Shusaku Endo is considered one of Japan's greatest modern writers. Hisnovel Silence is acknowledged as a masterpiece and has been translated intomany languages. The Final Martyrs, published in English just before hisdeath in 1996, reinforced his reputation as a major literary figure.E ndo wasborn in 1923 and converted to Christianity as a boy. His stories and novelsattempt to integrate his religious faith with Japanese culture. Endorsements