Shōgun, Part One Audiobook By James Clavell cover art

Shōgun, Part One

The Asian Saga, Book 1.1

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Shōgun, Part One

By: James Clavell
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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By the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell’s Shogun is soon to be a major FX/Hulu TV series!

Shogun, the classic epic novel of feudal Japan that captured the heart of a culture and the imagination of the world, is now available for the first time in serial format. Part One contains the first half of the complete novel.

After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen—Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is seventeenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne’s loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.

Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, Shogun is a critically acclaimed powerhouse of a book. Heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action melds seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the best-selling novels of all time but one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, Shogun is, as the New York Times put it, ‘'not only something you read—you live it.’‘

Also available: Shogun: Part Two

©1975 James Clavell (P)2015 Blackstone Publishing
Historical Fiction Classics Heartfelt Historical Romance Middle Ages Feel-Good China
Captivating Storyline • Rich Characterization • Historical Authenticity • Cultural Insights • Political Intrigue

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Always a treat when a narrator can perform so many characters so well. Some reviewers say he’s over-the-top - I can see that, and at times I had to I lower the volume when Blackthorn and Yabushige become bellicose, which is often. But Ralph Lister is now a fav. On par with narrators of Cutting for Stone or The Power of One.

Narration is excellent, plus, a must-have for more series background

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Totally in love with the Japanese ways , especially the women and how humble but smart they are. I’m excited to hear the next book and begin the series. I have seen the Samurai movie with Tom Cruise and it’s very similar to the book.

Love a great read before watching the series

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Decided to listen to the books before watching the series, so glad that I did what a mesmerizing book!! 

Mesmerized, great book

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This file is in desperate need of an audio engineer. I would very much recommend reading this book, but find a different audiobook platform that has a better quality copy.

Audible, please fix the mastering on this file

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fascinating story of ancient Japan. Shogun is well researched and exciting. highly recommend, especially for anyone visiting Japan. a classic.

excellent

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