I've been meaning to read Shūsaku but have been nervous to pick up Silence because of how intense it sounds. I might have to read this one first. Even though it also sounds intense, I've had a long devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe. I visited his cell at Auschwitz with my family when I was in the fourth grade, and his story has been imprinted on my heart ever since.
Silence is so intense (but worth it at least once if you ever feel up to it). This book has different questions, and I found it more...edifying?...to read. At least, I've read it twice, where I doubt I'll re-read Silence for decades, and likely never watch the film adaptation, given the effect the novel had on me! With your devotion to St Maximilian Kolbe I'm sure you will find much to ponder here. In some ways he is the catalyst of the whole novel...but I'll just have to wait to hear your thoughts! :)
Thank you Melody! This sounds like an incredible read. I haven't heard of it before, and I know very little about Japanese history or culture or its literature. Ack!
I'm just beginning to learn myself. This translation was only published in 2018. Silence is so famous (deservedly) but I've found riches in Endō's other work too. We are living in a great age for translated Japanese literature!
This sounds so deep and thoughtful. I really enjoyed Silence and so I will have to read this now too! Thanks for highlighting this work and giving such a powerful endorsement. I am glad that you are sharing all these wonderful works that you read. Thank you!
Thank you, Dawn! In the past decade or more and more of Endō's work has been published in English, and I'm so grateful! He writes so powerfully, and while this novel's subject is not light, it was less painful than Silence in some places, and the characters stuck with me.
I can imagine. The horrors that the Japanese endured during that time boggle the mind. The fact that some of them can write about it now is a blessing for us. But pain is part of life and I think if the author can somehow convey how he came to integrate that fact into his understanding it is worth reading.
I've been meaning to read Shūsaku but have been nervous to pick up Silence because of how intense it sounds. I might have to read this one first. Even though it also sounds intense, I've had a long devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe. I visited his cell at Auschwitz with my family when I was in the fourth grade, and his story has been imprinted on my heart ever since.
Silence is so intense (but worth it at least once if you ever feel up to it). This book has different questions, and I found it more...edifying?...to read. At least, I've read it twice, where I doubt I'll re-read Silence for decades, and likely never watch the film adaptation, given the effect the novel had on me! With your devotion to St Maximilian Kolbe I'm sure you will find much to ponder here. In some ways he is the catalyst of the whole novel...but I'll just have to wait to hear your thoughts! :)
Yep, even if I read Silence, I have ZERO plans to watch the film. I’m such a sensitive viewer.
Thank you Melody! This sounds like an incredible read. I haven't heard of it before, and I know very little about Japanese history or culture or its literature. Ack!
I'm just beginning to learn myself. This translation was only published in 2018. Silence is so famous (deservedly) but I've found riches in Endō's other work too. We are living in a great age for translated Japanese literature!
That is such good news!
This sounds so deep and thoughtful. I really enjoyed Silence and so I will have to read this now too! Thanks for highlighting this work and giving such a powerful endorsement. I am glad that you are sharing all these wonderful works that you read. Thank you!
Thank you, Dawn! In the past decade or more and more of Endō's work has been published in English, and I'm so grateful! He writes so powerfully, and while this novel's subject is not light, it was less painful than Silence in some places, and the characters stuck with me.
I can imagine. The horrors that the Japanese endured during that time boggle the mind. The fact that some of them can write about it now is a blessing for us. But pain is part of life and I think if the author can somehow convey how he came to integrate that fact into his understanding it is worth reading.
Wow! That is quite a story ... hard to hear, yet harder to live. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Craig! It is a joy to share Endō's work. He had a profound faith that always challenges me.