There’s alot going on in this garden!
Sublime and seductive, The Garden of Evening Mists has it all.
Intriguing characters in a fascinating historical context, written with lyricism and a deep philosophical heart.
Teoh Yun Ling is returning to her past before she loses her memory. A prisoner of the Japanese during the war, she and her sister had a dream that kept them going, the dream of creating a Japanese garden. Her sister didn’t make it, but after the war, against the backdrop of the Malayan Emergency, Yun Ling became the apprentice to the former gardener of Emperor Hirohito.
Now a retired judge, Yun Ling returns to the garden they created. As her story unravels, memories and secrets are revealed.
Malayan Communist soldiers during the Malayan emergency
Love, guilt and memory haunt this beautiful book. But don’t be fooled. Despite all the dreaminess, the story moves along at a cracking pace, sweeping across multiple characters. This book is immensely readable and beautiful. Not a simple combination to pull off!
I am in absolute agreement with Claire Armistead at The Guardian, this book should have won the Booker!
Vikzwrites is also a fan
I liked Matt’s insights on the book too.
It is my absolute favourite book of the year so far.
The book even has a kamikaze pilot love story subplot!
Hukosai’s Shower Below The Summit
Your right, I am a massive fan. Have you tried his other book- ‘a gift of rain‘? I loved that too.
Hi,
I’ve popped “Gift of Rain” on my to read list- definitely keen to read more of his books! I’ll let you know how I go.
Love this post (especially the photos), and love the idea behind your blog as well! We definitely need more sunshine and optimism in the world :)
Thanks so much : )
I’ve been very slack on the blog lately, and a bit of positive encouragement is just the ticket!
Yeah it takes a lot of effort, doesn’t it? I don’t know how many times I’ve slacked off/given up over the years (right now haha)
Keep up the great work though :D
thank you for your review of the book
I have this book on my TBR pile somewhere. Thanks for the great review – I’ll have to go and dig it out now :-)