Hacker News Reader

Hacker News

Comment by brown9-2 | Hacker News Reader

Parent Full thread

brown9-2

"Shogun" by James Clavell.

Really great historical fiction about 16th century Japan. Quickest 1100 pages I've ever read.

View on HN

Indeed. After I finished it, I was sad for weeks. I just missed being in that world with those people.

None of Clavell's other endeavors even comes close (though Tai-Pan was, relatively speaking, a fun modern romp).

I finished this recently and could not agree more. I've just started the 1980's miniseries via Netflix (no streaming, unfortunately) - I'm only two hours in, but so far it is a great retelling.

One of my top five books. I've read it so many times that the binding broke and the book is now in three pieces. I'm amazed that James Clavell managed to capture the culture so well.

Would you recommend any of his followup books? I'm worried that stories with different characters, time periods etc won't have the same feel.

I've read only Noble House. It's quite rich on the culture--maybe not so much as Shogun--and captures the setting quite well, but I didn't find it nearly as entrancing as Shogun.

Worth a read, still.

Likewise. Noble House was a good read, but Shogun was much better.

Clavell's whole Asian Saga (Shogun, Tai-Pan, Gai-Jin, King Rat, Noble House, and Whirlwind) is amazing. My favorite is Tai-Pan - the book had a tremendous impact on me, and I'd imagine it would appeal to every real entrepreneur. The underlying themes are freedom, individualism, honor, risk-taking, and ultimately, building something and defending it.

After Shogun I read a bunch of his books. The only one that stood out for me was Rat King.

> Rat King

It didn't stand out enough for you to get the title right though ;)

Tai Pan, King Rat.

I read that about 10 years ago. I need to revisit it again since I don't think I have ever managed to finish it without long periods of rest inbetween parts.

That said I totally agree. Excellent book.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com