Analysis of Gail Tsukiyama's novel The Samurai's Garden - Book Report/Review Example

He has to be cared for by the family’s domestic help, Matsu, a quiet and reserved man whom Stephen knows (Tsukiyama 30). As the novel opens, Stephen has no reason to believe that his stay in Tarumi will be anything but relaxing, and he is looking forward to reading and painting, which are his two favorite hobbies. Before long after he arrives, though, it becomes clear to Stephen that there is more to the character Matsu than he sees at first. Sachi and Kenzo who are two of Matsu friends become acquaintances of the main character and from there on as he learns more about them and their past; he is more immersed in Japanese culture and life.

He gets romantically involved in romance as he forges lasting bonds with the two friends Sachi and Matsu and, Stephen begins to feel safer and well in Tarumi, which is an area that is promptly peaceful and turbulent in nature. This book takes place against the scene of 1930’s Japan. At the time, Japan was industrial and seeking dominance over its less modernized neighbors; this aggressive policy was one in all the contributive factors to Japan’s later involvement in warfare. . Throughout the book through the employment of Japanese terms helpfully italicized and with their meanings explained and colorful portrayals of the people.

Particularly nice is that the undeniable fact that Tsukiyama didn't romanticize the culture, as a result of the news reports of the Japanese-Chinese war served as a reminder that no society is ideal which attribute, all people’s common attribute, incorporates each smart and unhealthy parts. Finally, I appreciated the fact that the author emphasized the variations between the cultures of China and Japan; a standard misconception in Western thought is to treat all Asian cultures as constant, once really, every culture is somewhat distinct.

This book had several literary virtues yet. Tsukiyama’s prose was distributed and clear whereas still descriptive, evoking the clean, straightforward kind of Asian art, and poetry. The subsequent quote illustrates an expressive style that is gorgeous however not overdone: “…I spent hours rearranging those stones, as if they command some strange, hypnotic power that brought American state calm. Day once day Matsu carried luggage of pebbles and stones of various shapes and sizes over here with the assistance of a borrowed mule and cart.

I apprehensively hoped-for them as if I were attempting to suit every bit along into a sophisticated puzzle I required to finish” (150). The plot was well-developed and fairly fascinating, incorporating a complex in addition the Characterization, theme well created and executed and through its implementation characters seemed more real and vivid, once more with stress on the nice and unhealthy temperament traits embodied by every. There were many thematic concepts gift among this book; the foremost prevailing theme was that beauty