Silence is the story of Father Rodrigues, a Portuguese priest who travels to Japan in the Sixteenth Century during their Christian persecution. Once there, he tries to carry out his mission but sinks in the "swamp of Japan." He faces unimaginable tortures and lives through the most profound anguish of humanity. All the while, he struggles with questions about God. Why is God silent amidst human suffering? He faces questions about what it means to truly be a Christian.
Silence is an unflinching book, taking on what is possibly the central dilemma of Christianity. I read this in a college class in which people took varied things away from the book. For myself, Silence was one of the most triumphant books of the Christian faith I have ever read. It marks a profound move from a Christian doctrine of doctrine towards a Christian doctrine of compassion. I don't believe that God is silent in this novel. This novel asks God some tough questions, and He quietly answers in a voice that moves mountains.
This did change, and it became a crime - punishable by torture and death - to follow Christianity.
"Silence" is a historical novel documenting the journey of a priest in Japan during this time. Interestingly, he is not even identified by name until halfway through the book: is this is a creative use of a lack of words to express the protagonist's importance in the grand scheme?
Whatever the reason, this is a beautifully written book. Even the descriptions of tortures used (both emotional and physical) can keep the reader interested. There is a great deal of symbolism that would be lost in a review, but that a savvy reader will understand and appreciate.
This was a difficult book for me to read, because it was so terribly sad. Interestingly, I read it while simultaneously reading "Where Is God When It Hurts?" (Philip Yancey) and "Silence" screamed at me. Nonetheless, I do recommend it.