reviews2026

Gai-Jin by James Clavell

Once again, Mr. Clavell wrote a book over a thousand pages long, and somehow he makes it feel too short. In my opinion, he could have continued for a couple hundred more. I wouldn’t have minded. Indeed, this might be as close as I can get to a complaint, for although the major issues are wrapped up satisfactorily; I so enjoyed the company of the characters that I felt we left their presence all too early. This was very much a “life goes on” sort of ending. Although I admit there were fireworks aplenty, there is a natural disappointment when such a marvel ceases in this way, as there are new challenges awaiting our heroes and villains. Alas, it is a cheap price for such an ambitious and bountiful tale. Worst of all, I have now read all six of James Clavell’s epic Asian Saga, so I have nothing more to look forward to—though it is a considerable brag to say that I have experienced all six of this master’s fine works.

If you should wish to investigate this wonderful writer, I would suggest reading his works in the order they were published, and not the order in which “events happen.”