I haven't but a book I read recently was by a Japanese crime writer of the 'golden age' (ie he was writing in the 20s and 30s): The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo. It was a classic 'locked room' mystery and one of a series featuring 'Detective Kindaichi'. An excellent translation and a good, solid mystery!
It's a history we in the west know so little about. As a student of the English Civil Wars, what was happening in Japan had its parallels in Europe. I found it interesting how heavily Clavell leaned into the true story! His research was impeccable.
Wow! This is a superb post. I love reading Japanese history. I’ve been meaning to watch Shogun and now your post has really motivated me :D
I hope you enjoy it! It’s not an easy watch but understanding the history behind the story might help.
Loving (and also looking away when I can) Shogun. I love the intrigue and politics, it's like living inside a game of chess.
That is an excellent analogy and beneath the gentility and the mannered life, lay ruthlessness and an almost careless disregard for life.
When he draws them a map of their known world, and explains the way other nations are dividing the 'new world' into pieces.
Have you read Susan Spann's Hiro Hattori/Shinobi Mysteries series? Absolutely incredible.
I haven't but a book I read recently was by a Japanese crime writer of the 'golden age' (ie he was writing in the 20s and 30s): The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo. It was a classic 'locked room' mystery and one of a series featuring 'Detective Kindaichi'. An excellent translation and a good, solid mystery!
Thanks Alison, I found this really fascinating.
It's a history we in the west know so little about. As a student of the English Civil Wars, what was happening in Japan had its parallels in Europe. I found it interesting how heavily Clavell leaned into the true story! His research was impeccable.