Shogun

by James Clavell
Shogun cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4334
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Publisher: Atheneum Books
  • Published: 1975-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Shōgun is a gripping tale set in early seventeenth-century Japan, where the clash of cultures and the struggle for power take center stage. The story revolves around the ambitious Lord Toranaga, the enigmatic Lady Mariko, and the Englishman Blackthorne, each with their own motivations and loyalties. As these characters navigate the treacherous political landscape, their actions and decisions shape the fate of a nation. The novel delves deep into the complexities of Japanese society, exploring themes of honor, betrayal, and the impact of Western influence on a traditional culture. James Clavell's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life a world where every alliance is fragile and every decision could mean the difference between power and downfall.

Reviews
Woehammer · 2024-10-13
profound 4.50

The book is more than a simple adventure tale; it's a meditation on power, loyalty, and cultural understanding.

The reviewer sees 'Shogun' as more than a simple adventure tale. It's a deep exploration of power, loyalty, and cultural understanding, making it a profound and thought-provoking read. The characters and their interactions are richly drawn, providing a nuanced look at the complexities of the era. The book's historical accuracy and cultural insights make it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    Shogun is more than a simple adventure tale; it's a meditation on power, loyalty, and cultural understanding.

    The characters and their interactions are richly drawn.

    The book's historical accuracy and cultural insights make it a standout work.

Thomas P. King · 2021-01-08
ambitious 4.50

Rich history and characters drive this epic. The book is ambitious and expansive, with dozens of well-developed characters.

The reviewer highlights the rich history and characters that drive 'Shogun'. The book is ambitious and expansive, with dozens of well-developed characters, each with their own families, ambitions, strengths, and weaknesses. The depth of the characters and the historical detail make it a compelling read. The book's length and complexity can be challenging, but the reward is a deeply immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    Rich history and characters drive this epic.

    The book is ambitious. Expansive. There are dozens of characters, each with families, ambitions, strengths, weaknesses, histories, inner lives.

    The depth of the characters and the historical detail make it a compelling read.

The New York Times · 1975-06-22
exhausting 4.00

The book is an epic journey that is both irresistible and exhausting. It's a rich tapestry of characters and historical detail.

The reviewer found 'Shogun' to be an epic journey that is both irresistible and exhausting. The book is a rich tapestry of characters and historical detail, making it a significant achievement. The depth of the characters and the meticulous research make it a standout work. However, the sheer length and complexity can be overwhelming, making it a challenging but rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    It's irresistible, maybe unforgettable and, finally, exhausting.

    Two volumes in one, and a half million words.

    Clavell spent four years writing it, and it shows.

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