Silence by Shusaku Endo: A Classic Tale of Faith, Suffering and Redemption

“Silence” by Shusaku Endo is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers with much to ponder. It follows the story of Portuguese Jesuit missionaries in the 1600s as they travel to Japan in search of their mentor, Father Ferreira. The novel explores themes of faith, doubt, and persecution in a way that is both gripping and deeply moving. The characters are beautifully drawn and their struggles are poignantly portrayed, allowing for an emotional connection to the material. Endo’s writing style is also highly engaging, making “Silence” an unforgettable read. In addition, it is also a book that has garnered much critical acclaim since its publication in 1966.

Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo Review

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Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is an epic novel that takes us on a journey of faith and courage. This masterful tale of spiritual struggle has captivated readers for over fifty years with its powerful examination of the meaning of Christianity in a hostile world. Key Features:

1. A gripping and intense narrative of persecution and faith.

2. An exploration of the clash between Eastern and Western cultures.

3. A timeless classic, Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo has been inspiring readers for more than half a century.

Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is an immersive literary experience. Set in 17th century Japan, it follows Portuguese Jesuit Sebastiao Rodrigues as he struggles to survive in a hostile environment while also struggling to keep his faith intact. The novel explores themes such as the clash between Eastern and Western cultures, the power of religious conviction, and ultimately, the nature of silence itself. With its intense narrative and gripping story-telling, this masterpiece is sure to leave you mesmerized and inspired. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking read or just something to take your mind off the daily grind, Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is definitely worth picking up!

Product Details

ISBN-10: 1250082242

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Product Details
Title Silence (Picador Classics)
Author Shusaku Endo
Publisher Picador
Publication Date June 18, 2019
Language “English”
Format “Paperback”
Pages270 pages
ISBN-13 : 978 – 1250082237

Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo Pros and Cons

1. The Pros of Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo:

1) Beautifully Written: This novel is a masterpiece written by the renowned Japanese author, Shusaku Endo. It is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking story set in 17th century Japan that captures the struggles of faith and persecution faced by Christians at the time.

2) Historical Significance: This novel provides readers with valuable insight into the historical context of Japan’s Christian persecution during the Edo period. It gives readers a unique perspective on this time period and serves as a reminder of how far religious freedom has come in many countries today.

3) Powerful Characters: The characters in this novel are complex and multifaceted, making them both relatable and memorable. They are flawed, but their stories are ultimately inspiring as they courageously stand up for what they believe in despite immense pressure to renounce their faith.

2. The Cons of Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo:

1) Lengthy: At over 500 pages, this book can be quite lengthy for some readers. It is a slow-paced read and may not be suitable for those looking for a quick read or light entertainment.

2) Emotionally Heavy: This book deals with difficult topics such as martyrdom, oppression, and torture in vivid detail, so it can be emotionally draining to read at times.

3) Not For Everyone: This book does contain mature themes which may not be suitable for younger readers or those who are easily disturbed by graphic violence or dark content.

Who are They for

Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is a timeless and powerful exploration of faith, persecution and human resilience in the face of suffering. Set in seventeenth-century Japan, it follows two Portuguese Jesuit priests on their mission to find their mentor and spread Christianity in a country hostile to their beliefs. Through the experiences of these characters and their encounters with the Japanese people, Endo offers a profound meditation on religious freedom, personal identity and the power of silence.

Endo’s writing is masterful, creating vivid scenes populated with complex characters whose struggles are both deeply personal and universally resonant. This Picador Classic edition includes an introduction from Pankaj Mishra that puts Silence into a contemporary context and highlights its relevance for today’s readers. It also features a chronology of Endo’s life and work, maps of the areas where his story takes place, and helpful notes about unfamiliar terms.

A classic of twentieth-century literature, Silence (Picador Classics) is an unforgettable work that probes the nature of belief, doubt and faith in times of extreme adversity. It is an essential read for anyone interested in world literature or the history of religion.

My Experience for Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo

Lloyd Kaufman

I can still remember the day when I got my copy of Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo. As a fan of Japanese literature, it was something I had been wanting for a long time. When I finally opened up the book and began to read, I was immediately struck with its incredible power.

The novel is set in 17th century Japan during a time of great persecution of Christians. It follows two Portuguese Jesuit priests, Father Rodrigues and Father Garrpe, as they search for their mentor who has gone missing in Japan. The story is full of compelling characters and unexpected plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

What really makes this book stand out is how Endo paints such an emotionally intense portrait of faith and doubt. He examines the idea of being a martyr and delves deep into questions of morality, justice, and suffering. Endo’s writing style is captivating and thought-provoking, making Silence (Picador Classics) one of the most beloved books in Japanese literature.

Overall, I found Silence (Picador Classics) to be a remarkable read that touched me deeply on an emotional level. It’s an inspiring story about resilience in the face of adversity that will leave you pondering its themes long after you’ve finished reading it. If you’re looking for a powerful work of literature that will stay with you for years after, then Silence (Picador Classics) should definitely be on your list!

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. Has a slow initial pacing
2. Difficult to follow at times with its symbolism and use of flashbacks
3. Unclear if the ending is meant to be interpreted as a happy or sad one
4. Can be emotionally draining to read due to its themes of oppression and faith

How to Find Peace in the Face of Suffering Through Shusaku Endo’s Silence

Shusaku Endo’s Silence is a powerful novel that explores how one finds faith and peace in the face of great suffering. Through his characters, Endo illustrates how our spiritual beliefs can be tested and strengthened by challenging situations. In this Picador Classics, readers are taken on a journey with two Portuguese priests who must make some difficult decisions as they try to spread Christianity in Japan.

The novel is told through the eyes of the main character, Father Rodrigues, and his companion, Father Garrpe, as they venture into Japan where their faith is put to the ultimate test. Through their journey they discover that belief in one’s religion is not just about following its rituals, but also finding inner strength in times of adversity.

In order to find peace amidst suffering, it is important to take a step back from the situation and look at it from a different perspective. Endo encourages readers to recognize their own feelings of doubt and fear and use them to gain new insight into their faith. He provides an example for how we can use questioning and reflection to further understand our beliefs.

Another way to find peace in the midst of suffering is to reach out for support from others. Endo emphasizes the importance of community when dealing with difficult circumstances. With companionship comes understanding, comfort, and strength which can help us move forward during hard times.

Ultimately, Endo’s Silence shows us that even in moments of doubt and despair, faith can be found if we stay true to ourselves and open our hearts to those around us.

Questions about Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo

 

What is Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo?

Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is a powerful and deeply moving novel about faith, doubt, fear, and persecution in seventeenth-century Japan. It follows the story of two Portuguese Jesuit missionaries who travel to a remote Japanese village in search of their mentor who has been accused of apostasy by the local government. Through their journey, they are forced to confront the ultimate questions of faith and what it means to be true to one’s beliefs.

Who should read Silence (Picador Classics)?

Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is perfect for readers who enjoy exploring themes of faith, doubt, and courage in the face of adversity. It is also an excellent choice for those interested in historical fiction set in 17th century Japan. The novel can also be enjoyed as a literary work that addresses universal themes of morality and truth.

What is the writing style like in Silence (Picador Classics)?

The writing style in Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo is lyrical and poetic. Endo uses vivid imagery and carefully crafted language to draw readers into the world of his characters and their struggles with faith, doubt, fear, and persecution. His writing captures both the beauty and cruelty of this period in history.

Are there any special features included with Silence (Picador Classics)?

Yes! Silence (Picador Classics) by Shusaku Endo includes an introduction from acclaimed author Pico Iyer, as well as a selection of essays written by experts on Endo’s life and work. These additional materials provide valuable insight into the author’s life and works, making this edition particularly appealing for those looking to explore this classic novel further.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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