Belief in religion versus earthly tyranny.
Father Martinez left his native Portugal after he killed a man in self-defence and has dedicated himself to serving God since this event. For the last 20 years he has lived and served in Japan and has sought to protect his village come what may as Christianity has first been outlawed and then Christian themselves hunted down , tortured and killed. Now his village faces a the dual threat of increased taxes payable in rice t the local Lord as well as the Shogun ordering the death of all Christians and has appointed a new Governor of Nagasaki in order to see this policy fulfilled.
This is a brief synopsis of this first of three novels to feature Father Martinez and his villagers as they seek to save their lives and those of other Christians in Japan. This will take them head to head with the Lord, the Governor and the Shogun not to mention the horde of Samurai each control. In this life and death struggle some will perish and help will often come from unusual sources.
In many ways this is as much about the history of Japan and the extremes views held there as it is about the rise of extremism and religious intolerance in our own day. It is action packed and thought provoking as the villagers have their faith tested and their bonds of friendship tried.
This is a brief synopsis of this first of three novels to feature Father Martinez and his villagers as they seek to save their lives and those of other Christians in Japan. This will take them head to head with the Lord, the Governor and the Shogun not to mention the horde of Samurai each control. In this life and death struggle some will perish and help will often come from unusual sources.
In many ways this is as much about the history of Japan and the extremes views held there as it is about the rise of extremism and religious intolerance in our own day. It is action packed and thought provoking as the villagers have their faith tested and their bonds of friendship tried.