Silence PDF is a novel by Japanese author Shūsaku Endō, first published in 1966. The book examines the persecution of Christians in Japan during the time of Portuguese and Spanish exploration of Asia. It has been translated into English several times, most recently by William Johnston in 1987.
The novel explores the themes of faith, doubt, and persecution through the eyes of a Jesuit missionary, Father Sebastião Rodrigues. Father Rodrigues arrives in Japan with high hopes of bringing Christianity to the country. However, he soon realizes that the Japanese people are not interested in his religion. Even worse, the government is actively persecuting Christians.
It has been praised as a masterpiece of 20th-century literature. In 2000, it was ranked number 95 on the Modern Library’s list of the 100 best novels of the 20th century. The Silence has sold over 4 million copies and has been translated into over 30 languages. It is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
Table of Contents
Silence Summary
The novel starts with Father Rodrigues, a Jesuit missionary, arriving in Japan with high hopes of spreading Christianity. He soon realizes that the Japanese people are not interested in his religion and that the government is actively persecuting Christians. Despite the dangers, Father Rodrigues continues to minister to the Christian community.
The novel follows Father Rodrigues as he faces various trials and tribulations. He is finally arrested and interrogated by the Japanese authorities. While in prison, he begins to doubt his faith. He wonders if God has abandoned him and his fellow Christians.
The novel ends with Father Rodrigues being forced to renounce his faith. He is released from prison and deported from Japan. The novel concludes with a brief epilogue set many years later. Father Rodrigues is now an old man living in Portugal. He reflects on his time in Japan and the choices he made.
Details of Silence Book
| Book | Silence |
| Author | Shūsaku Endō |
| Original language | Japanese |
| Originally published | 1966 |
| Category | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher | Peter Owen |
| Total Pages | 384 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of Silence Book
Silence book has been translated into various languages. The first English translation was made in 1969 by William Johnston and published by Peter Owen Publishers.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
| German | Check Price |
| French | Check Price |
| Spanish | Check Price |
| Japanese | Check Price |
About the Author
Shūsaku Endō was a Japanese writer who is considered one of the most important Catholic authors of the 20th century. He was born in 1923 in Tokyo to a family of Buddhist heritage, but converted to Christianity as a teenager and was baptized a Catholic.
Endō’s novels, short stories, and essays are known for their realism and their examinations of the human condition from a Catholic perspective. His most famous novel, Silence, tells the story of a Jesuit missionary in Japan during the time of persecution in the 17th century. The novel was made into a critically acclaimed film by director Martin Scorsese in 2016.
Endō died in 1996 at the age of 72. His work continues to be popular and relevant, especially in the context of religious tolerance and dialogue. In an interview shortly before his death, Endō said that he hoped his work would be “a bridge between East and West, Japan and the rest of the world.”
Endō’s writing is characterized by its sympathy for the underdog and its criticism of rigid dogmatism. His work often explores the tension between faith and doubt, and challenges readers to consider the meaning of religious belief in a skeptical world.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Silence a real story?
No, Silence is not a real story. It is a novel written by Shūsaku Endō. However, the book is based on historical events and people.
What is the main theme of Silence?
The main theme of Silence is the persecution of Christians in Japan during the 17th century.
What is the conflict of Silence?
The conflict in Silence is between the protagonists, Father Rodrigues and Father Garrpe, and the Japanese inquisitors who are trying to force them to renounce their faith.
Who are the main characters in Silence?
The two main characters in Silence are Father Rodrigues and Father Garrpe.
What is the climax of Silence?
The climax of Silence is when Father Rodrigues finally meets face-to-face with the man he has been seeking for years, Ferreira.
What is the ending of Silence?
The ending of Silence is ambiguous. It is left up to the reader to decide what happened to Father Rodrigues.
