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A review by nadiamasood
The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
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