A review by bookthia
The Gardens of Kyoto by Kate Walbert

4.0

There were things I liked a lot about this book. There is no denying that the author is gifted with her use of language. I enjoyed the story, if only for its prose. The main character, Ellen, tells her story in the first person. As her tale unwinds, you learn how frequently in her life she does not say what she thinks, she does not do what she wishes. Soon, you are reading a tale about a life not lived -- a fate determined by fear, reticence, complacency, resignation. How different might her life have been had she had the courage to tell people she loved them, or to take risks, or to offer an opinion. She wasn't an unlikeable person. In fact, I expect that many readers could relate to some of her choices to hold back -- her fears of public opinion, her desire to blend in and not draw attention. But she is an example of these traits to an rxtreme. And it costs her dearly. And yet, she is so mild, that she doesn't seem capable of outrage, or anger, or even sadness. All of that emotion is left to the reader. And I wanted to shout it to her. But it wouldn't have done any good, even if she could hear me.

A very good, if emotionally frustrating, story.