Shōgun (Asian Saga, #1) in Around the World in 80 Books

Feb 08, 2016 Amar Patel rated it really liked it

An epic adventure through 16th century Japan, learning a great deal about culture, politics, and how the smallest of decisions can have huge consequences, through a domino effect. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author would develop the plot, by questioning the motives of each main character, and working through all the consequences - akin to a game of chess, and this analogy was played out constantly with the many politics. The romance throughout the book was surreal; it was beautiful the way ...more

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Aug 04, 2022 Karen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: travel-2022, 2022-chunky-book-challenge

I started this book years ago, but never finished it. I had forgotten so much of what I did read, so I am really glad I was motivated to read it and finish it.

One of my favorite scenes was the Tea Ceremony.

It's a story of adventure, of a foreigner, John Blackthorne, aka Anjin-san (or pilot) along with his Dutch crew is lost at sea and finds himself in seventeen century Nippon.
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Mar 10, 2015 Wes F rated it really liked it · review of another edition

An incredibly sweeping drama that takes place in 16th century Japan, where there is a struggle on for who will ultimately control the nation. A Dutch ship, captained by an Englishman, washes ashore and its crew find themselves thrown into the mix. Loved the twisting plot and well-developed characters, as well as all that you learn about Japanese samurai culture. The ship & captain are loosely based on a true story--and Clavell has definitely done his homework in order to convey a good sense of a ...more

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