Gai-Jin
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4.2 • 86 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
The dynamic epic novel of political upheaval and societal change in late 1800s Japan, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell
This epic novel by master writer James Clavell, loosely based on the Namamugi Incident and Anglo-Satsuma War that took place in the late 1800s, is a richly researched, panoramic view of Japan’s budding relationship with the Western powers, its sweeping societal changes, and the political upheaval that followed.
As Malcolm Struan, the son of Culum and Tess Struan, and a small band of Westerners travel down the Tōkaidō road, they are attacked by two Satsuma samurai, who mortally wound John Canterbury and seriously injure Malcolm, who then finds reprieve in the merchant village of Yokohama after a narrow escape facilitated by the unscathed Angelique.
Angelique Richaud, Malcolm’s penniless but beautiful French companion, is thrown into a world of political intrigue, fierce devotion, unstable family dynamics, blackmail, and secrets as the trading houses battle for supremacy.
With a cast of dynamic and fully recognized characters, Gai-Jin spins a tale of passionate love affairs, devastating loss, intense power struggles, and the fight to survive and thrive in a hostile new land that will leave readers longing for another foray into Clavell’s extraordinary Asian Saga.
Customer Reviews
Interesting read
Always enjoy his books. This one had an long and illustrious background and story line but only tied together in the last chapter or so without really concluding. Like it could lead to another book (maybe it does?).
Interesting - long
You definitely get your money’s worth with Clavell’s novels. So many characters and subplots, I found it difficult to follow at times. Shogun was much easier to follow (the recent series a big let down). But if you’re not intent in reading entirety in a few sittings, you will learn much of late 1800s Japanese customs, culture, and mindset -even some useful Japanese words.
Excellent
Very detailed, slow start to an engrossing and well-written book.