We learn about the many faces of Japanese. Some wants to cast them out, while some wants more trading and to learn their secrets. We follow the conflicts between people of different religions and how foreigners are seen in Japan. They end up being stranded and captured after a storm and that’s where the sprawling tale begins. A ship with English and Dutch crew, whom are protestants, tries to find their own way to that lucrative trading. The catholic nation of Portugal has trade routes and relations with Japan. Japan in the 1600 is ruled by a council of 5 powerful Daimyō, acting as regents for the young emperor. But the stories are separate from each other and it can still be seen as a complete “series”. Clavell had more novels planned, but died shortly after the release of Gai-Jin. While the main characters are mostly British, you get a diverse point of view thanks to the many different side characters from all kinds of different backgrounds. They all tell a tale based on real people and events, during a nearly 400 year long period. James Clavell wrote 6 books about the British entry to eastern Asia.
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