[[Pasted image 20230221083636.png |150]]

Wasn’t sure I would, but I really enjoyed this book. Started it in late 2022, put it aside and forgot about it over the holidays. Picked it up again in January. Had to reread a bit to get my bearings on the characters, plot, political situation — there’s a lot going on in this book, lots of connections, motivations, etc. to keep up with.

Historical fiction isn’t usually my thing but I’ve enjoyed Pearl S. Buck’s novels a lot. Clavell is a very different writer than Buck. Lots of focus on men doing manly things. But there are also many women, important characters, fully developed, doing important things and often showing more character, strength, foresight, intelligence, control than the men.

Finished this while waiting in the Toronto Airport, so left it there for the next person. I don’t see myself wanting to reread it, but might read another of Clavell’s books.