[In "Noble House" Clavell] has shifted his scene from medieval Japan to the Hong Kong of 18 years ago. But one is still in Asia—where the clash of cultures and ideologies remains as intense in 1963 as in the 1600s.

James Clavell is a master yarn-spinner and an expert on detail. Indeed, one sometimes feels overwhelmed with the masses of information and wishes a firmer editing pencil had been applied. But the author, nevertheless, is in a class with James Michener and Robert Elegant in his ability to handle a massive cast and hold your attention through the intricacies of a 1,200-page plot.

This book should last a weekend reader most of the summer. But since the action is limited to a little more than one week and the chapters are identified by the time of day, the story can be laid down and resumed without too much puzzlement...