me the Asian Saga Series (and can therefore achieve world domination!) and I would definitely recommend Clavell.


FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE READ THIS BOOK - CHECK OUT THE MINISERIES SHOGUN IT STARS RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN AND IS AVAILABLE ON DVD. I GOT IT AND FOR A 1980'S SERIES AND THE DEMAND OF THE BOOK ITS PRETTY GOOD!


..shipwrecked..into a world of samurai adventure.
Sep 21, 2005 01:04 PM5497 Views

I read this book in college. It was a gift from one of my friend's who was a great fan! Well it didnt seem too interesting from the preface. What could be so different about a sailor shipwrecked lands in japan and gets adventure. But I did read and it had me glued to it till the end. James Clavel hasnt just written a great story against an exotic backdrop he has written it beautifully.


Shogun is an oriental cruise which offers rich culture, a beautiful romance, a glimpse of politics in Japan in an around the year 1598.The story is spun around a fascinating time in history when christainity was introduced in Japan through Christain missionaries and when the enchanting samurai culture still prevailed.


While reading this book I found myself totally captivated by the rich and vivid descriptions of the Japanese culture. The story begins with an English sailor John Blackthorne who is shipwrecked in Japan.


Just like blackthorne I too was thrust in a totally unfamiliar society which I began to know and appreciate. A society in the middle of a political struggle of plots and schemes. Slowly the culture as described by James Clavel got to me as it did with John and we both get totally enchanted by it. Of course John gets to play with most of the dangers, gets to be a part of samurai rituals, even gets the title Anjin San, while I simply get to read with pleasure all this happening in a book beautifully written by James Clavell.


When I started reading this book I was prepared for months of reading and trying hard to finish this book but what I got was - 3 days of continuous reading, sleepless nights, adventure, suspense, lots of action and thrill, an instense love story, lots of unattended lectures, meals in a state of trance and a climatic end!!!!


All the characters of James Clavell are intense. This book has many characters and scenes that I have never forgotten. Shogun is perhaps one of the best books by James Clavell, though Tai Pan comes quite close. Other good books by him are Nobel House, gai-jin and King Rat. You like one you'll sure read them all! Happy reading!!


True Classic
Oct 01, 2004 01:04 PM3110 Views

This book is what I call a true adventure classic. I just finished reading it and I noticed it's got all the ingredients to make an excellent movie. In fact the mini-series starring Richard Chamberlain was great. I remember watching it when I was a kid. It was my first real exposure to ancient Japanese culture and the Samurai. And I never forgot it. In fact the reason I'm writing this review is because I picked up the book recently and it all came back to me.


This long book is about the first English and Dutch sailors to discover Japan. It's about one man in particular- the navigator John Blackthorne. Blackthorne and his small crew who manage to survive fierce storms on the high seas face the even greater challenges of trying to understand Japanese culture and society while not getting wiped out. Their western ideals about the preservation of life are in stark contrast to the Japanese way of living which allows for a sort of caste system where every person lives in complete and total obedience to the one above him. The most powerful ruler in the land is the Shogun.


Also, any ruler has the right to demand the life of one below him, be it his wife, son or servant. If this was'nt complex enough, the newcomers are also caught in the middle of a civil war about to erupt between two of the country's generals who both want to rule. Plus, the sworn enemies of the English and Dutch i.e the Spanish and Portugese have already inhabited Japan and set up trade links and have achieved some measure of influence in the land. Also added are more complex characters like Portugese Jesuits and Spanish Franciscans.


The plot goes like this. Blackthorne and his small crew survive hell on the high seas and are the last remaining sailors on a damaged ship out of hundreds of sailors in a fleet of three ships. After landing in Japan(which uptil then is supposed to be only a rumour to the Dutch), the sailors are captured and thrown into prison by their Japanese rulers who find them dirty and disgusting and want to make use of their ammunition and skills. Blackthorne is selected as their leader by the local daimyo(ruler) who thinks these men can be of some use to him. He is soon taken to the daimyos' ruler i.e Toranaga, one of the two most powerful men in Japan. In fact throughout the book these men are used as tools and pawns and bargaining chips by the Japanese.


Blackthorne travels with Toranaga, winning his friendship and trust, not knowing Toranagas' plan for him, only hoping to get his ship and crew back.He travels throughout Japan, being continually amazed by the size of the population and efficiency of the people and armies. His translater, Mariko, whom he falls in love with, helps him learn and cope with Japanese customs. In the meantime, Toranaga is trying to plan a war against his archrival Ishido-the other most powerful man in Japan who wants to become Shogun now that the previous ruler has died. Watch for the surprise ending.


The book absolutely grips you. You can't put it down.


Arrigatto Anjin San
Jan 30, 2004 11:56 PM10800 Views

If I could use words,


Like falling Leaves,


What a bonfire


My Poems would make


SHOGUN – James Clavell (first published 1975, Howard & Saughton)


Shogun’s real appeal to the reader is it’s depiction of the the cross cultural clash of different ideologies & most revealing view on differences that existed and to a certain extent still exists between the EAST & WEST.


It’s a major step forward in understanding the Japanese outlook to life. Clavell’s writing is different as compared to others - in that he portrays through words striking image patterns and builds a whole world in your imagination transporting you back to the seventeenth century feudal Japan making you live in a historic moment when Japan is in the process of becoming one nation state.


The author’s genius lies in the fact that instead of using dialogue he takes his readers into the inner thoughts and mind processes of his characters all seemingly Human with human failings and desires, of ego & greed, of Fate & Destiny. Making the readers identify with his varied characters, who are distanced by both time and culture but seem as real as life itself. This makes SHOGUN a definitive work and demands respect.


The saga is all told through the eyes of James Blackthorne, an Englishman who while Piloting a Dutch Merchantman trying to find a way to the riches the Orient has to offer, finds himself on the shores of IZU, Japan in the year 1600 and thus comes face to face with the landscapes of feudal JAPAN.


Only to find himself used as a tool in a power struggle between the 5 regents of Japan for the SHOGUNATE in the aftermath of the death of the TAIKO (Dictator) and the coming of age of his son and heir.


The vivid imagery the authors transports his readers to the land of the Land of the rising sun & it’s society where the SUPREME RULER – THE EMPORER (by lineage of 110 generations) is the figure head of the country and the royal family but devotes himself to the pursuit of knowledge, language, art and poetry leaving all the military and trading decisions on the TAIKO or following him THE COUNCIL of REGENTS (5 warlords who rule their own territory.


Under each regent are the various Daimyo’s who rule the provinces and the commoners followed by the ETA’s (the untouchables – as they eat Meat). Each warlord commands armies of SAMURAI warriors walked the streets living by the Samurai code of HONOUR AND DUTY to one’s master or liege above everything else.


Apart from Blackthorne the central characters in the novel are


Lord Toranaga, a warlord and one of the 5 regents of Japan, who wants to avoid civil war but is being forced into one and who uses every tool and person in his power to delay the inevitable war, all the while making clandestine alliances and preparations and constantly refuses to be drawn into open conflict against the remaining 4 regents.


Lady Mariko his daughter – in- law & close confidante, who is a Christian converted by the Jesuits and knows Latin and Portuguese & is the only Japanese trusted by Toranaga to translate on behalf of the Anjin San (Anjin is the Japanese word for Pilot & thus bestowed on Blackthorne).


Other important characters are Lord Yabu(a scheming power hungry Damiyo of the Kasigi Clan in whose fief Blackthorne’s ship flounders, Omi San (Lord Yabu’s confidant), Lord Ishido (the main opponent of Toranaga). Yaemon (the heir apparent) & his mother.


Blackthorne gains the favor of TORANAGA by saving his life twice and in return is given the honor to be called a SAMURAI with his own fief and later a HATAMOTO (a trusted advisor), and telling him about the world politics and weapons of war.


In return he wants to gain trading rights for English ships and thus end Portuguese exclusivity. He also wants to help modernize Japan’s Navy by introducing Gun Ships with cannons and helps with the training of a regiment of Japanese Warriors with pistols and guns a far cry from the Samurai Sword thus giving Toranaga an edge over his enemies in the coming war.


Blackthorne initially views the Japanese as Barbarians but slowly and steadily as he learns more and more through LADY MARIKO (initially his translator & then his lover and soul mate) about the Japanese way he starts to view them as equals and then superiors to westerners as far as ART, CLEANLINESS, CULTURE, SEX, BATHING and SOCIAL structure is concerned to the Western views on the subjects prevalent at those times.


Through the book one notices the gradual transformation of Blackthorne from a westerner into the Anjin San with fading memories of his homeland and who is slowly but surely being taught and guided to think, act, behave as a cultured JAPANESE SAMURAI destined by his liege lord Toranaga never to return to his homeland.


Interwoven among this power struggle is the moving love story of Anjin San & Lady Mariko, who dies later on, the author makes the reader feel the loss and one is literally sobbing on the tragic end when Mariko dies while resisting the Ninja’s who aim to take her prisoner unarmed and thus denying her a honorable death by not permitting her to commit SEPAKKU (ritual suicide).


Toranaga in the end reveals the underlying theme of the Japanese way of thinking which is about a person’s KARMA and PRE DESTINY!! Each person has his/ her own life, which is pre –ordained.


The importance of HONOR & DUTY and above all FACE (respect).


Intensive planning before making a move because it’s a bigger sin to plan and then not succeed thus losing FACE!!


Thus through medieval Japan the author makes a powerful statement, which is still relevant in modern times and comes up trumps in all aspects.


PS: James Clavell was held as a POW by the the Japanese at the notorious CHANGI prison where 4/5ths of the POW’s died. Thus it makes SHOGUN even more remarkable coming from the fair mindedness of the author and tries in a way to come to terms with his past by exploring Japan’s past.


This book is partly based on a true story of the DUTCH MERCHANT named WILLIAM ADAMS who was shipwrecked in Japan around 1600 & also made a Samurai. The character of TORANAGA is also based on a real Shogun.


What is the Sky but a place for the clouds


What is Life but an escape from Death


The book has been made into a 12 hour minisiries, a movie and a braodway musical.


EPIC ON ANCIENT JAPAN
Jun 02, 2001 06:28 PM4870 Views

Very funny an author of the stature of James Clavell was not featured in Mouthshut.Now after using their Mousepad facility I am glad to review this and so many other books of this author.This book is unbelievably lengthy all 1100 pages of it but not one page makes you yawn.Mind you this is not a book you can carry in the bus to read,you are in danger of developing your forearms.I first read this book in1982 and my mind boggled at how I am going to complete it.But within a span of 10 days I finished it when I was on vacation in Kerala and earned the ire of all my friends just because I was not prepared to leave the book and go anywhere else.this book will shake you up.It is all about 16th century Japan where a British Seafarer by the name of John Blackthorne is passing by the Japanese coast when he is shipwrecked by a storm and he finds himself in a small fishing village in Japan.From hereon starts the odyssey of John Blackthorne and the reader as he is swept into the lives,everyday customs,political intrigue of the local leaders.the way the Japanese think and their logic defies description.the have a different code of life and their ethics are simply superb.Mind you this is ancient Japan we are talking about over here.Their barbarism during the war was something to be condemned.Read this book,I heartily recommend this book.But please read this book first because the author has woven all his books around his first book.It starts in 1600 and his 6th book finishes in 1979 during the Iran Revolution.please await all my reviews on all the 6 books.but make it a point to read all the 6 books and you will not regret it.All of them are 1000pages plus with the exception of Tai Pan which is only 700 pages.It is the baby of the entire Asia series.So I think you should start reading this book today.It is a nice weekend to embark on a journey to ancient Japan.


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