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The Gardens of Kyoto
The Gardens of Kyoto
Author: Kate Walbert
I had a cousin, Randall, killed on Iwo Jima. Have I told you? — So begins Kate Walbert's beautiful and heartbreaking novel about a young woman, Ellen, coming of age in the long shadow of World War II. Forty years later she relates the events of this period, beginning with the death of her favorite cousin, Randall, with whom she shared Easter ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780684869490
ISBN-10: 0684869497
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 22

3.3 stars, based on 22 ratings
Publisher: Scribner
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

woodworm avatar reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It takes a bit to get into the story itself as it weaves through the past and present of a young woman's life, Ellen, and the loss of her little known but favorite cousin, Randall, during WWII. Well into the second half of the book the story flows smoothly and was well worth the effort.
mwelday avatar reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 148 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting read...told from the main character's (Kate) point of view as she reflects on her family and primarily her cousin Randall who dies at Iwo Jima...a very touching story of Kate's coming of age experiences.

"The book you have to read." -Entertainment Weekly
reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 70 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Growing up in the 1950's, I have an understanding of the thinking and decisions of the characters. Then, as now, people make choices that we must live with. This is a terrific story of growing up and the connections we make in life.
Read All 9 Book Reviews of "The Gardens of Kyoto"

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reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 15 more book reviews
A mezmerizing story of the interplay of love and loss
reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 334 more book reviews
Well written, intelligent novel, very intriguing. I was enthralled with the author's characterization, and the storytelling was superb.
reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 6 more book reviews
A really interesting read. Great language. Time/place shifting a bit hard to follow, but worth the effort.
reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 56 more book reviews
Grabs you from the first line: "I had a cousin, Randall, killed on Iwo Jima. Have I told you?"
JTG avatar reviewed The Gardens of Kyoto on + 280 more book reviews
Haunting book about a young girl who loved and lost her cousin during World War II. Great!


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