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Shūsaku Endō

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 19 Books

4
Series
19
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels
Start with: The Sea and Poison (1958)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Plays
Start with: The Golden Country: A Play (1970)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Short Story Collections
Start with: Stained Glass Elegies (1986)

About Shūsaku Endō

The popular Japanese author, Shūsaku Endō was born on March 27, 1923, in Tokyo. He was one of the most recognized authors and novelists during his time. The interest in writing was developed in his childhood itself. When he was studying at the Keio University in 1943, the World War II took place which hindered with the interest in his studies. Having developed an interest in French Catholic authors, Endo moved to the discipline of writing and lecturing in that field itself. He lectured and wrote many novels in that period, i.e., the 1950s- 1960s and won many awards for the latter. His novels were based on the chief theme of ‘Christianity’ as he was baptized as a Catholic in his childhood. Other features which he added in his books related mainly to his personal life and experiences. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels series, Shūsaku Endō has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Shūsaku Endō

Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels
13 books 1958–2004
1

The Sea and Poison

The Sea and Poison continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1958
2

Wonderful Fool

Wonderful Fool is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shūsaku Endō have come to expect.

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1959
3

Volcano

Volcano continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
4

The Girl I Left Behind

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels with The Girl I Left Behind, another outstanding contribution from Shūsaku Endō.

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1964
5

Foreign Studies

Foreign Studies continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1965
6

Silence

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels with Silence, another outstanding contribution from Shūsaku Endō.

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1966
7

A Life of Jesus

A Life of Jesus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shūsaku Endō have come to expect.

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1973
8

When I Whistle

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels with When I Whistle, another outstanding contribution from Shūsaku Endō.

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1974
9

The Samurai

The Samurai continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
10

Kiku's Prayer

Kiku's Prayer continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
11

Scandal

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels with Scandal, another outstanding contribution from Shūsaku Endō.

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1985
12

Deep River

Deep River continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
13

Song of Sadness

Song of Sadness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shūsaku Endō have come to expect.

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2004
Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Plays
1 books 1970–1970
1

The Golden Country: A Play

The Golden Country: A Play is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shūsaku Endō have come to expect.

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1970
Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Short Story Collections
3 books 1986–2009
1

Stained Glass Elegies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Short Story Collections with Stained Glass Elegies, another outstanding contribution from Shūsaku Endō.

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1986
2

Five by Endo

Five by Endo continues the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Short Story Collections story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
3

The Final Martyrs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Short Story Collections with The Final Martyrs, another outstanding contribution from Shūsaku Endō.

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2009
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2002–2007
1

A Life in Medicine: A Literary Anthology

A Life in Medicine: A Literary Anthology is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shūsaku Endō have come to expect.

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2002
2

The Columbia Anthology of Modern Japanese Literature, volume 2: From 1945 to the Present

The Columbia Anthology of Modern Japanese Literature, volume 2: From 1945 to the Present continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shūsaku Endō's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shūsaku Endō?

Shūsaku Endō is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 19 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Plays, Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Shūsaku Endō series to start with?

For readers new to Shūsaku Endō's work, the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 13 books. Begin with The Sea and Poison to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Shūsaku Endō written?

Shūsaku Endō has written over 19 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Shūsaku Endō books in order?

Yes, reading Shūsaku Endō's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Shūsaku Endō write in?

Shūsaku Endō writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 19 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Shūsaku Endō's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Shūsaku Endō's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Shūsaku Endō's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Shūsaku Endō's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Shūsaku Endō Standalone Novels series. The first book, The Sea and Poison, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.