After becoming Shogun in 1623 Tokugawa Iemitsu is determined to finally rid Japan of all Christian Priests and Japanese subjects who have taken to Christianity, by any means.
Father Joaguim, a Portuguese priest who had joined the priesthood after killing a man in his youth. He is an expert in swordsmanship and samurai fighting arts and is living in Arima a village of mainly Japanese Christians. Tonia, the daughter of a dead merchant is befriended by Joaguim who along with Miguel his young Christian friend are also in the village. After hearing of the torture and massacre of Christians across Japan Joaguim decides to leave taking the villagers with him to Yezo were he believes they may be able to live in less danger. On June 18th Arima is invaded by Shigemasa, a cold cruel man and the new governor of Nagasaki, along with his samurai army. The Village is burnt down and all are taken captive. A long cruel march follows as the Shogun wants to personally interrogate Father Joaguim, who has become a thorn in his side.
Father Joaguim says he, Tonia and Miguel will take on the Shogun's finest swordsmen and if they live they and the villagers will be free to leave. This happens but Tokugawa will not rest until they are recaptured.
The book was fascinating in both the story of the Christians and life in 17th century Japan but I found the end too fanciful. It may also be too bloodthirsty for some readers but as Shaun Curry says "Who am I to soften the edges of history to create a more gentle story" I would not be interested in reading the rest of the trilogy
Father Joaguim, a Portuguese priest who had joined the priesthood after killing a man in his youth. He is an expert in swordsmanship and samurai fighting arts and is living in Arima a village of mainly Japanese Christians. Tonia, the daughter of a dead merchant is befriended by Joaguim who along with Miguel his young Christian friend are also in the village. After hearing of the torture and massacre of Christians across Japan Joaguim decides to leave taking the villagers with him to Yezo were he believes they may be able to live in less danger. On June 18th Arima is invaded by Shigemasa, a cold cruel man and the new governor of Nagasaki, along with his samurai army. The Village is burnt down and all are taken captive. A long cruel march follows as the Shogun wants to personally interrogate Father Joaguim, who has become a thorn in his side.
Father Joaguim says he, Tonia and Miguel will take on the Shogun's finest swordsmen and if they live they and the villagers will be free to leave. This happens but Tokugawa will not rest until they are recaptured.
The book was fascinating in both the story of the Christians and life in 17th century Japan but I found the end too fanciful. It may also be too bloodthirsty for some readers but as Shaun Curry says "Who am I to soften the edges of history to create a more gentle story" I would not be interested in reading the rest of the trilogy