Silence

By: Shusaku Endo

Narrated by: David Holt

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Recipient of the 1966 Tanizaki Prize, it has been called Endo's supreme achievement" and "one of the twentieth century's finest novels".

Considered controversial ever since its first publication, it tackles the thorniest religious issues of belief and faith head on.

A novel of historical fiction, it is the story of a Jesuit missionary sent to seventeenth century Japan, who endured persecution that followed the defeat of the Shimabara Rebellion.

©1966 Shusaku Endo (P)2009 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

“Brian Moore’s Black Robe, about the fate, usually violent, of 17th century Jesuit priests bent on converting the native Canadians had to be the last grisly word on the subject. Or so I thought. Then I head this … Utterly mesmerizing.” Sue Arnold, The Guardian

Haunting

This wasn't a light read. It's definitely a haunting book that will stay with you for awhile. I will likely have to read it again at some point in my life because it makes some pretty profound points when it comes to claiming to be a religious person.

It tells of an early Christian missionary in Japan at a time when Christianity was banned. The main character was a pious Christian priest and takes us through the ups and downs of believing something with our whole hearts.

An idea that was shared at the beginning of the book and haunted me through the rest was that we all one day come to see us become like Judas. It points out that we need to constantly need to guard our testimonies and that they are a lot more frail that we would like to admit.

Well worth the time but is really heavy.

Interesting story!

An intriguing look into Japanese culture, and the seldom talked about persecution of Christianity. The more things change, the more they stay the same Japan has a similar attitude with Muslims today (minus the torture and executions). They require assimilation into their society, and do not tolerate immigrants trying to force their religion and culture on the indigenous peoples. They also do not allow mosques to be built or call to prayer to be played over loud speakers.

Dense and demanding story, very well read.

Occasionally a bit lengthy, interspersed with description of nature - which adds a Japanese flavour. Some Japanese terms were not explained and I was left to guess. Nevertheless: definitely wort a listen. Interesting insights and much food for thought and discussion. Narrator did a very good job. Recommended.

Great book

Loved this haunting story. Very convicting and thought provoking. Have just discovered this writer and plan to read more of his works.

Very captivating

after the first chapter I got pulled right in and enjoy the book thoroughly it makes you think the narrator did an excellent job and his tone and the way he presented the book I thoroughly enjoyed it

One of the best books ever written.

It left me on the edge of my seat, and it also caused me to do a lot of introspection. It was everything I had hoped!

Powerful, poignant, human story

This wonderful work explored and captured one of the key elements of a life of religious faith so beautifully: doubt. The characters were rich and authentic, the drama was engaging, the narration did not obscure the story in any way. I could not recommend this book more highly.

Inconsistent translation but beautifully written

This book is an exploration of faith and humanity. A narrator who is steadfast in his faith but encountering a situation so outside his ken that he doesn't know how to reconcile all that conflict. Brilliant Brilliant story

interesting

would I apostatize?
a good book I wonder where Christ was and what he would really have us do

Excellent read for Christians and nonchristians

Excellent story that explores the problem of evil and the silence of God. recommended for Christian and nonchristian readers alike. audio narrator was fantastic though his pronunciation of a few Japanese words was quirky to me as a native speaker.

definitely would recommend anyone and everyone read this at least once.