Update.....

Well, it's been quite awhile since I posted here. However, that's not because I haven't been reading! In recent months I've reread the works of James Clavell and several of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.

I attempted to read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova but gave up as my memory problems were making it somewhat arduous. However, I will go back to it in the future as I did enjoy the parts i can remember (it's a sort of vampire/ historic novel, I suspect with a twist in it somewhere beyond where I read up to!).

I did manage The Last Legion by Valerio Massimio Manfredi which I thoroughly enjoyed; in fact I've ordered another of his novels from the library! The story is of the young Emperor Romulus Augustus fleeing the Empire under the protection of a grizzled veteran legionnaire and an aged druid from Britannia.... it gives a different spin to the Arthurian legend which was interesting. But the novels great strength lies in the ease with which the author evokes the Roman world. He uses few words to paint vivid pictures; he depicts the minutiae of working life in the ancient world with an ease and confidence which feels almost documentary rather than fiction. I later discovered that Manfredi is an Italian Professor of History and Archaeology - so it's hardly surprising his knowledge of Roman life is so impressive! That said what I absolutely enjoyed the most about this book was the following, taken from the acknowledgements:

"....and to Giancarla at Freccia's Bar, whose matchless espresso always starts my day off right."

The bulk of my reading time has been occupied trolling through Terry Brooks' Shannara Chronicles. This huge slab of epic fantasy managed to slip under my radar in my youth, so I thought I would catch up on it now. It's not too taxing (!) and is hugely formulaic, which really helps with my poor memory - I can guess what I've forgotten! The stories are moderately engaging and, although two-dimensional, you know what you're getting with the characters which is comforting. So far I've waded through 5 of the books and have 2 to go (I knw there are later ones as well but frankly I've nearly had enough), so the end is in sight!

I'm sure I've reaad other stuff as well but I can't remember what!

'Gai-Jin' by James Clavell, 1993

For plot info etc see here.

Although this novel is chronologically the third in the Asian Saga it was Clavell's final novel. It is rather sombre and pessimistic in tone throughout. Given that it is based loosely on the Anglo-Satsuma war, and that war is impending throughout, its doomladen atmosphere is understandable. However, this made it a hard book to like initially. It is as if Clavell's love affair with Japanese culture is over. He subtly portrays how European, and increasingly American, concepts of mercantilism, profit and business have infected Japanese culture, to the detriment of all that he so clearly admired in the other novels. It feels as if he has become somewhat bitter about western influences....

This is a good story and is as well written as his other novels. The story moves along quite rapidly. I liked how the character of Tess Struan is so overshadowing, but she never actually appears! Much of the story is tinged with sadness and loss - the world is changing and many are being left behind. The values of bushido are all but lost and where they do survive are increasingly irrelevant in the face of overwhelming capitalism.

I didn't find this as easy a read as the other novels mainly, I think, because of the pessimism throughout. There is a rather harrowing rape scene early on which actually made me feel a bit ill; partly because the perpetrator is a samurai. This would have been unthinkable in 'Shogun'!

I would recommend this to those who have enjoyed other novels in the Asian Saga, but I wouldn't start with this one!

'Shogun' by James Clavell, 1975

For details of plot etc see here.

This is the second time I have read Shogun, the first of six novels from Clavell's Asian Saga. I remember being so gripped by it the first time around that I would stay up well into the early hours reading. The second time was no different!

It is quite a lengthy novel, but it is always gripping and the action is fluidly described and moves along at a good pace. My favourite elements are the culture clashes between Elizabethan Europe and bushido; definitions of honour are quite disparate between the two! I also liked how the catholic church is protrayed and how much of a threat a single Protestant is seen to be.

My one annoyance, and this is true of the rest of the Asian Saga, is that the book just ends. The final passage jumps forward a little in time, but you are left to surmise what has happened by backtracking from later novels.... a little frustrating.

I've realised that most of my understanding of Japanese history and culture stems from this novel! That surely isn't a good thing.

However, it is a great read. Clavell's writing style is fluid and pleasurable. He captures the essence of the characters through their dialogue brilliantly. Afte awhile you don't have to be told who is speaking - you know from their mode of speech etc. I would have liked a map of Japan somewhere in the edition as I kept referring to one in an atlas to see where places are!

When I first read this I didn't realise that it does echo real events in Japan's history. A second reading felt more satisfying with this knowledge.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes hsitorical fiction, although I think most people would find something they enjoy in it.