James Clavell Criticism
James Clavell (1925–1994) stands as a prolific figure in literature, celebrated for his gripping narratives set in the Far East. His most renowned work, Shōgun (1975), captures the intricacies of cultural exchanges between the East and West, although it has been scrutinized for its historical inaccuracies. As highlighted in Henry Smith's essay, Clavell's storytelling possesses both educational merit and a penchant for sensationalism. Despite this duality, Clavell's literature remains a gateway for readers into the complexities of Asian history and culture.
While Clavell's works are often critiqued for stereotypical portrayals and meandering plots, as noted by Thomas R. Edwards and F. G. Notehelfer, his novels are celebrated for their elaborate plots and historical depth. His "Asian Saga" series, including King Rat, Tai-Pan, Shōgun, and Noble House, draws readers into multifaceted narratives that are as informative as they are entertaining. Although King Rat faces criticism from Granville Hicks for weak character development, Martin Levin acknowledges its exploration of psychological tension.
Clavell's complex storytelling is further exemplified in Tai-Pan, which receives praise from Orville Prescott for its narrative prowess, though critiqued by Rogers for its extensive narrative breadth. Similarly, Noble House is lauded for its intricate plot and vivid setting by Webster Schott and for its exploration of financial themes by Anne Collins.
Beyond his Asian-centered novels, Clavell's work ventures into thought-provoking themes in children's literature. His controversial fable, The Children's Story, examines themes of indoctrination and societal control, critiqued by R. V. Williams for its reflection on parental neglect. Thrump-o-moto extends his reach to younger audiences while maintaining appeal through its engaging narrative, as highlighted by Everett Groseclose.
While some critics regard Clavell primarily as an entertainer, his works continue to captivate readers by weaving engaging stories with explorations of cultural and moral complexities. Clavell's legacy, though not free from critique, endures through his masterful storytelling and the indelible impressions his narratives leave on understanding Asian history and culture.
Contents
- Principal Works
- Clavell, James (Vol. 6)
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Clavell, James (Vol. 87)
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Capture the Flag
(summary)
In the following review, Fremont-Smith traces the publication history of The Children's Story and offers a negative assessment of its literary, political, and social value.
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Reading James Clavell's Shogun
(summary)
In the following essay, Smith relates Clavell's sources and manipulation of Japanese culture and history in Shōgun.
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James Clavell, Storyteller
(summary)
In the following essay, based on an interview with Clavell, Teachout discusses Clavell's ideas on writing, political views, and his novels, particularly Noble House.
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Poe in Clavell's Shōgun: A Novel of Japan
(summary)
In the essay below, Pollin cites thematic and stylistic similarities between Edgar Allan Poe's 1849 poem entitled 'A Dream within a Dream' and Clavell's Shōgun.
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Kids' Stuff from an Old Asia Hand
(summary)
In the following review, Groseclose praises Clavell's Thrump-o-moto for its appeal to adults as well as children.
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Maybe I'm James Clavell
(summary)
In the following essay based on an interview with Clavell, Crosland discusses Clavell's experiences as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II and his writing career.
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How the Tough Get Going
(summary)
Below, Davis provides a negative assessment of Whirlwind, claiming that the "version of Iranian society offered is tripe."
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Gulp!
(summary)
In the following excerpt, he faults Whirlwind for its lack of appeal and believability, lamenting that the novel "has nothing to do with any life I've ever heard of."
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The Wild West of the Far East
(summary)
Notehelfer is an American educator, historian, and critic who specializes in Japanese history. In the following review of Gai-jin, he asserts that despite Clavell's gifts as a storyteller, Clavell treats Japanese history in a stereotypical and sensationalistic manner.
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Drama and Intrigue in Emerging Japan
(summary)
In the following review of Gai-jin, Scherer provides a mixed assessment of the novel, lamenting the often stereotyped characters but praising its suspense.
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The Sixth Episode in James Clavell's Asian Saga
(summary)
Below, Lehmann-Haupt provides a negative assessment of Gai-jin. At the opening of James Clavell's intermittently absorbing but over-long new novel, Gai-Jin two previous works in the author's so-called Asian Saga collide with each other, producing a thousand pages of complications that never do get completely straightened out, although by the end the reader is happy to take a rest from them, at least until the three-pound sequel is born.
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The New York Times
(summary)
In the following obituary, the critic provides an overview of James Clavell's career, highlighting his success as a storyteller renowned for immersive historical novels set in the Far East, despite occasional historical inaccuracies, and noting his impact in literature and film, including works like "Shogun" and "Tai-Pan."
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James Clavell, RIP
(summary)
In the following tribute, he reminisces about his friendship with Clavell.
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Capture the Flag
(summary)
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Clavell, James (du Maresq)
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Powerful POW in Signapore
(summary)
In the following essay, Granville Hicks criticizes James Clavell's King Rat for its failure to convincingly portray characters and its inconsistent treatment of serious themes, suggesting that Clavell's skills are inadequate to convey the grim realities and moral complexities of a Japanese POW camp.
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Reader's Report
(summary)
In the following essay, Martin Levin examines "King Rat" by James Clavell, highlighting the novel's portrayal of the relentless psychological and moral pressures within a Japanese prison camp, underscored by the complex friendship between two opposing characters and the dehumanizing environment of Changi.
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The Founding of Hong Kong in Brilliant Technicolor
(summary)
In the following essay, Orville Prescott examines James Clavell's novel "Tai-Pan," praising its compelling storytelling and vibrant melodrama, while noting its lack of artistic merit and historical accuracy, yet acknowledging its potential for popular success and entertainment value.
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Complete with Scrutable Orientals
(summary)
In the following essay, Rogers critiques James Clavell's "Tai-Pan" as an overly long and convoluted tale of historical Hong Kong, noting its detailed portrayal of cultural interactions and cutthroat business dealings, though suggesting that its impact is diminished by its sprawling narrative and lack of concentrated suspense.
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Time
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic contends that while James Clavell's novel Tai-Pan lacks artistic and truthful merit and features exaggerated characters and events, its vast energy and scope make it a compelling read, akin to captivating yet unrealistic lithographs of historical events.
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'Noble House'
(summary)
In the following essay, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt critiques James Clavell's "Noble House" for its convoluted plot and lack of artistic finesse, yet emphasizes the novel's success as an adventure due to the relatable and heroic character of Ian Dunross, capturing readers' identification despite its various narrative flaws.
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Lots of Plot in Hong Kong
(summary)
In the following essay, Webster Schott examines James Clavell's "Noble House," highlighting its intricate plotlines and multifaceted characters while asserting that the true protagonist of the novel is the dynamic and volatile setting of Hong Kong, rather than any individual character.
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Seeking Fortune in Taipan Alley
(summary)
In the following essay, Anne Collins critiques Noble House by James Clavell for its ambitious attempt to blend multiple genres while ultimately prioritizing financial themes over character depth, resulting in a portrayal of Hong Kong's society where money supersedes moral and cultural values.
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Epic Yarn from Author of 'Shogun'
(summary)
In the following essay, Henry S. Hayward critiques James Clavell's ability to weave an intricate and suspenseful narrative in "Noble House," set in 1960s Hong Kong, noting the complexity of the plot, the detailed portrayal of characters, and the cultural tensions, though he finds some characterizations less sophisticated than those in works by John le Carré and Graham Greene.
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Making of a Literary Shogun
(summary)
In the following essay, Paul Bernstein examines James Clavell's shift towards American political themes in his work "The Children's Story," highlighting its controversial reception and the potential impact of its critique on political indoctrination in education.
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Fiction: 'The Children's Story'
(summary)
In the following essay, R. V. Williams contends that James Clavell's The Children's Story serves as a cautionary tale about parental neglect in the intellectual development of children, warning of the societal dangers that arise when young minds are left vulnerable to manipulation by those with ulterior motives.
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Powerful POW in Signapore
(summary)
- Further Reading