Silence (novel)

*Silence* is a novel by Shūsaku Endō that explores the complex themes of faith, doubt, and spiritual suffering. Set in 17th-century Japan, it follows two Portuguese Jesuit priests who journey there to find their mentor and spread Christianity, only to face severe persecution and pressure to renounce their beliefs. The story examines their inner struggles as they grapple with silence from God amidst cruelty and persecution, raising profound questions about faith's endurance under extreme hardship. The novel blends historical context with deep philosophical reflection on the silence of God in times of suffering.