Shōgun - Encounter with Rodrigues

Encounter with Rodrigues

Hey there! Peter here! Here is the summary of what happened so far in the book, Shogun.

To be able to save his crew, Blackthorne had to give in to the Japanese. The shōgun, Toranaga sent his commander in chief, Hiro Matsu to confiscate the ship. Hiro Matsu took Blackthorne and Yabu, the local lord to Osaka where the council will take place so that he could meet the Shogun. On the galley to Osaka, Blackthorne met a Portuguese Pilot named Rodrigues and quickly became friends. Rodrigues taught Blackthorne a little bit of Japanese and how things work in Japan. With this, Blackthorne understood the Japanese further. However, a storm is approaching and the galley that carries them will be engulfed by the tempest.

What I thought of this part: Even though Blackthorne hated the Japanese, he still learned a little bit about the language and its culture. This may be because he wanted to survive and save his crew. On the other hand, I thought that this may be because he became interested in the culture itself and was trying to adapt into the Japanese society. Blackthorne's relation with Rodrigues is quite uncommon since the Portuguese and the English hated each other at that time and they also had different religions. However, Blackthorne and Rodrigues laughed and talked together like comrades. They shared their own opinions, religions and perspectives. I really enjoy reading about this unusual friendship. One thing that this book taught me is that sometimes the enemy isn't always hostile as you thought they might be. There was just a lack of comprehension of each other's perspective. So far, the story is building up suspense. I am really looking forward to the meeting between Blackthorne and the Shogun. I want to know why this book is named after the most important figure in Japan. Is there a message behind the name? I'll read on and let you guys know. Have a great day!