Play Book Tag discussion

This story was beautiful but also difficult. Yun Ling Teoh retires as a judge in the newly independent Malaysia and returns to the hills where she worked on recovery through creating a Japanese garden under the tutelage of a former gardener to the Emperor of Japan. The circumstance seemed quite unlikely as Yun was a sole survivor of a Japanese concentration camp during WWII still traumatized by the horrors she experienced and saw and then persecuted after the war until she was asked to leave due to speaking out against the government's attempts to reconcile with Japan.

The story is full of the politics of colonialism, occupation under Japan, conflicts with communism and guerrilla groups. It is also a reflective story on religion, beauty and love especially love that isn't easily accepted by others. I was somewhat entranced in the story as changes to the garden were made. It was a difficult story and trigger warning events but very well told piece of history that isn't often shared.

BWF Tenacious Trailblazers: Travel x 10

He writes beautifully.

I loved his ‘House of Doors’. So beautifully written and evocative.

This has been on my TBR since 2016. I don't understand why I haven't read it yet. So many goood books............

I need to read more from the author though I hope that the topics are a bit lighter.

I loved this one and also The Gift of Rain.

Jen, if you want a little lighter, I'd recommend:
The House of Doors

I’m about to read house of doors for my next steeplechase!!! I loved the gift of rain. I really liked this one too. It’s just it was hard because the gift of rain was such a favorite, that this one had a harder hill to climb!!!

This book is my favorite of the three. Somehow, despite the horrific WW2 prison camp story, Tan manages to create an atmosphere of
peace and tranquility. The characters are complicated, so many conflicting loyalties. Really powerful writing.

I liked this book, but I thought The House of Doors was even better.