Shūsaku Endō
Shūsaku Endō (1923–1996) was a renowned Japanese author known for his novels that delve into themes of morality, faith, and the complexities of human nature. His Roman Catholic beliefs often play a significant role in his storytelling, reflecting his experiences as a Christian in a predominantly non-Christian nation. One of his most famous works is the novel 'Silence,' which explores the persecution of Christians in 17th-century Japan and has been adapted into a film by Martin Scorsese.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Silence
"Silence" is a historical novel set in the 17th century, which follows a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who travels to Japan to comfort local Christians and find his mentor, who is rumored to have renounced his faith. The protagonist experiences the brutal persecution of Christians by the Japanese government, and grapples with the silence of God in the face of suffering. The narrative explores themes of faith, doubt, cultural clash, and the human capacity for both cruelty and endurance.
The 1157th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Deep River
"Deep River" is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and redemption, told through the intertwined narratives of four Japanese survivors of World War II. Each character carries their own personal trauma and guilt, leading them on separate spiritual journeys that converge at India's holy Ganges River. As they grapple with their pasts and seek forgiveness and meaning in their lives, the novel delves into themes of cultural clash, religious conflict, and the human capacity for love and understanding amidst pain.
The 4041st Greatest Book of All Time
