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A review by xkrow
Silence by Shūsaku Endō
3.5
Some strong characterizations with big questions clash against the otherwise simple and repetitive nature of this short book. Spoilers follow.
I was originally intrigued by the book's question of "Did Fererra apostatize?", but that was quickly undone when I read through the introduction a little bit and it told me the answer. Grumble. Outside of that, the major question really is, "How will Rodriguez deal with the great opposition to his role, and what will it mean for his view on his faith?" This part is handled well I think. After many unfortunate moments, Rodriguez asks and wonders at the silence of God. He questions why such a kind god would let his followers be brutalized in this manner.
This also appears within the other central question of the book: why did Jesus, who was kind to all, say to Judas, "That thou doest, do quickly"? He knew he was condemning Judas to hell, but why he did bring him into his close circle? This relationship is paralleled with Rodriguez and Kikijiro, who who betrays him. Rodriguez begins to hate him for it, for his weakness, for his cowardice. His inner feeling make him doubt the love of "that man" (as Jesus is referred to many times). But later, Rodriguez realizes how much it pains Kikijiro to live as himself. To be faced in making these choices that harm him, the recognition of his weakness. His own anguish. And it is in recognition of this anguish does Rodriguez utters these words, not out of hate, but to relieve the pain within the other. The act Rodriguez viewed and questioned as one of cruelty now becomes to him an act of love, and informs his own ultimate decision at the end.
There are also some interesting questions about the differences in religious institution, even ones that worship the same God but perceive them to be different.
I was originally intrigued by the book's question of "Did Fererra apostatize?", but that was quickly undone when I read through the introduction a little bit and it told me the answer. Grumble. Outside of that, the major question really is, "How will Rodriguez deal with the great opposition to his role, and what will it mean for his view on his faith?" This part is handled well I think. After many unfortunate moments, Rodriguez asks and wonders at the silence of God. He questions why such a kind god would let his followers be brutalized in this manner.
This also appears within the other central question of the book: why did Jesus, who was kind to all, say to Judas, "That thou doest, do quickly"? He knew he was condemning Judas to hell, but why he did bring him into his close circle? This relationship is paralleled with Rodriguez and Kikijiro, who who betrays him. Rodriguez begins to hate him for it, for his weakness, for his cowardice. His inner feeling make him doubt the love of "that man" (as Jesus is referred to many times). But later, Rodriguez realizes how much it pains Kikijiro to live as himself. To be faced in making these choices that harm him, the recognition of his weakness. His own anguish. And it is in recognition of this anguish does Rodriguez utters these words, not out of hate, but to relieve the pain within the other. The act Rodriguez viewed and questioned as one of cruelty now becomes to him an act of love, and informs his own ultimate decision at the end.
There are also some interesting questions about the differences in religious institution, even ones that worship the same God but perceive them to be different.