Big Books of 2026
The Samurai's Garden

Questions About The Samurai's Garden

by Gail Tsukiyama

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Answered Questions (6)

Does Stephen speak Japanese or does Matsu and the villagers speak Chinese?
Chrystina
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
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Is there any explanation for why the main character is Chinese but names Stephen?
Vicki His father said it would be good when the children are grown and in the business world. They would have names that were easy to pronounce and not off …moreHis father said it would be good when the children are grown and in the business world. They would have names that were easy to pronounce and not off putting to prospective clients.(less)
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why is it call the Samuri's garden? anybody?
Greg Matsu makes a self-deprecating comment about his facial appearance to Stephen. Stephen, searching for the right thing to say, says to Matsu that he (M…moreMatsu makes a self-deprecating comment about his facial appearance to Stephen. Stephen, searching for the right thing to say, says to Matsu that he (Matsu) has the face of a Samurai, indicating a strong and heroic face(less)
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Did anyone else think there may have been a familial connection between Sachi and Keiko? Sachi mentioned having a younger brother. I always thought it was odd the way Keiko's father disliked Stephen. As Sachi spoke more about her life in Tarumi, I thought that we would find out that she was really Keiko's aunt. That Keiko's dad found out Stephen was going with Matsu to Yamaguchi and found it shameful?
Ruthie Interesting.....my mind never went in that direction. The whole time I felt his dislike had more to do with his feelings about the Chinese that he bel…moreInteresting.....my mind never went in that direction. The whole time I felt his dislike had more to do with his feelings about the Chinese that he believed to be his enemies. Although it never specifically said so, I got the feeling that he was very nationalistic and passed that along to his son who proudly went to fight in the war. (less)
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How does Stephen Chan change throughout the story? I know he doesn't long home as much, in fact he wants to stay in Tarumi, but what are some other examples? Thanks
Kathleen At first he learns to not feel sorry for himself because of his illness. Then, while he is recovering his physical strength, he becomes mentally/emoti…moreAt first he learns to not feel sorry for himself because of his illness. Then, while he is recovering his physical strength, he becomes mentally/emotionally/spiritually stronger, by learning from the strong and admirable examples of Matsu and Sachi. (less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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