Just noticed this thread. I have just been reading Clavell's novels, beginning with Shogun and going through them chronologically. I just finished Gai-Jin last night and started King Rat today. I have also read Tai-Pan.

When I first began Shogun it took me awhile to really get into it. So many characters and elements involved, but the stories are unforgetable. I think so far Shogun has been my favorite, but I did really enjoy Gai-Jin as well. What a talented writer, who knows how to truly illustrate humanity in all its various cultures.