68 pages • 2 hours read
James ClavellShogun
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Shogun by James Clavell follows English ship pilot John Blackthorne, who is shipwrecked in Japan and becomes entwined in the power struggle of Yoshi Toranaga, a character based on the historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu. Toranaga, vying to become shogun, leverages Blackthorne's European insights against rival warlords. The novel explores cultural exchange, loyalty, and political intrigue during this tumultuous period in Japanese history. The book contains acts of and references to seppuku, or ritual suicide, originally practiced by samurai and others in feudal Japan.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
James Clavell's Shogun is widely praised for its rich historical detail, immersive storytelling, and vivid portrayal of feudal Japan. Critics commend its complex characters and intricate plot. However, some find its extensive length and intricate descriptions overwhelming. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its compelling narrative and cultural exploration despite occasional pacing issues.
Who Should Read Shogun?
A reader who would enjoy Shogun by James Clavell likely appreciates immersive historical fiction with rich cultural details and intricate plots. Fans of The Thorn Birds or The Name of the Rose would find similar enjoyment in its epic storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of a different time and place.
1152
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1600s
1975
Adult
18+ years
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.