Shogun

Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: An intense tale of an alien world, forbiden love, war, and passion. Superb, absorbing, intricate and a beautifully told story ( although I was a little let down by the rather abrupt end)!

Rating:
Summary: The most absorbing book I have ever read.
Review: An intensive experience inside the life of the samurai, and life itself. A strategic political masterpiece in the struggle for power.

Rating:
Summary: Life-changing drama
Review: I first read Shogun in 6th grade after seeing a re-run of the TV mini-series. Although the first motivation for reading this was satisfying my language arts reading requirement -- at nearly 1,200 pages, this one book was all I needed for a whole quarter! -- this book ended up changing my life. Not only was Shogun a lot to chew on in terms of its vocabulary and subject matter, but its detailed descriptions of Medieval Japanese culture and omniscient narrative voice taught me that the world I experience is a subjective world and that each culture and each individual has his or her own perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Unfortunately no real understanding of the Japanese Soul
Review: This is definitely one of the best novels written, and I have read it 3 or 4 times. But PLEASE do not think that you have learned about Japan and the Japanese by reading this book ! Although the author obviously has done his homework researching history and culture of Japan, and although the historical facts and descriptions of certain cultural aspects are correct, I do not think that his understanding of the Japanese Soul goes very deep. This is most definitely written by a GAIJIN (alien) and none of my Japanese friends has ever read it, most of them never even heard about it! Also, James Clavell should not have ventured into the Japanese language so much, because there are so many mistakes that sometimes it hurt me ! The image he gives us about Japan and the Japanese is the image that most Americans and Europeans (who don't know any better) have and want to have of them ("Geisha" and "Harakiri" - which by the way should be "Seppuku" ). ! ! Why I still give it 4 starts ?? - Because I still loved to read it, it is still a wonderful story, because I can only recommend it to everyone, and because I will probably read it another couple of times.

Rating:
Summary: My very favorite book
Review: This book was magnificent. The depth of the characters and the intricacies of the plot were astonishing. I could have (honestly) read another 500 or 600 pages about these people and their lives. The amazing thing that Clavell seems to pull off is allowing the reader to grow and acclimate to Japanese culture along with Blackthorne. It was an extrodinary learning experience and the best novel I have ever read. For those of you who are Clavell fans, please read King Rat as well, another fantastic book.

Rating:
Summary: Poetry in action.
Review: The characters, the relations between them are very beatiful described in this best seller. One can feel to be living in the medieval Japan, and feel like inside the history, taking part of the actions. A good related book, with very good script. It started me in the Japanese Language knowledge and I have read it 7 times.

Rating:
Summary: A very interesting novel with surprising twists in the plot.
Review: This book started off at a slow pace in the prologue, but went from 1 mph to 700 in one turn of the page. The plot has many different sub-plots, and everything is explained with excrutiating detail. As the plot winds on, people are added in a flash, thern taken away, but you still, somehow know everything about every character in the book by the end, the information cluttered in the book, but expandable in your mind. This book show the characteristic qualities of feudal Japan, and paints a rather good picture into your mind.

Rating:
Summary: My New Favorite Book
Review: I just finished Shogun about an hour ago. I have a new favorite book of all time. After having read the reviews here, I have little to add. This book has taught me so many valuable lessons, and I know it will be a part of my life forever. With so many great books out there, it is difficult for me to re-read even my favorite novels--life is so short, neh? And only a dream within a dream. I feel certain I will re-read Shogun many times, and I will also give copies to all of the true readers in my life who have yet to experience what can only be described as a life-changing novel. I truly wish that everyone can have a reading experience as great as my experience has been with Shogun. Thank you Mr. Clavell for Shogun. Arigato gozaimashita Clavell-sama.

Rating:
Summary: It is simply one of the best books ever written!!
Review: I have read this book over 20 times!! I never get enough of it. It covers the whole spectrum of events. Love, Hate, Bigotry, Suspence, Sex, Adventure, Action, Mystery...you name it!! Once I start reading it, I can't put it down. It made me appreciate my three years in Japan even more. I wish Clavell was still around so he could write a continuing sequel.

Rating:
Summary: What can I say - it's great!
Review: The best book ever vritten! I can just say:Read it! It's the fifth time I'm reading it now!