This follows Dirk's (hero of Tai-Pan) son Cullum & his wife. I didn't like it nearly as well as any of his other books. If you like the series (Shogun, Tai-Pan) then read this once as the background helps a lot for "Nobel House". "Shogun" references are also in here. Clavell does a good job of tying his novels together. ( )

I am a completist: that's the only reason I read this book, the third in James Clavell's celebrated 'Asian Saga.' It isn't a very good book, sadly. It's too long for what it is, and concerns itself with too many trivial matters that really aren't interesting and just weigh down the book.

However, it is still worth fighting through, as Clavell's love of Asian culture and history are clear to see; though too much time is spent detailing the lives and affairs of the British and other traders in Yokohama, the account of life in nineteenth century Japan is quite fascinating at times. ( )

Long and winding, and very very disappointing. Shogun and Tai-Pan (it's predecessors) left a long shadow that this huge tome doesn't even touch. ( )

Historical ( )

a disappointment after Tai- Pan and Nobel House ( )