43 pages • 1 hour read
Empire of the Sun
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
351
Novel • Fiction
Shanghai, China • 1940s
1984
Adult
18+ years
1130L
Super Short Summary
In Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard, 11-year-old Jim, the son of a wealthy British family in Shanghai, is separated from his parents during the 1941 Japanese attack. Surviving by scavenging, he is captured and spends three years in a prison camp. As the Japanese begin to lose the war and the prisoners face starvation, Jim eventually returns to the camp, now liberated by Americans, and is reunited with his parents.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Dark
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
22,816 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard is praised for its vivid, haunting depiction of a boy's wartime experiences in Shanghai. Ballard's prose is both evocative and poignant, drawing readers into the emotional and physical trials of the protagonist. However, some critics note that certain narrative elements feel detached. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Empire of the Sun?
Readers who enjoy Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard are typically drawn to historical novels with intense emotional depth and personal struggle. They may also appreciate books like The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which explore human resilience against the backdrop of World War II.
22,816 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Basie
Basie
A charismatic and opportunistic former cruise ship entertainer. He uses his street smarts and strategic alliances to thrive in the camp environment.
Dr. Ransome
Dr. Ransome
A doctor who plays a mentoring role for Jim, encouraging civility and education amidst the chaos. His pragmatic approach ensures his own survival while he tries to maintain morale among camp prisoners.
351
Novel • Fiction
Shanghai, China • 1940s
1984
Adult
18+ years
1130L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.