Shusaku Endo, William Johnston 「Silence」 Picador 2016
The setting is in 17th-century Japan and this novel revolves around a haunting question: How can God remain silent in the face of human suffering and unbearable persecution? Shusaku Endo's work traces the journey of Sebastian Rodrigues, a Portuguese Jesuit sent to minister to local Christians under violent persecution -- and to investigate reports of another priest's renunciation of a religious faith. This book refuses to provide any easy answers and will surely force the reader to do some serious soul searching. It is a very compelling story and a challenging and masterful look at faith - a challenge to us. What does religion ask of us, expect from us, in our daily lives? I found myself captivated by Silence as the novel tackles the subject of faith and suffering.
