Tai-Pan
Tai-Pan
Book Brief
Beta732
Novel • Fiction
Hong Kong • 1840s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Tai-Pan by James Clavell is a historical novel set in early 19th-century Hong Kong. The story follows European traders, particularly focusing on the ambitions of Dirk Struan, who is determined to solidify his trading empire amidst political and personal challenges. The novel explores themes of power, cultural clash, and survival.
Reviews & Readership
65,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Clavell's Tai-Pan is praised for its rich historical detail and intricate plot, immersing readers in the founding of Hong Kong. The novel's strong character development and vivid settings are frequently highlighted. Criticisms focus on its length and occasional slow pacing. Overall, it's lauded as a compelling blend of fiction and history.
Who Should Read Tai-Pan?
Readers who relish historical sagas with complex characters and rich cultural details will enjoy James Clavell's Tai-Pan. Fans of epic, multi-generational tales such as James Michener's Hawaii or Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth are likely to appreciate the blend of adventure and historical narrative in this novel.
65,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tai-Pan, published in 1966, is the second novel in James Clavell's critically acclaimed Asian Saga series, yet chronologically it follows the first novel, Shogun, set over 200 years later.
James Clavell drew on his experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II and his extensive research into Asian cultures to create the richly detailed setting of Tai-Pan.
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The novel explores the founding of Hong Kong, capturing the blend of historical fact and fiction, and Clavell's depiction of early Hong Kong has contributed to popular perceptions of its development.
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732
Novel • Fiction
Hong Kong • 1840s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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