Title: Silence
Author: Shūsaku Endō
First published January 1, 1966
219 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800871864 (ISBN10: 0800871863)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
Silence, the masterpiece of Shusaku Endo, is a truly remarkable novel that captivates readers with its unique treatment and compelling storyline. Set in seventeenth-century Japan, the book follows the journey of a Portuguese priest who faces unimaginable persecution during a time of great turmoil and fear for the Christian community.
Endo’s unparalleled storytelling skills transport readers to this turbulent era, making them feel a part of the story as they witness the priest’s struggles and triumphs. Silence is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and a captivating plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Shusaku Endo was a renowned Japanese author born in Tokyo in 1923. Growing up in Kobe, he was raised by his mother and aunt and became a Roman Catholic at just eleven years old.
Endo attended Keio University in Tokyo, where he studied French literature and earned his BA in 1949. He then went on to study French Catholic literature at the University of Lyon in France from 1950 to 1953.
Throughout his career, Endo explored the theme of Christianity’s struggle to take root in Japan, a topic that he wrote about in several languages, including English, French, Russian, and Swedish. Before his passing in 1996, Endo received numerous literary awards in Japan, including the Akutagawa Prize, Mainichi Cultural Prize, Shincho Prize, and Tanizaki Prize.
Editoral Review
Silence by Shūsaku Endō is a masterpiece of Japanese literature, first published in 1966. The author explores themes of faith, doubt, and the struggle of mankind in the face of adversity.
The novel is a haunting portrayal of the persecution of Christians in Japan during the seventeenth century. Set in the early seventeenth century, the novel tells the story of Father Sebastian Rodrigues, a Portuguese Jesuit priest who sets out to Japan in search of his former mentor, Father Cristóvão Ferreira.
The Catholic Church has been prohibited in Japan, and Christians are hunted and mercilessly punished for their faith. Father Rodrigues is soon forced to confront his own beliefs as he witnesses the suffering of the Christian community he came to serve.
Endō’s poetic writing style takes us on a journey through Japan, giving readers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. In contrast to the beautiful setting, the novel is filled with scenes of brutal torture and persecution, making it a very intense and emotional read.
The author does an exceptional job of delving deeply into the psyche of his characters, particularly Father Rodrigues, who is both deeply devoted to his faith and plagued with doubt. Endō makes the reader question fundamental ideas of faith and spirituality, and challenges us to consider our own beliefs.
Silence is not just a work of fiction. It has significant historical and cultural importance as it sheds light on a little-known period in Japan’s history.
The novel also deals with themes that are still relevant today, such as religious intolerance and the search for meaning in a world marked by conflict and chaos. Endō’s writing is poetic and evocative, and the pacing of the story is measured and deliberate.
The author’s skill at recreating the mindset of his characters is undeniable, as is his ability to create vivid and visceral scenes that linger in the mind long after the book is finished. The only limitation of the novel is that it may prove too intense for some readers, particularly those who are not accustomed to depictions of violence and suffering.
Overall, Silence is an exceptional piece of literature that offers a profound meditation on faith and the human condition. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese literature or historical fiction in general.
Washington Post would easily give a score of 9/10 to Silence by Shūsaku Endō.
