The Samurai's Garden : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and Eloquently Written
Review: I was touched by the work of Gail Tsukiyama her writing was a model of bi-linqual intrigue. The flow of the literature was enticing and the story is made for movie. But let's hope that doesn't happen. Her ability to paraphrase in English the Japanese usage made you feel as if you were there, and will reinforce a beginning japanese students confidence. Her literary discriptive talent puts the reader right there, 1937. Confronting the beauty of the era along with the hazards. I throughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it. But then you don't know me from Oe! Kenzaburo that is.

Rating:
Summary: I like the novel, but...
Review: Gail Tsukiyama's "Women of the Silk" and its sequel, "The Language of Threads" are my favorite novels. I think this novel is excellent too but it leaves something to be desired. It's because I'm Japanese.

The protagonist, Stephen (he's Chinese but was given a Christian name by his parents) came from Hong Kong to Japan to recuperate from tuberculosis. There he met Matsu, his family's servant and skillful gardener, and Sachi, a leper who lived in a small community deep in the mountain. In spite of the ongoing war between China and Japan, they took each other to their hearts. The story about their spirits is very touching.

But Tsukiyama's description of Japanese seasons and culture loses some reality (in Honshu, the mainland of Japan, we can't swim in Autumn; the autumn equinox is not the first day of autumn here; in a funeral women in kimono don't wear veil; etc.). Once I decide it's a portrait of imaginary Japan, it's excellent for me like her other novels.

P.S. Japanese lepers finally redeemed their honor by winning their suit against Japanese government last month, after several decades of struggle.

Rating:
Summary: The best book written by Gail Tsukiyama
Review: This is so far the best book written by Gail Tsukiyama. A few years ago my book dciscusssion group met her at a bookstore. She said that " Samurai's Garden " was the favorite book of hers by many people. It has a wonderful story with lovely people.
It is a beautiful ove story. Read it.

Rating:
Summary: Slow and lovely--especially enjoyable setting
Review: Reading this novel is like entering a still, cool, greenly shaded world, where much that is of interest is going on under the surface.

Stephen, the young man who is the protagonist in this book is Chinese, but he is recuperating from TB in his family's summer home in Japan during the course of the book. While in Japan, he is befriended by the family's gardener, who introduces him to an intriguing friend.

The book takes place prior to the Second World War, and Stephen is worried about the Japanese assaults on his country--particularly the siege on Nanking. He is also worrying about family problems. Despite the background problems, Stephen becomes involved in his life in Japan.

Interesting elements include the treatment of lepers, Sino-Japanese relations, painting and gardening.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: nothing special
Review: I read "Women of the Silk" before reading this book, both for my english classes, and I found both books quite ordinary. In my opinion, Gail Tsukiyama can write successful children books as her level of intelligence and talent is not enough for intelligent and well-read readers. The characters in both novels were extremely flat as they have no flaws, which was unacceptable for a reader who can discriminate good work from bad one. Also Matsu's character was contradicting itself as he suddenly become a very talkative person.
Shortly, if you like reading Daniel Steel, you can enjoy this book, too. But if you think your sophistication level is higher, then that's definetely not a good choice for you.

Rating:
Summary: Lovely book!
Review: I have been a big fan of Gail Tsukiyama's work ever since I discovered her book, Women of the Silk..I am currently reading Night of Many Dreams and had finished The Samurai's Garden just last month. Gail writes with such exquisite detail that you feel as if you are within the pages of the book..her writing brings your imagination to life and you literally can't put the book down. The Samurai's Garden is a wonderful tale of love, sacrifice and dedication..It has moment's of deep despair and surprises within the story that will leave you tingling! It's a great read and highly recommended! All of her books are wonderful! This is an author of great talent!

Rating:
Summary: Hidden beauty
Review: A story of love, loss, and beauty, the Samauri's Garden is a wonderful novel about a Chinese young man who travels to a small, oceanside village in Japan to recover from an illness in the late 1930's. The novel is written as a journal, with the main character, Stephan, revealing what he learns and feels with each passing day. Early on, Stephan meets Matsu, a gruff servant in Stephan's father's countryside house. There is more to Matsu than meets the eye, Stephan suspects, and he is right. Stephan also eventually meets Sachi, a woman scarred by leprosy. With each day that goes by, the Japanese invasion of China gains ground, but the friendships that Stephan forms are stronger than politics and transcend war.

There is something macabre in Stephan's fascination with Sachi's disfigured face. Sachi is an enchanting woman, buy why is Stephan so enamored by her physical defects? The Samauri's Garden is a fairy tale of sorts; perhaps it is one that also has its dark side to it.

The village of Tarumi is another world from Stephan's reality. Like Stephan, readers will enjoy escaping from the real world and getting lost here.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet, calming and enjoyable
Review: This is an endearing story of a Chinese man recovering from illness in Japan during turbulent times. The characters are strong and inspiring. A beautiful story written by a very talented author. A great book to spend time enjoying.

Rating:
Summary: The best book written by Gail Tsukiyama
Review: This is so far the best book written by Gail Tsukiyama. A few years ago my book dciscusssion group met her at a bookstore. She said that " Samurai's Garden " was the favorite book of hers by many people. It has a wonderful story with lovely people.
It is a beautiful ove story. Read it.