And these things are physical representations of the writing itself which is clean, simple, elegant, and real. He goes and stays in the small town of tarumi with his familys servant matsu. He goes and stays in the small town of tarumi with his familys servant matsu. Book Club Reflection: The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama It is written as excerpts from his journal and so it is from his perspectiveas though we, the reader, are sharing his inner-most thoughts and feelings. Samurai were a class of highly skilled warriors that arose in Japan after the Taika reforms of A.D. 646, which included land redistribution and heavy new taxes meant to support an elaborate Chinese-style empire. Later, in the afternoon Stephen was in his grandfathers study trying to write a reply when Matsu had shouted that a storm was on its way and requested Stephens help in securing the house for the coming storm. All three central characters (Stephen, Matsu, and Sachi) find some sense of comfort in tending the garden. In the first "Winter" chapter, Stephen writes, "Sachi's presence, which had held us and the garden captive is gone, leaving an emptiness that can't be filled" (73). Stephen soon learns how the three were connected as childhood friends. Then he heads into town with Matsu. Summary: The book takes place mainly in Tarumi, Japan. In order to keep in some contact in the later years with Sachi, Kenzo sent messages through his childhood friend, Matsu. Throughout the story, there are two gardens that are important to Matsu, Sachi, and Stephen. The story begins as he becomes ill with tuberculosis while studying at a school in canton. Lovely book. Gail Tsukiyama. Yamaguchi is alive with celebration, though Sachi's house is more somber with only a shime-nawaa rope of twisted straw thought to keep evil spirits away. help you understand the book. Keiko says her father still brought shame to her (read more from the Winter and Spring: March, 1938 Summary). Slow and somehow not dull, but beautiful. She knows me too well - I do love 'quiet, meditative' books that ripple with stillness and poetry. A sweet and sour night, Stephen appears somewhat drained from all that's been going on but his spirits rise as he goes to meet Keiko at the shrine. A gracefully illuminating novel that is tender and as delicate as a first blooming blossom in Spring. They finish the conversation and Stephan goes back to Tamuku. How did I read 800+ books without discovering Gail Tsukiyama? The Japanese and Chinese were fighting a war at that time, and Keiko's family had prejudiced opinions about Chinese people (especially Keiko's father).

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