Review: Shōgun by James Clavell

The good:

• Terrific world building. You really get sucked into the world of 17th century Japan.
• A fun look at the culture of Feudal Japan. I suspect much of it is not historically accurate (see below), but I still found it a fascinating read.
• Some fun characters, especially Toranaga and Blackthorn.

The not so good:

• Way, way, way too long. The book is nearly ~1,200 pages, but after you finish it, you realize that not a whole lot has actually happened. There’s a few fights, a large number of baths and massages, some politics, and a bunch of yelling about honor. But the plot doesn’t actually advance all that much.
• Worst of all, for such a long book, the ending is sudden and unsatisfying. You read this book for ages and ages, and suddenly, it just stops, with almost nothing resolved. None of the key plot lines come to a conclusion; none of the characters achieve their goals; no one is avenged.
• I question some of the historical accuracy. Are we really supposed to believe that every single Japanese person was willing to commit Seppuku at the slightest hint of dishonor? Or at any request from their lord? Was every woman a perfectly subservient, uncomplaining sex slave? I’m deeply ignorant of Japanese history, so perhaps I’m wrong about this, but these seem very far outside of human nature.

Overall:

A fun journey through Feudal Japan that is ultimately unsatisfying.

Rating: 3 stars