“Only by living at the edge of death can you understand the indescribable joy of life.”After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen—Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is late sixteenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, … people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne’s loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.
Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, Shōgun 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. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the bestselling novels of all time but also one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, Shōgun is, as the New York Times put it, “…not only something you read—you live it.” Provocative, absorbing, and endlessly fascinating, there is only one: Shōgun.
more
Fabulous book – I couldn’t put it down!!!
LOVED This!!! Have read it at least 10 times
I read this book over 40 years ago and it was one of my all time favorites. Just read it again and was just as good this time! Will probably read the whole Asian series all over again.
A one-of-a-kind look into the mysterious world of feudal Japan at the beginning of its dealings with western civilization. It is the story of an English seaman stranded in Japan and thrown into the deceptively complex double dealing of the politics of Samurai society. A worthy beginning to James Clavell’s Asia series.
Read this years ago and have highly recommended it to my reader friends. I am interested to read it again with the lense of maturity. I recall being fascinated at the culture of the characters.
I am just now rereading the complete series of James Clavell’s Asian saga. What a treat — even more enjoyable than the first time through. If you love historical novels, you’ll be fascinated by how remarkably the author anticipated so much of the decades to follow in his supremely well-written series. Sometimes a visit with old friends is a …
A great many people say I saw the movie, if you haven’t read the book you haven’t lived the tale. Compared to the book the movie is a sad classic comic that only gives you 10% of the story. Read the book you will be like you did.
This book is a must-read. True to history and loaded with phenomenal characters and action, you will lose many nights sleep once you start reading Shogun.
Great book. Based on historical facts.
Beautifully written historical and culturally significant novel of the far east
This book takes you into the world of feudal Japan where nothing is as it seems and you will fall in love with these wonderful characters that sacrifice all for love and honor and loyalty. Read it 6 times and will read again and again !
Despite its length, Shogun is a great quickly paced story and a detailed cultural study, told largely from a Japanese point of view. A rousing read.
James Clavell writes spellbinding books! I have read every one he has written. The stories are believable in content of the history and characters come to life on the pages. I miss this author. Follow “Shogun” with “Taipan”
An epic tale of a the original clash between Japan and western culture. Rich characters and scenes make this massive masterpiece a must read
Wonderful characters that you relate to, wrapped around a truly amazing story about an age and culture that I knew little about. Fascinating read. One of my favorite books.
A wonderful book that I read many years ago. Some of the characters have stayed with me. A long read but very worthwhile.
This is a novel set in historical, feudal Japan. An English explorer finds Japan, which is populated with Spanish and Portuguese Christians. He must learn Japapese and customs quickly in order to survive; at the same time, there is pending war in the realm.
This is a long book (paperback is 1210 pgs). It is worth the time. The story begins …
This book is a wonderful read moving action packed excellent character and plot development.
Great non-stop entertainment for the entire 1000 pages. Hard to put down. Don’t be turned off by the length. Truly worth the time.
IMO this is the best book written by James Clavell.