The Samurai's Garden

Disease, love, commitment, betrayal, strength and war are just some of the themes you will experience in this beautiful and serene novel. As the Second World War is brewing between Japan and China the main character is sent to his family’s summer home to recuperate from TB. Gail Tsukiyama highlights the beauty of the human spirit as strong friendships develop between these current enemies in her slender yet, contemplative book. I enjoyed how Tsukiyama has organized The Samurai’s Garden into seasons rather than chapters. The book is very visual, slowly exposing the different characters emotions as the seasons change. With the intricacies that accompany leprosy, suicide, loss, devotion it is surprising that Tsukiyama was able to create such a peaceful story.