The Samurai's Garden: A Novel

This will be best enjoyed by gardeners who have discovered their favorite activity also helps them deal with life's problem or those attracted to the serenity of Japanese gardens. The writing is clear and simple, the characters complex and interesting.

Reviews of the Samurai's Garden seem to fall into two camps. The "Oh my God, I loved it-best book evers" and the "Are you kidding me? This book stunk category!"

My problem with those in the latter category is that (with a few exceptions) readers who did not like this book tend to mount some moral literary high horse. They relish insulting other reviewers, as in "Anyone with any discerning taste and one scintilla of brain cells would NEVER like this book, ergo if you do you, I hate to break this to you, but you are a stupid, simple, idiot." Listen to yourselves! I wonder what it must feel like to these people to know everything?

Anyway. I did not particularly love this book, but I really can see how many did. The case can definitely be made that there were many layers of beautiful, intertwining lessons in this seemingly simple, yet really more-complex-than-it-looks book. In that sense, it kind of reminds me of the polarizing effect of the Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith.

My biggest problem with this book was that I don't think I was in the mood for it. I read it at a time when I had a lot going on, and couldn't sufficiently savor it. This is a book to be savored in peace. For most of my read of it, I wasn't in a peaceful frame of mind as a reader. My personal restlessness wanted more action, less bean cake eating. A few times, however, despite myself, I was caught flat-footed with awe by something in the story. The one thing I took away was to never forget that everyone has a story that helps define them. You just have to be still and listen.

This was my favorite book of 2013. My recent purchase is for a gift. My book club has selected this even though several have already read it. The book gave me a different view of the Chinese/Japanese interaction during WWII. The developed relationships between the characters was enriching.

I would recommend this book for those who enjoy a feeling of calm, and yet the book has enough of an action thread to hold your interest through the end. Gail Tsukiyama's compassion for her characters really comes through in her writing. A very graceful read--one worth your time.

Absolutely amazing. This book has a slow heartfelt pace that makes it seem as though you are actually living it alongside Stephan. It centers around a lot of Japanese culture as well, and I felt that it was refreshing from the normal American life style

"The Samurai's Garden: A Novel" is the most touching story about loyality, love, dignity,and courage. It will move your heart. This story teaches the reader that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and true beauty comes from within a person. This beautifully written novel prompted me to immediately purchase two more novels by Gail Tsukiyama.

This novel is a peaceful look into a wartime era. The story of a young Chinese man plagued by tuberculosis. He learns so much from those around him in Japan. A must read.

I love this author so much that I'm reading all of her Noel's now. Five stars!

At first the book seemed very slow...but I gradually understood that this was a reflection of the main characters lifestyle. All the characters played well with the ongoing storyline as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quiet, enjoyable read.

Very few stories leave you thinking about them at random moments, weeks or probably even yeaars after you've read them. This is one of those. A garden of gems - honor, compassion, love, loyalty, freindship. Highly recommended!

A very interesting emotionally gripping novel about a boy becoming a man during less than ideal times. Very well written with smooth transitions I was brought into the story as if I was experiencing everything.

This book was written at a different time. A time when segregation for illnesses was the vogue. I find that we embrace the same things today. It had charm and interest as other cultures attend to their daily lives. A charming read.