The Noble House

The Struan Clan strives to maintain their place at the top of 1960s Hong Kong

In 1960s Hong Kong is home to both a cutthroat business community and international intrigue, as well as serving as a land of near limitless economic opportunity for many of its Chinese citizens. Clavell creates layered, interesting characters, all with secrets of their own drive them. The plot is also well paced, shifting from subplot to subplot as both business and Great Power espionage intertwine, constantly keeping tension at a simmer. Clavell puts great effort to bring his setting to life, not settling for a Hong Kong viewed through the lens of his British and American characters. The perspective of his Chinese characters demonstrates a depth of knowledge and research that makes Hong Kong feel real. This is a long, but compelling read and I would recommend it to any fans of Clavell's previous work or viewers of Shogun looking for a more modern setting of his work.