"Empire of the Sun" is a novel by J.G. Ballard, published in 1984. It is a semi-autobiographical story set during World War II, focusing on a young British boy named Jim who is separated from his parents in Shanghai. The narrative explores his experiences in a Japanese internment camp and his struggle for survival amidst the chaos of war. The novel was later adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg in 1987. The film stars Christian Bale as Jim and highlights themes of loss, resilience, and the impact of war on childhood. Both the book and film have received critical acclaim for their poignant storytelling and visual artistry.