Scan barcode
A review by nclcaitlin
Shōgun by James Clavell
1.75
Unpopular opinion time, oh no!
John Blackthorne, an English navigator, finds himself shipwrecked in Japan. He becomes embroiled in the complex political dynamics of the region, navigating between two powerful daimyōs, Toranaga and Ishido as they try to use his knowledge to win power and loyalty and ultimately become Shogun.
The backdrop is a disunited 1600 Japan which has had no Shogun (central ruler) for nearly three decades. Japan has been rent by dynastic clashes, as well as meddled with politically and militarily by Catholic Portugal.
Blackthorne is labelled a barbarian and the dichotomy between the Japanese attitude of him and his behaviour and his perception of them shows the clashing cultures and practises.
Importantly, the concept of honor and the delicate protocol of communication between those in the ruling classes is painstakingly described and observed. While rising in importance and rank amongst the power players, along with Blackthorne, readers learn about the importance of karma and modesty. Particularly common is Seppuku, or ritual suicide, seen as crazy by Blackthorne to begin with but throughout the story we see his mindset changing.
The law may upset reason but reason may never upset the law, or our whole society will shred like an old tatami. The law may be used to confound reason, reason must certainly not be used to overthrow the law.
I have to shout out the two women who take a semi spotlight in this male heavy book.
Mariko is a converted Christian who is a respected samurai who acts as a translator for Blackthorne and the major power players. She is always annoyed and frustrated by Blackthorne and she treats him like a hawk. Appealing to his preening personality and exercising slow caution and calm.
Fujiko is a young widow appointed to take charge of the household that Toranaga established for Blackthorne. Initially Blackthorne hates her and is disgusted by her, but through her actions she proves her worth and loyalty.
Women were treated as secondary, as worth nothing. Seeing these women still try and retain their dignity and serve the men around them is terrifying and inspiring.
“Always remember, child,” her first teacher had impressed on her, "that to think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral you down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that need disipline –training- is about. So train your mind to dwell on sweet perfumes, the touch of this silk, tender raindrops against the shoji, the curve of the flower arrangement, the tranquillity of dawn. Then, at length, you won't have to make such a great effort and you will be of value to yourself.”
However, I found myself quite bored throughout and I think I only got through it as it was an audiobook.
It was quite dry and it probably didn’t help the perspectives changed frequently but the audiobook gave no indication which made following along sometimes difficult.
Moreover, after 1,150+ pages you would expect a satisfying ending. OH NO. I had to relisten to the last chapter and then look up the ending in case the audiobook had another part I wasn’t aware of. Nope. The book just ends that badly.
I know a lot of reviewers think it is the perfect open ended conclusion, however I felt so frustrated! I thought that at least I would get some satisfaction from reaching the end. UGH.
I watched the tv show along with the audiobook. I completed half the book before starting and made sure to stay ahead in my reading. They obviously cut a lot out, but the actors did a phenomenal job and the visuals were stunning!
All in all, I can’t believe I am saying it, but if you don’t know whether to read the book before watching, just watch the TV show. But be aware, you will have to pay a lot of attention!
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend The Judas Blossoms, or the Dandelion Dynasty!
John Blackthorne, an English navigator, finds himself shipwrecked in Japan. He becomes embroiled in the complex political dynamics of the region, navigating between two powerful daimyōs, Toranaga and Ishido as they try to use his knowledge to win power and loyalty and ultimately become Shogun.
The backdrop is a disunited 1600 Japan which has had no Shogun (central ruler) for nearly three decades. Japan has been rent by dynastic clashes, as well as meddled with politically and militarily by Catholic Portugal.
Blackthorne is labelled a barbarian and the dichotomy between the Japanese attitude of him and his behaviour and his perception of them shows the clashing cultures and practises.
Importantly, the concept of honor and the delicate protocol of communication between those in the ruling classes is painstakingly described and observed. While rising in importance and rank amongst the power players, along with Blackthorne, readers learn about the importance of karma and modesty. Particularly common is Seppuku, or ritual suicide, seen as crazy by Blackthorne to begin with but throughout the story we see his mindset changing.
The law may upset reason but reason may never upset the law, or our whole society will shred like an old tatami. The law may be used to confound reason, reason must certainly not be used to overthrow the law.
I have to shout out the two women who take a semi spotlight in this male heavy book.
Mariko is a converted Christian who is a respected samurai who acts as a translator for Blackthorne and the major power players. She is always annoyed and frustrated by Blackthorne and she treats him like a hawk. Appealing to his preening personality and exercising slow caution and calm.
Fujiko is a young widow appointed to take charge of the household that Toranaga established for Blackthorne. Initially Blackthorne hates her and is disgusted by her, but through her actions she proves her worth and loyalty.
Women were treated as secondary, as worth nothing. Seeing these women still try and retain their dignity and serve the men around them is terrifying and inspiring.
“Always remember, child,” her first teacher had impressed on her, "that to think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral you down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that need disipline –training- is about. So train your mind to dwell on sweet perfumes, the touch of this silk, tender raindrops against the shoji, the curve of the flower arrangement, the tranquillity of dawn. Then, at length, you won't have to make such a great effort and you will be of value to yourself.”
However, I found myself quite bored throughout and I think I only got through it as it was an audiobook.
It was quite dry and it probably didn’t help the perspectives changed frequently but the audiobook gave no indication which made following along sometimes difficult.
Moreover, after 1,150+ pages you would expect a satisfying ending. OH NO. I had to relisten to the last chapter and then look up the ending in case the audiobook had another part I wasn’t aware of. Nope. The book just ends that badly.
I know a lot of reviewers think it is the perfect open ended conclusion, however I felt so frustrated! I thought that at least I would get some satisfaction from reaching the end. UGH.
I watched the tv show along with the audiobook. I completed half the book before starting and made sure to stay ahead in my reading. They obviously cut a lot out, but the actors did a phenomenal job and the visuals were stunning!
All in all, I can’t believe I am saying it, but if you don’t know whether to read the book before watching, just watch the TV show. But be aware, you will have to pay a lot of attention!
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend The Judas Blossoms, or the Dandelion Dynasty!