In this, the first installation of Bill's Book Club, we plunge into James Clavell's 1975 Shogun
History, adventure and political intrigue in 17th-century Japan combine in James Clavell’s 1975 Shogun to create a captivating experience. With the recent adaptation of this over 1,100 page book on Disney+, there is no better time to revisit this literary epic.
At its centre is John Blackthorne, an English navigator who finds himself shipwrecked in a foreign land. Forced to adapt or die, Blackthorne grapples with unfamiliar customs, strict codes of honour, and a political landscape where survival depends on more than just brute strength.
More than just a historical epic, Shogun is a story of transformation. Blackthorne arrives arrogant and dismissive of Japanese culture, but as he navigates their world, he gains respect for it and even adopts aspects of it. Clavell masterfully immerses the reader in the intricacies of samurai culture. From political maneuvering to the disciplined elegance of tea ceremonies, the world-building remains detailed throughout, making every aspect feel real and engrossing.
The novel’s plot is as complex as its setting. Blackthorne finds himself caught in a dangerous web of shifting alliances, where loyalty is constantly tested and easily broken. His survival depends not only on his adaptability but on his relationships - most notably with Mariko, a noblewoman with a tragic past who serves as his translator and guide. Their bond is layered with trust, misunderstanding and unspoken emotions, making it one of the novel’s most compelling dynamics.
Meanwhile, the political struggles between warlords dominate the background. Toranaga is a brilliant and capable ‘daimyo’, a powerful feudal lord who must carefully balance loyalty, strategy and force to maintain his grip on power. He faces constant threats from rival lords and political factions, forcing him to anticipate their moves and strike before they can weaken him. One of the most fascinating aspects of Toranaga’s character is his ability to manipulate both allies and enemies. In one instance, he feigns vulnerability to lull his opponents into complacency, only to turn the tables at the crucial moment. Toranaga’s deception leaves the reader second-guessing his motives.
As the novel progresses, the tension builds. Battles - both physical and psychological - shape the fates of the characters. Betrayals are frequent. Trust is tested. Blackthorne must decide where his loyalties lie, and whether he can fully assimilate into this new world. Clavell ensures nothing is predictable.
Despite its length, Shogun balances gripping action with quieter, meditative moments. Much like Tolkien’s magical world in The Lord of the Rings, Clavell has a way of making the plot feel both vast and intimate. Whether through a hushed tea ceremony or the weight of an unspoken decision, these moments deepen the experience.
Overall, Shogun isn’t just historical fiction - it’s an experience. It pulls you deep into the intrigues of feudal Japan, making you question ideas of loyalty, power and what it truly means to belong. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page.
Next edition, we’ll be exploring Emily St. John Mandel’s Sea of Tranquility, a novel about time travel and human connection, exploring how different lives intersect across centuries.