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.

1. 1. Shogun

   

   Set in the 17th century, this novel follows an English sailor who becomes a samurai in feudal Japan. The protagonist, shipwrecked and stranded in a foreign land, must navigate the complex political and cultural landscape of the time, filled with war, intrigue, honor, and love. The story is rich in historical detail, providing a vivid depiction of Japanese society during the Tokugawa Shogunate era.

   The 1664th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. King Rat

   

   Set in a Japanese POW camp during World War II, the narrative revolves around the lives of Western prisoners who struggle to survive under harsh conditions. The story focuses on an American corporal, known for his savvy trading and black market dealings within the camp, earning him the nickname "King Rat." His entrepreneurial spirit and cunning allow him to rise above the desperate circumstances, but his actions and morality are called into question as he forms complex relationships with fellow prisoners. The book explores themes of survival, power dynamics, and the moral ambiguities of life in captivity, as alliances are formed and tested in the face of adversity and the fight to stay alive.

   The 3745th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Gai Jin

   

   Set in 19th-century Japan during a time of cultural upheaval and Western influence, the story follows the intricate lives of both Japanese and foreign characters navigating the complexities of power, tradition, and modernization. The narrative centers around the political and personal struggles of a young British trader who becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of samurai politics and the clash between Eastern and Western ideologies. As alliances shift and tensions rise, the characters must confront their own ambitions and loyalties in a rapidly changing world.