Shogun, James Clavell.

Inspired by the recent adaptation which fell short in a couple ways for me, I went back to the novel which I listened to a few years ago and found it… doesn’t quite hold up as well as I remember. At the very least, I wish there were an abridged version, or even better, a full-cast abridged dramatization. There’s just so much of it and much of it is repetitive or unnecessary, at least the second time around, in my opinion. There’s too much glorification of a hyper-violent fascist feudalism for my taste. Also, it isn’t quite as accurate as it would like to be- No carrier pigeons in Japan at that time, and the author gets some of the Japanese wrong for instance.

That said, it really is quite a good book. The politics and drama, while somewhat exhausting, are also gripping and anxiety-inducing on behalf of the characters. The world feels real and lived-in, and invites and rewards investment and attention. The climax is especially rewarding.

I give it 6/10: Well worth it if you have the time and like historical fiction and political drama. Could be a slog for those with short attention spans, like myself. Ralph Lister is a great narrator. I recommend an abridged version if possible.