You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Since I was in junior high school, I have read about the history of Christian martyrdom in such books as [b:Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks|8964|Jesus Freaks Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks (Jesus Freaks, #1)|D.C. Talk|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1298413727s/8964.jpg|11859] and even about the current persecution of Christians as reported by such organizations as The Voice of the Martyrs. Martyrdom and persecution, for any faith, has often been portrayed in stark black-and-white terms. In this deeply unnerving, but thoughtful novel, Mr. Endo examines martyrdom, persecution and faith more deeply.
This book follows the trials of one Sebastian Rodrigues, a Portuguese priest in the 17th century, who learns that his beloved teacher, Christóvao Ferreira, has apostatized in Japan. Traveling to Japan, Rodriguez hopes to learn the truth about Ferreira's fate and serve the persecuted church in this hostile environment. There is a certain sense throughout much of the book that Rodrigues is also hoping for glorious martyrdom as well. However, as Rodrigues encounters the Japanese church and the Japanese people, he finds that nothing is as clear as he first assumed when he left Portugal.
This book can be brutal at times. Rodrigues encounters much suffering and is left wondering why the Lord is silent in the midst of it all. And it also leaves the reader with a lot of questions. Mr. Endo does not answer them and leaves much up to the imagination. The book can also be a little too vague at times. There were a few key moments in the book that I had to go back and read because I completely missed something. I'm not sure if this is a feature of the text or of the translation. I would recommend a careful reading of this book so that others do not speed through some key plot points.
On the whole, this was a deeply satisfying look at faith in a hostile environment. I believe it's themes will stick with me long after I have finished it and I would recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians alike.
This book follows the trials of one Sebastian Rodrigues, a Portuguese priest in the 17th century, who learns that his beloved teacher, Christóvao Ferreira, has apostatized in Japan. Traveling to Japan, Rodriguez hopes to learn the truth about Ferreira's fate and serve the persecuted church in this hostile environment. There is a certain sense throughout much of the book that Rodrigues is also hoping for glorious martyrdom as well. However, as Rodrigues encounters the Japanese church and the Japanese people, he finds that nothing is as clear as he first assumed when he left Portugal.
This book can be brutal at times. Rodrigues encounters much suffering and is left wondering why the Lord is silent in the midst of it all. And it also leaves the reader with a lot of questions. Mr. Endo does not answer them and leaves much up to the imagination. The book can also be a little too vague at times. There were a few key moments in the book that I had to go back and read because I completely missed something. I'm not sure if this is a feature of the text or of the translation. I would recommend a careful reading of this book so that others do not speed through some key plot points.
On the whole, this was a deeply satisfying look at faith in a hostile environment. I believe it's themes will stick with me long after I have finished it and I would recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians alike.