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refractionsofray's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Absolutely adored this, although some of the characters I connected to less, the overall story was so intriguing and captivating it didn't detract from my overall rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
jocelyn_broman's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a huge branch out for me and it did not disappoint. Tsukiyama's lyrical prose and excellent characters that are unwrapped a piece at a time - just wonderful. The WWII era backdrop of Japanese advancement into China while the main character from Hong Kong is recovering in Japan at his grandfather's seaside house melded both old world wealth and new era changes that explored the tensions of this time on a personal level. Loved it. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: War
linda48's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Suicide, and War
canjanka's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Suicide, War, and Injury/Injury detail
nadiamasood's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've read about ten Japanese novels, and this one is my favorite so far! It's character-driven, and the writing is poetic and atmospheric. Even though it tackles some heavy themes, it wasn't a stressful read (although there were some moments that broke my heart). What really stood out was the resilience of the characters. I took my time with this one, and by the end, I just wanted to visit that part of Japan and meet everyone. If you like annotating books, you'll totally enjoy this one!
The book is presented as journal entries from a young Chinese-American man sent to his family's house in the quiet Japanese village of Tarumi to recover from tuberculosis.
The Samurai’s Garden is metaphorical. There aren't any traditional samurai in this book, but Matsu embodies their spirit with his dedication, honor, and quiet strength. His careful tending of the garden reflects the discipline and resilience of a samurai, and the garden itself serves as a sanctuary for him and others amid the chaos of the outside world.
Stephen is the main character whose journal we’re following in the book. I’m really trying to understand him and keep reminding myself that he’s just a 20-year-old guy from the 1930s, so his perspective might reflect that. He arrives in this Japanese village sick and lonely, makes friends, learns a lot about them, and experiences some life-changing events. But by the end of the book, he goes back home feeling lonely...perhaps even lonelier (albeit healthier). Maybe this is what makes his character feel real?
Matsu is such a reliable character! He’s like the metaphorical samurai from the title and totally embodies that vibe—peaceful, quiet, and private. I love how patient and caring he is with Stephen, even when Stephen comes off as a bit intrusive. He’s a great role model for him. Without giving too much away, Matsu deals with a lot of loss and heartbreak, and his way of coping is through gardening.
Sachi is my favorite character. I find her story the most interesting. Once renowned for her beauty, Sachi’s life takes a tragic turn when she contracts leprosy. Her inner strength and resilience are admirable. She embodies beauty and grace in tough times, and her friendship with Matsu highlights loyalty and unconditional love. Her story shows how the human spirit can endure and find peace amid challenges, making her one of the most memorable characters in the novel.
The ending is pretty ambiguous and open-ended. Stephen arrives in Tarumi weak and lonely, and he heads back to Hong Kong feeling more isolated than ever (albeit physically healthier). I suppose this lack of resolution reflects the real-life complexities and uncertainties, where everyone just moves on. The novel doesn’t tie everything up neatly, perhaps because life rarely works that way.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with complex relationships, this book is a good choice. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, it offers a rich historical backdrop that deepens the characters' journeys. Themes of healing and resilience shine through, and Tsukiyama's gentle, reflective writing style makes for a meditative read. You'll also get a glimpse into Japanese culture and how history shapes individual lives. If you like emotional depth mixed with historical context and beautiful prose, this book is definitely worth checking out!
Trigger Warning: Suicide. I appreciate how Tsukiyama has explored this topic with sensitivity. It is worth noting that in Japan, suicide doesn't often carry the stigma of sin. For some, there's still a lingering cultural notion that romanticizes noble suicide, where it be seen as an attempt to restore honor, atone for failures, or to avoid disgrace.
The book is presented as journal entries from a young Chinese-American man sent to his family's house in the quiet Japanese village of Tarumi to recover from tuberculosis.
The Samurai’s Garden is metaphorical. There aren't any traditional samurai in this book, but Matsu embodies their spirit with his dedication, honor, and quiet strength. His careful tending of the garden reflects the discipline and resilience of a samurai, and the garden itself serves as a sanctuary for him and others amid the chaos of the outside world.
Stephen is the main character whose journal we’re following in the book. I’m really trying to understand him and keep reminding myself that he’s just a 20-year-old guy from the 1930s, so his perspective might reflect that. He arrives in this Japanese village sick and lonely, makes friends, learns a lot about them, and experiences some life-changing events. But by the end of the book, he goes back home feeling lonely...perhaps even lonelier (albeit healthier). Maybe this is what makes his character feel real?
Matsu is such a reliable character! He’s like the metaphorical samurai from the title and totally embodies that vibe—peaceful, quiet, and private. I love how patient and caring he is with Stephen, even when Stephen comes off as a bit intrusive. He’s a great role model for him. Without giving too much away, Matsu deals with a lot of loss and heartbreak, and his way of coping is through gardening.
Sachi is my favorite character. I find her story the most interesting. Once renowned for her beauty, Sachi’s life takes a tragic turn when she contracts leprosy. Her inner strength and resilience are admirable. She embodies beauty and grace in tough times, and her friendship with Matsu highlights loyalty and unconditional love. Her story shows how the human spirit can endure and find peace amid challenges, making her one of the most memorable characters in the novel.
The ending is pretty ambiguous and open-ended. Stephen arrives in Tarumi weak and lonely, and he heads back to Hong Kong feeling more isolated than ever (albeit physically healthier). I suppose this lack of resolution reflects the real-life complexities and uncertainties, where everyone just moves on. The novel doesn’t tie everything up neatly, perhaps because life rarely works that way.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with complex relationships, this book is a good choice. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, it offers a rich historical backdrop that deepens the characters' journeys. Themes of healing and resilience shine through, and Tsukiyama's gentle, reflective writing style makes for a meditative read. You'll also get a glimpse into Japanese culture and how history shapes individual lives. If you like emotional depth mixed with historical context and beautiful prose, this book is definitely worth checking out!
Trigger Warning: Suicide. I appreciate how Tsukiyama has explored this topic with sensitivity. It is worth noting that in Japan, suicide doesn't often carry the stigma of sin. For some, there's still a lingering cultural notion that romanticizes noble suicide, where it be seen as an attempt to restore honor, atone for failures, or to avoid disgrace.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Death and War
seforaflorian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
alisylvi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Medical trauma and War
Minor: Xenophobia
kris_tea516's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Book 34 of The 52 Book Challenger for 2024
This was a really sweet book. A young Chinese man is staying at his family’s home in Japan during the Japanese invasion of China during WWII. The caretaker of the house takes the young man under his wing & teaches him how to live an honorable life in quite & rarely recognized ways. It is a sweet story of sacrifice, love, & humility. It was nothing like I expected but I am glad I read it.
In reality, I’d probably give it 3.5 stars because I did really like it but there were a few times my mind wandered & I really didn’t put much effort in going back to hear what I missed.
This was a really sweet book. A young Chinese man is staying at his family’s home in Japan during the Japanese invasion of China during WWII. The caretaker of the house takes the young man under his wing & teaches him how to live an honorable life in quite & rarely recognized ways. It is a sweet story of sacrifice, love, & humility. It was nothing like I expected but I am glad I read it.
In reality, I’d probably give it 3.5 stars because I did really like it but there were a few times my mind wandered & I really didn’t put much effort in going back to hear what I missed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Sexual content
cassie7e's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
A quiet, unsuspenseful, melancholic read. A contemplation on beauty, and living, and what matters in a life. Multigenerational friendships. War. Disability.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death, Xenophobia, and War
Minor: Infidelity and Miscarriage
vchetty's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: War