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 ...
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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 TMkaidM 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.
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Add this copy of Gai-Jin to cart. $11.12, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1994 by Dell Publishing Company.
Add this copy of Gai-Jin: a Novel of Japan to cart. $95.25, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1994 by Dell.
This is not a book for someone who wants instant action and results. It is long and drawn out with many diversions. There are so many characters that it is hard to remember who is who as the scenes change, which they constantly do. But I found myself getting so involved with many of the characters that I was versing, out loud, my own criticisms toward some and only praising a couple of them. The love affair between both under aged Malcom and Angelique is the basic story and holds the book together. It is somewhat hard to conceive "children" being on their own that far from home without major adult supervision, however it creates interesting situations of naivete' and decietfullness. Angelique's transformation from a child brides grief to a cold and calculating adult is almost too quick but somewhat fits in with her upbringing and deceptive instructions. Be prepared to spend a lot of time studying characters, who they are and what their allegiences are. The feud between the Struans and Brocks is still ongoing but the other theme of this book really centers around Japanese politics of "old" verses "new" with both sides wanting the "gai-gin" out of their country.
