Gai-Jin

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. "Engrossing…entertaining…the broad portrait is accurate and as colorful as an ancient Kabuki play." "Exhilarating…a rich, enveloping novel." "A well-told story…few eras of Japanese history were more violent, turbulent, and politically exasperating than the 1860s…Mr. Clavell revels in the turbulence of political death and rebirth." "A grand historical perspective that makes us feel we're understanding how today's Japan came into being…Absorbing…Full of rich characters and complicated action." "Gai-Jin is Shōgun plus!…Great entertainment." "Gai-Jin is major reading. If you like Clavell's other novels, you'll surely sink your teeth into this one. He is a master at capturing the Japanese persona…He dives deep into the complexitites of a monarchic society and the early attempts at cross-cultural negotiations. The result is nothing less than a saga." "With great skill and intelligence…Gai-Jin is just the ticket. It has it all: murders, battles, rapes, earthquakes, sword fights, insanely convoluted political intrigues, and innumerable accounts of 'pillowing' with beautiful women." "Interesting, exciting…James Clavell fans will love it!" "Clavell keeps you turning the pages." "Compelling…The Japanese love fine jubako-lacquered boxes that fit within boxes that are in boxes. In Gai-Jin, James Clavell has written a jubako of a novel." "Unceasingly satisfying…Clavell is in top-notch form…He again melds plot-driven storytelling and colorful characterization in vibrant collaboration with an exotic, dynamic setting." "Once you're into it, you…are swept along by spirited storytelling…Clavell writes at full throttle as if infused by the soul of Alexandre Dumas…You get your money's worth if you want to spend it here."