Shusaku Endo

Shusaku Endo (1923-1996) was a renowned Japanese author known for his novels that delve into the complexities of faith and morality. A Roman Catholic in a predominantly Buddhist nation, Endo's work often reflects his religious beliefs and the struggles associated with being a Christian in Japan. His most famous novel, 'Silence', explores themes of apostasy and persecution of Christians in 17th-century Japan and has been adapted into a film by Martin Scorsese. Endo's literature is celebrated for its deep humanism and insightful exploration of cultural and religious tensions.

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. 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.