May 31, 2007 06:23 PM
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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 teaches Duty, 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.
