Gai-Jin

The Epic Novel of the Birth of Modern Japan

De: James Clavell

Narrado por: John Lee

The dynamic epic novel of political upheaval and societal change in late 1800s Japan, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell

This epic novel by master writer James Clavell, loosely based on the Namamugi Incident and Anglo-Satsuma War that took place in the late 1800s, is a richly researched, panoramic view of Japan’s budding relationship with the Western powers, its sweeping societal changes, and the political upheaval that followed.

As Malcolm Struan, the son of Culum and Tess Struan, and a small band of Westerners travel down the Tōkaidō road, they are attacked by two Satsuma samurai, who mortally wound John Canterbury and seriously injure Malcolm, who then finds reprieve in the merchant village of Yokohama after a narrow escape facilitated by the unscathed Angelique.

Angelique Richaud, Malcolm’s penniless but beautiful French companion, is thrown into a world of political intrigue, fierce devotion, unstable family dynamics, blackmail, and secrets as the trading houses battle for supremacy.

With a cast of dynamic and fully recognized characters, Gai-Jin spins a tale of passionate love affairs, devastating loss, intense power struggles, and the fight to survive and thrive in a hostile new land that will leave listeners longing for another foray into Clavell’s extraordinary Asian Saga.

©2015 James Clavell (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I found this story good, but hard to follow

There were to many characters that blended togather, and John Lee, while good, just wasn't as good as the narrator of Tai-Pan.

The story was interesting, but I'll have to listen to it again at a later date. Trying to do it casually just left me lost.

Good story but

I love the Shogun series but this novel lacked the warmth and friendship that developes in the other stories. Shogun and Tai-pan spoke to human nature as the characters form strong bonds despite different races, languages, or backgrounds. but in Gai-jin its just "hey everyone wants the only white girl in the settlement and shes devoid of personality or redeemable qualities. Sadly even most of the characters in the settlement are indistinct, lacking any point or ability to progress the story. Most male characters in the settlement: attack the Japanese and sleep with Angelique. Again I love this series but this was a sad departure. Even Yoshi Toranaga is more or less useless and his story does not contribute to the main story.

Amazing Story

Epic story, and such talented, dramatic narration brought it all to life. Could not stop listening. A true escape!!

John Lee is excellent!

John Lee is excellent. it took him a little bit to really hit the stride with this novel but once he did... fantastic!

amazing

great, as all the Asian Saga books are great. highly recommend all of James Clavell's books.