Rating: 
Summary: A Soothing Masterpiece
Review: I did not want this book to end. I tried to read it as slowly as possible because it moved me. I loved the characters Stephan-san and Matsu-san they were two opposites when they first met and in the end they were like father and son. I finished this book two weeks ago and find myself daydreaming about the events in this book. I am hoping to read more of Gail Tsuikiyama's books.
Rating:
Summary: One of my fave reads of 2000
Review: After reading most of the other reviews, I couldn't help but think that most were being too picky. A book can be a great read without having to be epic in nature. I thought this was one of the nicest "stories" I have read all year - mostly due to the characters. There was enough culture and history to set the stage but to go into anymore detail would have been beside the point...the point being the character's interaction. I have given this as gifts to 2 friends so far and plan to give to more when the opportunity arises. Enjoy the story - if you expect too much from books they may disappoint - accept this as a good read and enjoy the things you do learn and take with you from the book.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and elegant
Review: The story of Matsu and Sachi will linger long after the last page has been turned. The power of love, friendship and forgiveness is a universal theme, one we can all relate to. The style of writing of Tsukiyama is very lyrical and understated. Some people may find this style of writing boring, but to me it was almost like reading poetry. I had a deep feeling of peacefulness after reading this book and would recommend it very highly.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Enjoyable
Review: I greatly enjoyed this book. The characters were so real and deep. The author did an excellent job of weaving the story while reminding us of time past where manners were impeccable, and time was filled with things other than technology, and that people and relationships have always had the same qualities. This book was hard to put down.
Rating:
Summary: Simplicity and grace
Review: Although I have liked all of Tsukiyama's books, this is myfavorite. Her writing is sensory and subtle. It amazed me that shecould capture so well the differences between two Asian cultures insuch a small book. At the same time, she makes clear that those whotranscend differences and recognize their shared humanity are thetruly blessed.
Rating:
Summary: simply perfect
Review: simply perfect. one cannot help but be moved by the honesty and humility demonstrated by the characters in this beautiful novel - buy it for yourself, then buy many more copies for your friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Fleshed-out short story; not at all satisfying
Review: I loved the first thirty or so pages of this novel because it set the tone for a beautiful story, then went absolutely nowhere. World War II was the background, but other than a few radio reports and letters from home, it had no impact on the story. Other than the narrator's girlfriend's father rejecting him because he is Chinese, race is neglected as a theme when it could have played a much larger role in the story. Leprosy is a good plot twist because it makes us think about outer v. inner beauty. The garden was an excellent symbol of life, but it's difficult to set a 200 page novel around a garden, especially in this novel. I agree with another reviewer who thought this was a short story that some editor thought should become a novel. Tsukiyama should have concentrated on leprosy and the garden, and left the other elements of war and racism out completely, because they were more of a distraction than real issues in the novel.
Rating:
Summary: A Work of Art!
Review: I love this novel by Gail Tsukiyama. A series of revelations were unveiled at a recuperating seaside abode for Stephen who contracted tuberculosis. The adversarial circumstances surrounding his friends at the village overshadowed his illness. The novel makes me realize the fragility of life, how illness can do so much damage to a person. This thematic novel rests on friendship, love and courage; courage to live life without a complete physical self but with flaws every other person would be petrified at the very sight. It also depicts the ramifications and repercussions of war, the hatred between the Chinese and Japanese and sadly, how it affects the next generation. We ought to count our blessings! Read this novel! It will touch you just like it did to me! :)
Rating:
Summary: The Samurai's Garden
Review: I think this is a wonderfu book for people who like to cross over into worlds beyond thier own. If you like good reading that is relaxing and satisfying then you have to get this book! It is a wonderful story full of love and kindness!
Rating: 
Summary: Perfect as a rose...
Review: this book should be read SLOWLY, slowly and leisurely, so that you can discover the wonders of the orient. the problem with us americans is we move too fast, we don't take time to notice the simple things and the infinite beauty they bring( i.e. a garden) i had no problem with the narritive; ms. tsukiyama's writing style is a blessing because it didn't complicate things. you knew what was going on and why. the whole point of the book is about beauty in its many forms; how people can be obsessed with it and ultimately, its rejuvenative powers. i compare the relationship between stephan and matsu to mr miyagi and daniel in the karate kid movies( no karate of course here, just the back drop of world war 2, chinese fighting the japanese). matsu's job is teaching stephan the importance of beauty and honor; about being able to find beauty amongst the rubble and rebuilding your life. i would've loved to have seen a romantic relationship blossom between keiko and stephan. you can feel stephan's heart breaking, after keiko tells him, that there could never be more between them, after stephan learns that keiko's brother, a japanese soldier, was killed by the chinese. ms. tsukiyama decribes things lovely; i could see matsu's garden; the many kinds of flowers that he cherishes. this book was my introduction into oriental literature and culture, but it wont be my last. i plan to read the joy luck club next. ....
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