I'm a big of taking on large, hopefully rewarding books over the summer. With the added time to be able to engage and read more, it's sometimes fun to take on those books that would take months to get through at other times of the year. So, I thought I'd give James Clavell's epic Shogun a try. Besides being a over 40 years old, it's been on a few lists of books recommendations I follow. That, plus the new award winning Hulu miniseries that everyone’s been talking about, made me want to give it a shot. Unfortunately, it didn't meet my high expectations.
As this books is over a thousand pages, it’s not something you just breeze through in a week. That being said, there are plenty of parts that that make you want to keep going. The story follows John Blackthorne, an English pilot who shipwrecks in Japan in the early 1600s, and gets pulled into the political and cultural world of the samurai. Clavell’s detail is incredible; he clearly did his research, and the immersion in Japanese society and customs is fascinating. Some of the set pieces, like Blackthorne learning how the culture works or navigating loyalty to the warlords, are really engaging. I read that for many original readers of this book, this was how many around the world learned about Japan.
There are also some fantastic characters beyond Blackthorne. Toranaga, the powerful daimyo, is a brilliant mix of strategist and manipulator. I never quite knew what he was thinking until the move is already made. Mariko is another standout, a woman caught between cultures who ends up being the emotional core of the story. Their arcs, and the relationships they have with Blackthorne, give the book some of its best moments.
However, the length is daunting. There are whole sections that feel like they could have been trimmed, and after a while, the politics between the different lords start to blur together. It’s also packed with characters, some of whom fade in and out, so it’s not always easy to keep track of who matters most. There's simply too many people in the story. And while the depth is impressive, Clavell doesn’t always know when to stop explaining. It can get pretty dense, which makes it a slow read at times. Yet, ironically, with all the time he takes on certain parts I found the end incomplete and unfulfilling. That was frustrating!
I'm writing this having finished the book and am halfway through the miniseries. Honestly, if I were to do it again, I think I'd just watch thew show. It's beautifully shot, and in many ways, takes the best parts of the book and even makes them stronger.
The book is… massive. Still, when the book is working, it’s fantastic. The clash of cultures, the rise of power struggles, and the vivid sense of place really do transport you. It’s a commitment, but if you’re willing to settle into something long and detailed, it can be rewarding. I’m glad I read it, though I’ll admit the show moves a little faster and spares you some of the bloat.
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