A review by bobbo49
Gai-Jin by James Clavell

challenging informative reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 Whew. Another massive tome in which the characters on all sides are intimately drawn and relationships developed with each other and their opponents, as the history of the time - Japan in the 1860s - is unraveled. The main characters are related to English and French businesses operating in Yokohama, as America enters a civil war and the demand for Asian trade increases. At the same time, the native Japanese are struggling to regain control of their country through their shogunate. The foreigners - Gai-Jin - compete and battle each other for power and control of the trade, and simultaneously struggle against the Japanese to maintain control of the country and its commerce. And in the midst of this historical saga, numerous interpersonal relationships are developed and unspooled. A bit longer than necessary, but overall, a very good, informative read.