Shogun by James Clavell

[papayahed]

Anybody wanna read it with me? Please?

[Scheherazade]

Anybody wanna read it with me? Please?How can anyone say, "no" to that?

:yesnod:

When is the ESD?

[Calidore]

Suggested follow-up: Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. It's a very entertaining fictionalized biography of Miyamoto Musashi that begins right after the huge battle that ends Shogun.

[Abookinthebath]

Have my copy ordered, to be picked up tomorrow.... I might need a HIAB given the size of the damn thing, but I will get it home somehow!

[cafolini]

Very few books tell the story of Japan the way Shogun does. A must read for those interested in explaining a lot of the Japanese personality all the way up to 1945. And even the few pauperous NeoThese and NeoThats of today are related.

[Abookinthebath]

I'm good to go whenever and my friendly librarian was very enthusiastic about my choice!!

My back is not so enthusiastic about carrying the 1162 pages though!

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I read it a few years back. It's good, but way too long to give a second read. Plus, it got a little too sappy at points for my taste.

[Scheherazade]

Got my copy finally!

When do we start?

[Abookinthebath]

Got my copy finally!

When do we start?


My index finger is poised and ready....

[Scheherazade]

My index finger is poised and ready....You got a Braille copy?

[papayahed]

Shall we start now then??

[mtpspur]

Read it at least 10-15 years ago and have pleasant memories of it but my son got the copy. Still want to get the miniseries on DVD someday but way down on the prioroty list. Happy reading.

[Abookinthebath]

You got a Braille copy?

Nope, audiobook. finger is hovering over the play button - is that cheating? :prrr:


Shall we start now then??

Sounds good to me!:banana:

[papayahed]

The guy's name is Blackthorne. I'm wondering if that means anything?

[Scheherazade]

:prrr:

:banana:Oh, great... You discovered the smilie box!
The guy's name is Blackthorne. I'm wondering if that means anything?Wondered the same thing and looked up its meaning: "Protector".

Finished Prologue and Chapter 1. Like the way the author fills in the gaps in our cultural-knowledge of Japan and of the times: little nuggets provided through various characters thoughts and feelings.

Also enjoying the rich swearing language. They are quite creative!

[Abookinthebath]

[QUOTE]Oh, great... You discovered the smilie box!

Yeah, these smilies are awesome!!:cornut:



Wondered the same thing and looked up its meaning: "Protector". This is something I had not even considered!! I am such an amateur! Note to self - must pay more attention!

[Scheherazade]

I am not reading as much as I should these days, unfortunately, and have just finished Ch.4. Enjoying the way the story is unfolding and all the scheming going on!

Clavell knows how to write a page turner, no doubt.

Any favorite characters so far? Omi is standing out for me.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

It is a book I'd like to read again. I would for sure if it was shorter. I want to check out some of his other books.

I don't know how accurate the depiction of Samurai culture is, though. Looking at reviews, people say it's completely accurate to completely false, and everything in between. Seeing as how the depiction of Samurai culture really is the strongest area of the book, the possibility that it isn't true took a little away from the book for me. I chose to think it was accurate, but there was that doubt.

I'd love a definitive answer as to how accurate it is. It did seem overly-romanticized in some parts.

[Scheherazade]

I don't know how accurate the depiction of Samurai culture is, though. Looking at reviews, people say it's completely accurate to completely false, and everything in between. Seeing as how the depiction of Samurai culture really is the strongest area of the book, the possibility that it isn't true took a little away from the book for me. I am not a fan of historical fiction in general because of the liberties the authors usually take with the facts. I sincerely hope that the cultural and historical aspects of this book are accurate as well because I am really enjoying it so far (onto Part 2).

Interesting that already picking couple of Japanese words... Which make me wondered if the Japanese language developed like English and how different the modern Japanese is different from that of 500 years ago's.

It is also fascinating to read about how all geographical discoveries were made... How resilient and determined people were/are... And at the bottom of it all is always the desire to trade, make money or find riches.

Yes, truly fascinating.

[Scheherazade]

Done, by the way.