Tai-Pan

Rating:
Summary: No Shogun
Review: I read Tai-Pan after Shogun and I have to say Shogun is much better.

Tai-Pan is successful in recreating the atmosphere, language and historical background of Hong-Kong, but it fails in crafting a great storyline. The plot seems to be moving in an unclear direction and many plot turns are random and co-incidental. The ending is also a disappointment as it fails to neatly end all the plot lines and many things are left open. For such a long book it is a great flaw. There are however some moments of brilliance and some great characters. All in all, it seemed to me like I was reading a first draft of a novel that needed much editing.

Rating:
Summary: Another magnificent work from the author of Shogun
Review: This is a novel that plays in China at the time Hong Kong was established. The book is pretty similar to "Shogun" by the same author. In fact, if you want to know about the mood and philosophy in "Tai-Pan" and my opinion about it, you can as well read my review for "Shogun" and substitute the word "Chinese" for "Japanese". Even the reason why I didn't give the book the full five stars is the same.

Mr. Clavell's expertise and accuracy for details is astonishing. He really has very deep knowledge of 19th century China, the way the Chinese people behaved and thought. Exactly as deep is, unfortunately, his ignorance of foreign names. Imagine a Russian called Zergejev or a Norwegian called Orlov! I'm really stunned by this incredible sloppiness.

In despite of this flaw, I consider Mr. Clavell one of the best skilled writers ever. His detailed description of different cultures' interaction is extemely educational. Especially enjoyable in this book was the realistic presentation of different English dialects. "Tai-Pan" is a book that can't be translated without losing most of its expression.

If you have any interest in historic fiction, make sure you read this book. If you want to know whether you should start with Taipan or Shogun, I really can't tell. If I had to pick one, I'd rather advice Shogun for the first lecture. If you're reading a translation, your only reasonable choice is Shogun.

Rating:
Summary: Very Worthwhile
Review: Wow. I didn't know what to expect of this book after first reading Shogun, but after the first few pages I was hooked. This story is equally as captivating as Shogun. Disregard what Mr. Gigounas said about this book in the review below. It is enthralling from start to finish. I do suggest reading "Shogun" first.

Rating:
Summary: Tai-Pan or Superman?
Review: I'll admit, throughout _Tai-Pan_, I couldn't resist comparing it to Clavell's shining star, _Sho-Gun_. Although Clavell's appreciation for the vast cultural differences between the Chinese in _Tai-Pan_ and the Japanese in _Sho-Gun_ is admirable, the similarities between the two books are just too obvious. In both, a Western hero struggles for power in the mysterious and often treacherous East, gaining more and more respect for the complex Asian world. Unfortunately, _Tai-Pan_ loses on all fronts to _Sho-Gun_. Where Clavell's protagonist in _Sho-Gun_ is subtle and complex, Dirk Straun, Tai-Pan ("Supreme Leader") of the British Noble House Trading Company, has all the subtely of a comic book superhero. I literally cannot remember any point in the book when Straun was ever wrong, mistaken, fearful, rash, hesitant, or anything less than absolutely perfect. As the story progressed, I began to chuckle and then laugh out loud at every new escape or amazing feat performed by Straun. His superhuman infallibility became ridiculous to the severe detriment of any story Clavell was developing. A few of the other characters are passably well-developed, such as Straun's rival, Brock, who illicits both the reader's sympathy and ire. Overall, however, Straun's perfection kept me from ever doubting the eventual success of any undertaking he was involved in. This made for a less than thrilling read. Additionally, Clavell's observations about the stubborn, dirty, hypocritical, and brutish nature of European civilization was well-taken in _Sho-Gun_ and became tedious in _Tai-Pan_. Towards the end, I was reading for completion and not for pleasure. END

Rating:
Summary: A fabulous, unforgettable, larger than life Epic!
Review: I just finished reading Tai-Pan for the second time. The first time I read it was nine years ago. At that time I was sure it was one of the best epics ever written. Now with nine more years of wisdom I am convinced. Clavell writes a fascinating tale of ruthless men and women in 19th century Asia. The dialogue is at times witty and the ending is the best I have ever read. I am now faced with the grim task of trying to find another book to read that comes close to the grandeur of this novel.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Romantic Saga
Review: This book is a very worthwhile read especially if you can imagine a world filled with adventure and intrigue in an era when time was judged by the calendar not nanosecond. The characters are well written and very appealing whether they be villian or hero. The plot line is rich in historical content and dramatic embellishment. I would highly recommend this book and encourage the reader to plow through the sagging pace in the middle of the story to reach the climatic conlcusion.

Rating:
Summary: Best of the series!
Review: The series starts with Shogun, which was wonderful. But the best of the series is Tai-Pan!

Rating:
Summary: The best novel ever written. Hands down.
Review: Of course, that's just my opinion. None the less, TAI-PAN is a wonderfully written book that delivers in all the right areas. The characterization is great, the setting is great, the action is just right, and the whole thing is well researched. Clavell's my favorite author, and I thought nothing could beat SHOGUN until the last 20 pages of this book. A supreme ending for a supreme character.

Rating:
Summary: A great read, fascinating and informative
Review: Reading is by far my favorite pastime. Quite simply, this is the best novel I have ever read...and it's been over 10 years since I read it. Clavell's grasp of history and his insight into the clash of cultures between east and west still, in my opiniion, is unmatched. A true classic.

Rating:
Summary: A great novel
Review: You may read a novel as good as this one, but you will not read one that is better. The characters are rich, and realistic. For some reason I was rooting for the bad guys, the Brock family, until Clavell made the son to be some kind of sexual monster. There are lots, and lots of well defined characters to love, and hate, and plenty of conflicts to make the book hard to put down. I loved the way the characters were always challenging each other to duels. I laughed frequently, at the entertaining dialogue. When Brock accused a naval officer of having so much wind that if he farted doors across the island would be blown out, I had to reread the page in enjoyment several times. The book was also educational in giving the reader some idea of the historical background to the settlement of Hong Kong.