Book #42 week #33, The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

While waiting for a copy of Gail Tsukiyama's new book A Hundred Flowers to become available at the library I decided to have a copy of the original book of hers that was recommended to me; The Samurai's Garden. I couldn't find it at that time so I read The Street of a Thousand Blossoms instead, which I loved but it was very, very sad.

The Samurai's Garden takes place in the same time period the 1930's. However instead of being solely about Japan, our main character is actually from China. Twenty-year-old Stephen is sick with tuberculosis and the hot, humid air of Hong Kong is proving to be unhelpful for his condition. His father is a successful business man who spends most of his time in Japan. With heavy hearts Stephen's family decides to sent him to the family summer home in a quaint coastal Japanese village. This would not have been such a big deal if Japan was not currently invading China. 

While in Japan Stephen is cared for by Matsu, the long time caretaker of the summer home. Matsu is an older man who spends his days working in his beautiful garden and visiting his long time friend in a nearby mountaintop village, a woman affected by leprosy. During his year long stay not only does Stephen begin to feel better but he also gets close to and learns the secrets of the mysterious people around him. Suddenly Stephen finds himself filling a void he didn't know even existed and he is heart brokenly torn between the two worlds that he has grown to love. 

Although not as sad as The Street of a Thousand Blossoms, this book has its share of tragedy and heartache. The characters are amazing; full of surprises, depth, beauty and love. Where others might have given up these characters look for the beauty and purpose in all situations. I honesty did not want this book to end. I think Gail Tsukiyama has made a lifelong fan out of me and here is to hoping the next book is as great as the ones I have read so far.

Quote:
“It is not an act of bravery to try to save your own village. It is an instinct to protect what you possess. Bravery is when you step in to help when you have nothing to lose.”