Mary-Pat S. (marypat) reviewed on 1/19/2014

I just finished reading Gail Tsukiyamas The Samaurais Garden. I can only try to describe how I felt while reading and how I feel now that Ive come to the end. The story is simple but highly thought provoking. As I became comfortable with Ms. Tsukiyamas writing style, which is uncluttered and pure in the Japanese fashion, I found myself calming into an almost meditative state. Her prose flows like a gently babbling brook; or, more accurately, like the movement of the bamboo rake drawn through the pebbles of Sachis, one of the characters, stone garden. It is sparse but completely adequate to convey the characters' messages of gentleness, strength, courage, fortitude and natural beauty.

During the course of reading, when I found it necessary to put the book down for whatever reason, I found myself transformed and would feel the need to regroup, mentally and emotionally, back into my world. Then, when I picked it up to begin reading again I found myself tumbling gently back into the world Ms. Tsukiyama's characters and story had created. I became an an active observer of Stephen, the narrator, Matsu, the caretaker and gardener, and Sachi, the beautiful leper. I was mesmerized by their personalities and wisdom, simplicity and the care they took in living their lives. The book became a form of meditation that stays with me now as I reflect.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details