Written by Japan's only prominent Christian novelist, the Silence is one of the most challenging books I've ever read. Three Catholic priests travel to Japan during a time of intense persecution against Christians to find out whether rumors that their beloved former teacher apostatized are true. There, they attempt to minister to the native Japanese. They endure and watch the Japanese endure harsh persecution. All the while God, to whom they are continually praying for deliverance, appears to be silent. Don't let the title throw you off. Read while thinking because a superficial reading of the novel will leave you with the wrong message. And don't read the article about Shusaku Endo unless you don't mind a spoiler or two about his novels. Though it is quite helpful in understanding the themes of his works.

back

Japan's Faithful Judas