Silence is a book regarding faith and religion in a time and place where seeking a religion outside Japan’s interest would lead to immense suffering for its citizens. Sebastian Rodrigues, a character this book focuses on extensively, is a priest who has journeyed to Japan to tell the people about Christianity. The story quickly develops into his constant evasion of Japanese authorities looking to coerce him to renounce his faith.
Silence is a work that a reader must actively engage in to receive a thorough experience. The experience is composed of motifs, symbols, and biblical allusions. These elements can enhance the reader experience but complicate the story for first-time readers. This novel is certainly one of the books that need multiple readings to find satisfaction. But when that is done, the reader can appreciate the detail Endō and the book’s translator put in to make this experience memorable. Four out of five.