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reallyrickety's review against another edition
2.0
This book was long, riddled with too many characters, and not very interesting. Worst of all, there was literally NO climax??
gmuller's review against another edition
2.0
It doesn't rank with Shogun or King Rat. In places I found myself asking whether this aspect of the story was necessary. At the end of Shogun I felt that I better understood the Tokugawas rise to power. At the end of Tai Pan I felt I better understood the foundation of Hong Kong. At the end of Gai-Jin I didn't feel as though I had a better understanding of the foundation of modern Japan. Perhaps I'm making an unfair comparison, but I've come to expect something more than episode from one of Clavell's work. Gai-Jin was a confused jumble of stories and characters that too heavily utilized the fish-out-of-water trope for Westerners and Japanese alike.
duparker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Such a rich novel with history, great characters and a fun story about intrigue and love. The family dynasty aspect is well played out, even if the main character isn't as strongly written or portrayed as his predecessor. It's amazing to me how easily digestible a 1200 page novel can be if the writing is crisp and passionate about the subject.
bookreviews1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bee_sib's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lfido12's review against another edition
4.0
A historical fiction novel about European foreigners trying to set up business and trade in 1862 Japan. It is a very well written, highly engaging novel that has a large cast of interesting characters. The book mostly follows the drama of the foreigners with bits about Japan culture at the time as well. There is dealings with the Noble House, which is seen in other books in the series as well. It is an absolutely fantastic book. There is only one part that really drags on for no real reason, with how big this book is, it would have been nice to edit that down.
tamagai's review against another edition
4.0
Great historical fiction of Japan in the brink of westernization. However, one main character annoyed me until the very end
helenewallace's review against another edition
2.0
My least favorite thus far. Maybe it’s dated but found Angelique’s character poorly written. Her reaction to the rape was not believable and her later actions also didn’t make sense. Feel like you need to relate to her to enjoy the book.