Finally finished James Clavell’s Asian Saga after 18 months (took breaks to read other stuff).
The six books (I’m not counting Escape) in my order of preference are:
- Tai Pan
- Shogun
- King Rat
- Noble House
- Whirlwind
- Gai Jin
I could easily make a case for King Rat being higher. It’s superb, and being largely based on Clavell’s own life feels the most well-realised. It’s by far the shortest and most accessible of his books as well.
Tai Pan and Shogun are wonderful sprawling epics with mercurial main characters. I loved them. Really enjoyed Noble House as well.
Whirlwind and Gai Jin were great in some parts and a slog in others. For completists only I’d say.
What’re everyone else’s thoughts.
by Jackamo78