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Summary: The brilliant tale of Medieval Japan
Review: A totally mesmorizing, engrossing, imaginative, adventurous, lively, fascinating..(not enough words to describe) wonderful story of medieval Japan. This is a novel that belongs in the top 100 if not top 20 of the best novels of the millenium. James Clavell opened alot of western eyes (just as Commodore Perry did) about Japan when he wrote this novel in 1975. What a tale that is told. Blackthorne the sea-pilot, Mariko the Interpreter, Yabu the vassal/warloard, Ishido-the rutheless mortal enemy, and finally TORRINAGA the SHOGUN are just few of the fascinating characters that are in this story. This is a story that is complex from beginning to end, one can't skip any chapters, however the reader will not want to skip ANY page. Clavell definitely did his homework when he wrote this book. Japanese culture, traditions, style and society are told with rich detail. This book really takes the reader to 16th century Japan. Wow..I wish this had more than 5 stars as a rating. It is definitely 5 PLUS stars...An immortal classic!
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Summary: worth reading more than once
Review: This book is one of my all-time favorites! I read it for the first time almost twenty years ago and have re-read it many times since. That's right! I've read this book at least 4 times--its that good! The characters are extremely well written and the plot is spellbinding. You won't be able to put the book down. The politics of Japan in the 1600's were extremely complex and Clavell captures this exquisitely. The love story between Anjin-san and the Lady Mariko is a classic. Really, I can't recommend this book highly enough. I thought that the mini-series was extrememly well done. Also, if you like this book, please read Clavell's other efforts, Tai-Pan and Nobel House. They are every bit as good. James Clavell was a master storyteller.
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Summary: You'll wish it was longer....
Review: Having read at least one book a week for the last 20 years, I can safely say Shogun is by far and away my favorite. I lean towards historical novels and Clavell delivers in spades. I read this ten years ago and I still remember all the characters. You too will care about them as they come to life page after page. All of Clavell's novels are terrific, but this one is the gem. I am still miffed that he left us.
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Summary: The Ultimate Journey to Ancient Japan
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Every time I pick it up it takes me to the place I would most like to be, Japan circa 1600. Clavell is one of those gifted writers that pulls you into the story. I felt as if I were with the Pilot,Blackthorne as he learned to live in a totally alien culture. One of the scenes I remember the most is, oddly, how dirty his homeland seemed after living with the Japanese. This book makes you respect the samurai and love the people of Japan. A truly wonderous read, I would reccommend this to anyone who loves Japan.
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Summary: Rare insight (via fiction) into another world
Review: I'm so glad my boyfriend got me to read this book. It helped me so much when I later lived in Tokyo, and gave me insight into the woman who became my dearest friend on earth, Yoneko Fukuda. Clavell so expertly weaves romance, adventure and intrigue it was hard to believe that he was actually referring to real events (the character Toronaga is actually Ieyasu Tokugawa who built a dynasty that would last 250 years until the coming of Matthew Perry in 1853). It was men such as Blackthorne who helped establish the English as the naval power they later became. As a Mexican, I was particularly amused by his references to the "dung-eating Spaniards", and also the arrogant and corrupt ways of the Portuguese Jesuits. Also intriguing is how Mariko never quite wholly converted to Catholicism, reminding Blackthorne that she would always be Japanese first. This attitude has never changed through the centuries since. At first, the Samurai seem like murderous butchers, but one must always remember to place things in context. Surely every culture must have periods in its history they are not proud of (remember how the white man forcibly conquered both Mexico and North America and left a "trail of tears"), but also note that there are both heroes and villains among the Samurai. It was very important for Japan's later development (free from European direct influence and corruption) that Toronaga (Tokugawa) was successful in driving the "Christian barbarian" from his land, otherwise Japan would likely not be so prosperous today. So, anyway, enjoy this book both as a great novel and as an historic document, albeit with fictional characters.
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Summary: The ultimate page turner
Review: I read this book over 20 years ago, and it still remains the most engaging novel I have ever read. Most folks won't pick up a novel this lengthy; I couldn't put it down, and actually did very little over the course of several days other than read it. The mini-series on television was good, but it paled in comparison to the book.
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Summary: Clavell was a storyteller.
Review: I always like to stress that about the greats. Not intellectuals, not cultural accountants. Shogun rocked me. I read the novel eight years ago. What an imagination! Clavell was not a historian, he was a fascinating storyteller! Think about it. This man portrayed an Englishman's entrance into alien country, and how his beliefs so violently clashed with the Japanese at the turn of the 17th century. Remember when Fujiko kills the gardener over the rotting pheasant? Clavell has brilliantly resurrected the breath of times past. Any MORON can recite the exact past, but storytellers like Clavell allow us to inhale all their scents, understand motivations, taste regrets. I'll say it the same way I did the first time. Wow, Mr. Clavell. Thanks. Going to miss your tales. By the by, intelligence is just a another nickname for Bob. Only those willing to surrender to imagination need apply. James Clavell was a POW in Singapore during WWII. I hope you knew that. He wasn't a tourist.
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Summary: Amazingly captivating.
Review: The author did his homework on this one. Shogun offers a great culutral and social view of old japan.
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Summary: A stunning peice of literature...look no further!
Review: James Clavell proves his writing powress with this excuisite masterpeice. This is positively the best book I've ever read, and the first book to ever make me cry. It is a stunning blend of political intruige, heartbreaking romance, honor, and Japaneese culture. Though it is a rather long and difficult read, I highly, highly reccomend it to anyone interested in feaudal Japan, or anyone looking for a one of a kind read.
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Summary: If you only read one book...read this! AMAZING!
Review: Shogun...finally last week i did it...i completed reading the shogun and...i was stunned...greatest book ever (i mean EVER!)written! I really lived with the Blackthorne, Toranaga and Mariko the last three weeks...Love, Action, Bushido, Samurai's, Ninja's...this book has EVERYTHING!
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