What do you think about James Clavell as an author?

[PhotonicGuy]

I reread recently Shogun, by James Clavell and now I want to reread Tai-Pan and Noble House. These books I have read for the first time when I was in high-school and I liked them very much. Now, I like Shogun even more than then. I consider him one of the best authors. What do you think about him and his books?

[Hikkomijian]

I've read only "Shogun". But I've got to say, The plot of the book was very interesting and good. I was reading it with great pleasure, and I sometimes took it with my to my school, what I rarely do. It's a pity that Clavell, in his book, set the wrong image of Japan it these days.

[PhotonicGuy]

Well, you must read Noble House and Tai-Pan. I admit that Shogun is his greatest book, but these two are also good. And what are you referring to when you say that he “set the wrong image of Japan in these days”? I’m not sure I understand.

[Hikkomijian]

I mean not true. During reading it, I spoted a several things, that, I've read, were impossible in XVI century.
About other books, I will read it for sure, but I don't know yet, when I suppose to do it ;p.
Which one, excluding Shougun of course, would you recommend me to read as the first(/better) one?

[Perrywinkle47]

What's the central theme of his books?

[MatDatPhatKat]

I've read Shogun, Tai-Pan and Whirwind (Iranian Revolution). I really liked Shogun & Tai-Pan, but I was less enamoured with Whirlwind. He's an amazingly accomplished author. His books are epic and incredibly well researched.
With Whirlwind, I actually read 9/10ths of it and then got fed up. Never finished it. I should have just persevered and read the last 150 pages or so.
Reading an author like James Clavell makes you realise that there are people who write books and there are 'authors'. His books are major achievements that very few of us could ever hope to match. That's not to say that there's anything wrong with more 'throw-away' fiction. I love a good Lee Child page turner as much as the next person!

[varnish7]

Personally, I couldn't stand "Shogun". When I first started reading the book, I thought it would be the typical "two diverse people/cultures encounter one another, and even though they initially mistrust each other, they end up learning from and respecting each other." However, everything was just so blatantly in favor of the Japanese, that it was ridiculous. The Japanese characters apparently thought nothing of slaughtering people for innocent mistakes. But apparently the fact that they practiced better personal hygiene than Anjin and his crew made them the morally superior ones. I know it's supposed to be a different place and time, but I just could not wrap my head around that logic.

[mikejean]

yap he have qualities like an author
he can become but he need to some improvment

[NancyJillThames]

Absolutely loved all of Clavell's books. I would read one, pass it on to my husband, he would read it and then I'd do the same over and over until we were all read out! It was great fun.

[Maud Fitch]

My late father enjoyed James Clavell's novels. I can remember trying to read an old paperback version of King Rat, book 4 in the Asian Saga series, and feeling very uncomfortable with it. It was based in the notorious prison Changi which still makes headlines today. Clavell never shied away from a bit of controversy.

[vansusa]

Absolutely loved all of Clavell's books
vans,shoes,usa

[Chris Blue]

My late father enjoyed James Clavell's novels. I can remember trying to read an old paperback version of King Rat, book 4 in the Asian Saga series, and feeling very uncomfortable with it. It was based in the notorious prison Changi which still makes headlines today. Clavell never shied away from a bit of controversy.

Wasn't he imprisoned in Changi during the war? I think King Rat was based on his experiences there. I will have to go check now..........

I have read all the books in his Asian Saga, but I am yet to encounter anyone (aside from my brother) who has read The Children's Story. A very quick but effective read and I would recommend it if you enjoy his writing.

[davdo]

Loved Shogun which I recently reread. I also read Noble House many, many years ago and I remember liking it a lot! What is the Asian Saga? Thanks!!