Based on a true story about the persecution and torture of Japanese Christians and foreign missionaries in 1600s Japan, Silence is a powerful book about faith (and doubt), truth, and the human spirit. What will make one person stay true to his faith, even under unspeakable torture, while another one does not? Why is God silent during suffering? These are the questions the book raises, and some would say it gives no clear answers. It is easy to say from our comfortable Western homes that we would never deny God under duress. But the Bible states that even Peter, a much loved disciple, denied Christ. What does it truly mean to stay faithful to God?
Repeating the prayer again and again he tried wildly to distract his attention; but the prayer could not tranquilize his agonized heart. ‘Lord, why are you silent? Why are you always silent…?’
This book powerfully affected me, and I’ve already sought out more books by this Japanese Christian author.
It has been announced that Martin Scorsese will be making this into a movie slated for 2010.
1966, 201 pages
Rating: 
This one sounds good but is it graphic? Does it have violence? I don’t know that I could stomach reading about the ways one man can torture another man.
Thanks for the review Michelle. I requested this from PBS. I look forward to reading it.
Petunia, it’s not too graphic. It’s not really violent, though it does describe some aspects of the torture. I’m a wimp when it comes to things like that, and I didn’t think it was too bad.
Amy, I’ll look forward to your review!
Sounds great! I have one of Endo’s books, but will have to get this one.
I loved that book. So well written and offered many thought-provoking moments about Christian faith. I am so used to Christianity being a dominant Western religion that it was interesting to read about persecution Christians experienced. Very eye-opening!
Wow. This one left me thoughtful and a bit shaken. Would I step on a picture of Jesus in order to save others from torture? Does Christianity need to flex and bend to be relevant in non-western cultures? (But Jesus lived in a non-western culture….) I’m going to nominate this one for my reading group, although I don’t think I could answer any of the questions the book raises.
Michelle, it’s very thought-provoking! I hope your group does read it!
[...] Silence by Shusaku Endo (Japanese) [...]
[...] Silence by Shusaku Endo (Japanese) [...]
[...] J.K. Rowling (1998, 341 pp.) 9. After Dark by Haruki Murakami (2004 [2007 in U.S.], 191 pp.) 10. Silence by Shusaku Endo (1966, 201 pages) 11. Independent People by Halldor Laxness (1934-35, 482 [...]
[...] J.K. Rowling (1998, 341 pp.) 9. After Dark by Haruki Murakami (2004 [2007 in U.S.], 191 pp.) 10. Silence by Shusaku Endo (1966, 201 pages) 11. Independent People by Halldor Laxness (1934-35, 482 [...]
[...] Silence by Shusaku Endo (Japanese) [...]
[...] Haddon (2003, 226 pp.) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (1998, 341 pp.) Silence by Shusaku Endo (1966, 201 pages) 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke (1968, 236 pp.) [...]
[...] Silence by Shusaku Endo (Japanese) [...]
[...] E – Endo, Silence [...]
[...] “This book powerfully affected me, and I’ve already sought out more books by this Japanese Christian author.” – Michelle, 1morechapter.com [...]