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The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn
Cracked doesn’t always mean broken.
Grieving her mother’s death, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto, Japan to take photographs of Yanagi Inn for a client. As she explores the inn and its grounds, her camera captures striking images, uncovering layers of mystery shrouding the old resort—including an overgrown, secret garden on a forbidden island. But then eerie weeping no one else in the inn seems to hear starts keeping her awake at night.
Despite the warnings of the staff, Mari searches the deep recesses of the old building to discover the source of the ghostly sound, only to realize that her own family’s history is tied to the inn, its mysterious, forlorn garden . . . and the secrets it holds.
Grieving her mother’s death, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto, Japan to take photographs of Yanagi Inn for a client. As she explores the inn and its grounds, her camera captures striking images, uncovering layers of mystery shrouding the old resort—including an overgrown, secret garden on a forbidden island. But then eerie weeping no one else in the inn seems to hear starts keeping her awake at night.
Despite the warnings of the staff, Mari searches the deep recesses of the old building to discover the source of the ghostly sound, only to realize that her own family’s history is tied to the inn, its mysterious, forlorn garden . . . and the secrets it holds.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
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6988 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 1, 2024
3.5 stars
October 10, 2023
Not the book for me at all. Far too melodramatic.
The storyline sounded interesting being a re-telling of the classic Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson-Burnett. In this story a photographer, Mari, is given a grant to photograph the traditional Japanese Yanagi Inn where she spent time as a child.
Mari's mother has just died, her latest romantic relationship ended, her professional life not going where she wants. Despite her misgivings Mari accepts the grant and heads to Japan but when she arrives nothing is quite how she remembers. The owner of the inn is absent, the housekeeper actively hostile and Mari herself doesn't know what to photograph, where she is allowed to go or if anyone is on her side at all.
So here's my problem with this book. Why does Mari simply not ask questions? She's no idea why things keep happening or why everyone seems to know things about her or what's going on but she never asks anyone. She simply makes up increasingly ludicrous theories in her head thus making herself more anxious by the second. This second guessing drove me to distraction as the narrator's voice became more and more shrill as Mari's anxiety increased.
The re-telling didn't work for me but then I loved the original. That made sense to me. This does not. As I said this simply wasn't the book for me but I can see I am in the minority so I'm positive it will do well.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
The storyline sounded interesting being a re-telling of the classic Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson-Burnett. In this story a photographer, Mari, is given a grant to photograph the traditional Japanese Yanagi Inn where she spent time as a child.
Mari's mother has just died, her latest romantic relationship ended, her professional life not going where she wants. Despite her misgivings Mari accepts the grant and heads to Japan but when she arrives nothing is quite how she remembers. The owner of the inn is absent, the housekeeper actively hostile and Mari herself doesn't know what to photograph, where she is allowed to go or if anyone is on her side at all.
So here's my problem with this book. Why does Mari simply not ask questions? She's no idea why things keep happening or why everyone seems to know things about her or what's going on but she never asks anyone. She simply makes up increasingly ludicrous theories in her head thus making herself more anxious by the second. This second guessing drove me to distraction as the narrator's voice became more and more shrill as Mari's anxiety increased.
The re-telling didn't work for me but then I loved the original. That made sense to me. This does not. As I said this simply wasn't the book for me but I can see I am in the minority so I'm positive it will do well.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
September 17, 2022
I am a huge fan of the original THE SECRET GARDEN book and loved all of the little updated details and twists in this retelling. Even the names are such a fun tribute to the book so many of us loved as children. The mystery elements kept me turning pages well into the night because I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I thought I had everything figured out and then there was a twist!
I highly recommend this retelling to anyone who loved the original book and anyone who loves a book that will keep you guessing what’s really going on to the very end.
I highly recommend this retelling to anyone who loved the original book and anyone who loves a book that will keep you guessing what’s really going on to the very end.
November 4, 2023
A modern retelling of The Secret Garden set in Japan, The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn has a slow beginning but picks up the minute Mari discovers the 'secret garden' (on an abandoned island near the Inn) and decides to restore it to its former beauty with help from an elderly woman. I loved the original book and I think this retelling is very good as well. The writing is simple, beautiful, descriptive and atmospheric. There are very few characters but they are enough to move the story forward since the main character is definitely the garden.
I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved Emily Ellet's narration. Her calm and soothing voice is a perfect fit for this book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher CamCat Books/IBPA Members' Audiobooks and the author Amber Logan for the ALC.
I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved Emily Ellet's narration. Her calm and soothing voice is a perfect fit for this book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher CamCat Books/IBPA Members' Audiobooks and the author Amber Logan for the ALC.
August 21, 2022
Mari goes back to Japan to photograph an old inn. During the night she hears a child crying. During the day she roams the grounds taking pictures and going places she shouldn’t.
It’s a descriptive book. It’s a good story with some secrets that finally come out. I enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy
It’s a descriptive book. It’s a good story with some secrets that finally come out. I enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy
June 13, 2022
An adult retelling of The Secret Garden set in Japan - sign me up! This one doesn't just rely on nostalgia though; the writing is so beautifully atmospheric, I kept having to remind myself that I've never actually visited Yanagi Inn (though I desperately wish to while reading this book) because it replicates the feel of my travels in Japan so well.
I kept finding tiny treasures in this book - lovely little phrases, characters that struck a sweet chord, a familiar feeling I could savor; a very mindful read. I appreciated the way this story explored grief and longing in a gentle, authentic manner. No spoilers, but the story was satisfying throughout and into the ending.
I kept finding tiny treasures in this book - lovely little phrases, characters that struck a sweet chord, a familiar feeling I could savor; a very mindful read. I appreciated the way this story explored grief and longing in a gentle, authentic manner. No spoilers, but the story was satisfying throughout and into the ending.
June 15, 2022
Lyrical and haunting, The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a luminous retelling of a classic tale, made modern through the lens of Logan’s intrepid American heroine. A story of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of grief. Beautifully moving and inspired.
Thanks to CamCat Books and the author for an Advance Review Copy.
Thanks to CamCat Books and the author for an Advance Review Copy.
August 1, 2022
How can a ghost story be suspenseful and serene at the same time? The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn provides a richly descriptive cultural backdrop of Japanese traditions such as food, clothing, and respect. All characteristics of Japanese life I would never have associated with a ghost story. And the gardens!
From the beginning, I vowed to immerse myself slowly in this delicate tale – each scene an experience to be savoured. To understand Mari Lennox and what has brought her to Japan.
Each character involved with Mari-san, has been created with loving care to detail and begs the reader to want to learn more.
Is Mari the only guest at the run-down Yanagi Inn? Why is Ogura-san, the woman who runs the Inn, so hostile toward her? Mari is befriended by Yuna-san and Honda-san, who both help her discover why she’s able to see the weeping ghost at the Inn, and the real reason for Mari’s return to Japan from Chicago. Her grief at the recent death of her mother and a failed romantic relationship adds human layers to Mari that many readers will be able to relate to.
I loved this beautifully written story!
Amber Logan
From the beginning, I vowed to immerse myself slowly in this delicate tale – each scene an experience to be savoured. To understand Mari Lennox and what has brought her to Japan.
Each character involved with Mari-san, has been created with loving care to detail and begs the reader to want to learn more.
Is Mari the only guest at the run-down Yanagi Inn? Why is Ogura-san, the woman who runs the Inn, so hostile toward her? Mari is befriended by Yuna-san and Honda-san, who both help her discover why she’s able to see the weeping ghost at the Inn, and the real reason for Mari’s return to Japan from Chicago. Her grief at the recent death of her mother and a failed romantic relationship adds human layers to Mari that many readers will be able to relate to.
I loved this beautifully written story!
Amber Logan
August 11, 2022
When her mother dies of cancer, Mari Lennox accepts a grant to go to Japan to document the Yanagi Inn. As her father was an expatriate working in Japan, Mari spent her early years there. As an adult, she and her sister run an art gallery in the States. Though she's still active in art, Mari has moved away from doing her own creative work with a camera.
Her arrival in Japan is inauspicious. Her ride from the airport arrives late, and she’s greeted by an overbearing woman, the manager of the inn. The following day, Mari begins her explorations of the inn. Her grant was very nonspecific, and she's not quite sure what she's being expected to accomplish. Despite being warned to stay on the approved paths, she extends her investigations into less accessible areas and discovers a secret garden on an island. She’s not sure if she’s experiencing jet lag or a delayed grief response, but she has visual and auditory hallucinations in which she sees her mother and hears a child crying. As Mari uncovers the layers of the garden, her images become striking, delicate yet laced with a bit of mystery. As she searches the hidden areas of the inn, she finds that her own history is tied to the inn.
This is an adult retelling of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn retains much of that book’s sense of secrets, ghosts, and hidden mysteries. Mari is cracked, consumed by the loss of her mother and Thad, her ex-boyfriend, yet this is a story of redemption, forgiveness of self and others, and the power of grief to transform one’s life. Logan’s prose is as lyrical and as haunting as the inn itself. Many scenes and phrases are haunting and luminous. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and devoured it in one sitting.
Her arrival in Japan is inauspicious. Her ride from the airport arrives late, and she’s greeted by an overbearing woman, the manager of the inn. The following day, Mari begins her explorations of the inn. Her grant was very nonspecific, and she's not quite sure what she's being expected to accomplish. Despite being warned to stay on the approved paths, she extends her investigations into less accessible areas and discovers a secret garden on an island. She’s not sure if she’s experiencing jet lag or a delayed grief response, but she has visual and auditory hallucinations in which she sees her mother and hears a child crying. As Mari uncovers the layers of the garden, her images become striking, delicate yet laced with a bit of mystery. As she searches the hidden areas of the inn, she finds that her own history is tied to the inn.
This is an adult retelling of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn retains much of that book’s sense of secrets, ghosts, and hidden mysteries. Mari is cracked, consumed by the loss of her mother and Thad, her ex-boyfriend, yet this is a story of redemption, forgiveness of self and others, and the power of grief to transform one’s life. Logan’s prose is as lyrical and as haunting as the inn itself. Many scenes and phrases are haunting and luminous. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and devoured it in one sitting.
November 6, 2022
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is such a unique kind of ghost story that takes place in Japan. The opening scene, with Mari in her mother’s hospital room, really hit home for me. It uprooted memories of my own mother’s hospital room years ago…
A title with the words Secret Garden pulls me in every time. Even when it’s in a genre I don’t usually read. Though I rarely read paranormal fiction, I enjoy taking new adventures in my fiction reading, and this one was fun to read. When I learned it was a ghost story and included a mysterious abandoned garden, I certainly wasn’t expecting a touching, tranquil, well composed tale of healing and redemption.
I love a story that teaches me something new. This story provides rich descriptions of Japan—the country, cuisine, and culture. I enjoyed visiting Yanagi Inn and following along with Mari during her exploration.
This is a lovely re-telling of The Secret Garden. I recommend it to all readers, especially those who enjoy ghost mysteries.
First Line: I’d always been told hospitals were a place to heal and rest, but my mother’s hospital room was an assault on the senses.
Genre: Ghost Mystery, Paranormal fiction, re-telling
Author: Amber Logan
Page Count: 464
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
A title with the words Secret Garden pulls me in every time. Even when it’s in a genre I don’t usually read. Though I rarely read paranormal fiction, I enjoy taking new adventures in my fiction reading, and this one was fun to read. When I learned it was a ghost story and included a mysterious abandoned garden, I certainly wasn’t expecting a touching, tranquil, well composed tale of healing and redemption.
I love a story that teaches me something new. This story provides rich descriptions of Japan—the country, cuisine, and culture. I enjoyed visiting Yanagi Inn and following along with Mari during her exploration.
This is a lovely re-telling of The Secret Garden. I recommend it to all readers, especially those who enjoy ghost mysteries.
First Line: I’d always been told hospitals were a place to heal and rest, but my mother’s hospital room was an assault on the senses.
Genre: Ghost Mystery, Paranormal fiction, re-telling
Author: Amber Logan
Page Count: 464
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
August 2, 2022
As I read The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn by author Amber Logan, I relaxed into the story within the first few pages. It felt relatable. There was a definite theme. I understood that the main character, Mari, was on a journey of grief after her mom's passing. Yet, the story line never felt morbid because Mari allows us to listen to her thoughts. Some are amusing, while we share her fear, grief and sometimes her confusion as well.
For me the juxtaposition of grief and healing was beautiful. It was a wonderful depiction of how different people manifest their emotions.
Amber Logan’s storytelling creates gorgeous imagery. I felt like I walked with Mari as she explored the Yanagi gardens because the author’s words created beautiful pictures in my mind of the inn and its grounds.
Her depiction of each character helped me to understand them, but I would have enjoyed a better description of their physical attributes. However, it did not take away from the story at all. I love how Japanese beliefs and folklore added some mystery, tension but also a sense of authenticity to the story.
A great read and tale of rebirth from grief to healed hearts.
For me the juxtaposition of grief and healing was beautiful. It was a wonderful depiction of how different people manifest their emotions.
Amber Logan’s storytelling creates gorgeous imagery. I felt like I walked with Mari as she explored the Yanagi gardens because the author’s words created beautiful pictures in my mind of the inn and its grounds.
Her depiction of each character helped me to understand them, but I would have enjoyed a better description of their physical attributes. However, it did not take away from the story at all. I love how Japanese beliefs and folklore added some mystery, tension but also a sense of authenticity to the story.
A great read and tale of rebirth from grief to healed hearts.
July 26, 2022
This was a very entertaining story for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I liked the protagonist a lot, which I think is important. I felt she was presented in a way that encouraged readers to sympathise with and relate to her. She narrated in a manner that gave the impression of a sensitive person who was self-aware.
The protagonist also narrated in a pleasant way that stimulated the imagination and the senses of the reader - at least, that was my experience. For example, "the gardens were alive with the soft hum insects and the morning calls of birds", "the tips of overgrown grass shone with tiny rainbows".
In addition, I felt the author did a great job of creating an eerie, sinister atmosphere, and that was something that drew me in. For example, "The storm was still raging, the wind still howling and the inn's ancient beams still creaking". I read most of this in one sitting when the eerie atmosphere took effect.
I think my sister would also like this book, so I might tell her about it.
Firstly, I liked the protagonist a lot, which I think is important. I felt she was presented in a way that encouraged readers to sympathise with and relate to her. She narrated in a manner that gave the impression of a sensitive person who was self-aware.
The protagonist also narrated in a pleasant way that stimulated the imagination and the senses of the reader - at least, that was my experience. For example, "the gardens were alive with the soft hum insects and the morning calls of birds", "the tips of overgrown grass shone with tiny rainbows".
In addition, I felt the author did a great job of creating an eerie, sinister atmosphere, and that was something that drew me in. For example, "The storm was still raging, the wind still howling and the inn's ancient beams still creaking". I read most of this in one sitting when the eerie atmosphere took effect.
I think my sister would also like this book, so I might tell her about it.
August 18, 2022
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a touching ghost story of discovery and loss. Amber Logan's narrative weaves past with present and leads us on a dreamlike - and at times nightmarish - stroll through an otherwordly Japanese garden as we watch her rich tapestry unravel. You'll feel for the Mari as she seeks clarity and direction, and you'll learn a bit about gardening at the same time. Perhaps my only criticism was the presence of some inconsistencies regarding blooming seasons for particular flowers, but I was pleased to note the author addresses this in a short message at the end of the book and asks the reader to accept it as artistic licence or the magic of the garden...I choose the second option. A beautiful work of ghostly fiction.
December 5, 2022
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a story about coming to terms with grief and the garden is a way for various characters to heal. The book had some sweet moments however, I found it very slow. Not a whole lot happens and I really think this could have been condensed into a novella. Also, some of Mari’s actions really annoyed me and it took her entirely too long to figure out the true purpose of her photography grant. Overall, this book had some nice moments but I think it suffered from pacing issues.
December 5, 2022
4.5 Heavy topics of grief but beautifully written 👏🏻 ❤️
October 10, 2023
Bookshelves/tags: 2023, audiobook, chicago-and-illinois, contemporary, fairytales-fantasy, japan, netgalley, read, women-centered, favorites
GR LIBRARIANS - HERE'S A LINK TO ADD THIS LOVELY AUDIOBOOK TO GR:
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-...
CamCat Books Publisher's Blurb: "Grieving her mother’s death, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto, Japan to take photographs of Yanagi Inn for a client. As she explores the inn and its grounds, her camera captures striking images, uncovering layers of mystery shrouding the old resort―including an overgrown, secret garden on a forbidden island. But then eerie weeping no one else in the inn seems to hear starts keeping her awake at night. Despite the warnings of the staff, Mari searches the deep recesses of the old building to discover the source of the ghostly sound, only to realize that her own family’s history is tied to the inn, its mysterious, forlorn garden . . . and the secrets it holds."
This was an amazing novel that I was lucky enough to receive by NetGalley, the publisher, CamCat Books, and the author, Amber Logan. I listened to it as an audiobook featuring Emily Ellet, a fantastic narrator. She, in fact, brought the words, places, and characters to life. I will follow this narrator, Emily Ellet, because her voice is unique and she is truly that good.
Amber Logan, what a beautiful novel - so heartfelt and inspiring. I loved your connection with the main characters (Mari, her sister, and her mother) living in Chicago. And when Mari travels to Japan, to the Yanagi Inn, I went there too in my mind. I was at peace and yet terrified at times, upset with some of the characters, happy with others. I loved that she was there on a photography assignment and the unpeeling layers of the past was exciting and interesting.
All in all, this is a 5 Star read...that I think so many readers will enjoy. There is a fantasy/ghostly character involved and it isn't my fave. storyline, but the author handled it well. Most novels written with fantasy/spirituality in this sense, I skip over and I came close to listening to this at a fast speed towards the end (involving the the fantasy), but again, the narrator's voice and wanting to know it all kept me going.
Thanks to everyone involved in getting this novel into an audiobook for those of us who prefer this format!!!
GR LIBRARIANS - HERE'S A LINK TO ADD THIS LOVELY AUDIOBOOK TO GR:
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-...
CamCat Books Publisher's Blurb: "Grieving her mother’s death, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto, Japan to take photographs of Yanagi Inn for a client. As she explores the inn and its grounds, her camera captures striking images, uncovering layers of mystery shrouding the old resort―including an overgrown, secret garden on a forbidden island. But then eerie weeping no one else in the inn seems to hear starts keeping her awake at night. Despite the warnings of the staff, Mari searches the deep recesses of the old building to discover the source of the ghostly sound, only to realize that her own family’s history is tied to the inn, its mysterious, forlorn garden . . . and the secrets it holds."
This was an amazing novel that I was lucky enough to receive by NetGalley, the publisher, CamCat Books, and the author, Amber Logan. I listened to it as an audiobook featuring Emily Ellet, a fantastic narrator. She, in fact, brought the words, places, and characters to life. I will follow this narrator, Emily Ellet, because her voice is unique and she is truly that good.
Amber Logan, what a beautiful novel - so heartfelt and inspiring. I loved your connection with the main characters (Mari, her sister, and her mother) living in Chicago. And when Mari travels to Japan, to the Yanagi Inn, I went there too in my mind. I was at peace and yet terrified at times, upset with some of the characters, happy with others. I loved that she was there on a photography assignment and the unpeeling layers of the past was exciting and interesting.
All in all, this is a 5 Star read...that I think so many readers will enjoy. There is a fantasy/ghostly character involved and it isn't my fave. storyline, but the author handled it well. Most novels written with fantasy/spirituality in this sense, I skip over and I came close to listening to this at a fast speed towards the end (involving the the fantasy), but again, the narrator's voice and wanting to know it all kept me going.
Thanks to everyone involved in getting this novel into an audiobook for those of us who prefer this format!!!
January 24, 2023
While there are some creepy moments in The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn, the overall tone of the book is more beautiful than scary, with characters that are more haunted by their own emotions than by the ghosts around them. It is also set in Japan which provides a certain enchanted feel to the book because of the natural and supernatural aspects. It's more similar to a Studio Ghibli anime film than a Gothic horror tale.
Mari Lennox is a professional photographer who is grieving after the death of her mother. She is given an assignment to take pictures of Yanagi Inn, an inn in Japan near where Mari and her sister, Risa grew up while their father was an American businessman in Japan. They lived in Japan until their parent's divorce and their mother returned to the U.S. with her daughters.
Reconnecting herself to the country and language of her childhood, Mari becomes acquainted with Yanagi's staff including the gruff housekeeper, Ogura, the spirited teenage maid, Yuna, and the reserved elegant owner, Kishi.
While taking pictures of the grounds, Mari sees an abandoned garden and has visions of how it looked when it was full and beautiful. It's like she knows that place, like she had been there before. She also feels a close connection to a crane who constantly seems to wait for her.
Also in her room, she hears a soft disembodied crying. The crying voice eventually takes the form of Suzu, a ghost girl. Mari befriends her but is consumed by curiosity. Who was Suzu?.How did she die? What is her connection to the garden? It seems that she recognizes Mari but how? Mari doesn't know her. Or does she?
There is something haunting and wistful about this book, starting with the setting. Logan clearly loves the Japanese setting. Mari feels a familiar connection that even though she isn't Japanese in her descent, recognizes it as a place that held many of her childhood memories. Her returning to Japan after suffering tremendous loss is similar to returning home, to a place that makes her feel safe and comfortable, and gives her a respite. To her it's a place to return to when she is hurting, wounded, and needs to heal.
The highlight of the book's setting is the garden outside Yanagi Inn. When Mari sees the overgrown hedges and the now disorganized path, she sees little patches of beauty and can almost see the garden as it once was. As she talks to Suzu, Mari promises that she will restore the garden to its beauty for as long as she remains at Yanagi. Restoring the garden gives Mari a sense of purpose and connects her to the spirituality of the nature around her.
The plot of a garden reviving damaged and broken souls has been explored before, most prominently in Frances Hodgson Burnett's book The Secret Garden. In her Acknowledgements, Logan cites Burnett's classic as an inspiration, even contributing to the title of this book. It's easy to see why.
The garden that Mari and Honda work on has an almost magical way of healing the various characters' pain, particularly Mari's.
The garden is a metaphor for Mari's grief. At first it is dead as she processes the death of her mother. She recalls flashbacks of her time with her mom and Risa and regrets many of the things that she did and said to them.
As she restores the grounds and brings life to the landscape, she herself comes back to life. Her grief is still present but is able to be moved aside as she sees others that are hurting. The garden not only heals herself but others as well.
The Japanese setting not only connects the characters to the natural world but also to the spiritual as well. Of course, the garden has a meditative appeal with the geometric patterns, bridges, and plants that are meant to soothe the mind and body.
The Crane appears at the inn and around the garden as if to comfort or encourage Mari on her path. In Japanese legends, cranes are symbols of peace, luck, prosperity, and longevity. The Crane brings peace to Mari's mind and lets her know that she is taking the right path in her life.
Above all, the appearance of Suzu, the ghost girl, is a more abstract concept than is often found in many Western based books about the spirit world. She isn't meant to scare, though there are a few times where she gets possessive and angry.
There are some questions of what she actually is the ghost of a human that died, some otherworldly spirit, or a manifestation of grief and guilt. It's less concrete than most portrayals of ghosts and the book is all the better for it.
Instead of terror, there is an aura of sadness about her like she's reaching out for something or someone. When her true nature is revealed, her appearance comes not from the usual place of a being that died, came back, scares the living, and needs to move on to the next world. Instead, she inhabits the internal feelings and emotions of the living characters around her. Suzu allows them to bring that grief and guilt forward and helps them move on from themselves.
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a healing and meditative book that beautifully uses the setting of the natural and supernatural worlds to bring healing to the characters and maybe to the Reader.
Mari Lennox is a professional photographer who is grieving after the death of her mother. She is given an assignment to take pictures of Yanagi Inn, an inn in Japan near where Mari and her sister, Risa grew up while their father was an American businessman in Japan. They lived in Japan until their parent's divorce and their mother returned to the U.S. with her daughters.
Reconnecting herself to the country and language of her childhood, Mari becomes acquainted with Yanagi's staff including the gruff housekeeper, Ogura, the spirited teenage maid, Yuna, and the reserved elegant owner, Kishi.
While taking pictures of the grounds, Mari sees an abandoned garden and has visions of how it looked when it was full and beautiful. It's like she knows that place, like she had been there before. She also feels a close connection to a crane who constantly seems to wait for her.
Also in her room, she hears a soft disembodied crying. The crying voice eventually takes the form of Suzu, a ghost girl. Mari befriends her but is consumed by curiosity. Who was Suzu?.How did she die? What is her connection to the garden? It seems that she recognizes Mari but how? Mari doesn't know her. Or does she?
There is something haunting and wistful about this book, starting with the setting. Logan clearly loves the Japanese setting. Mari feels a familiar connection that even though she isn't Japanese in her descent, recognizes it as a place that held many of her childhood memories. Her returning to Japan after suffering tremendous loss is similar to returning home, to a place that makes her feel safe and comfortable, and gives her a respite. To her it's a place to return to when she is hurting, wounded, and needs to heal.
The highlight of the book's setting is the garden outside Yanagi Inn. When Mari sees the overgrown hedges and the now disorganized path, she sees little patches of beauty and can almost see the garden as it once was. As she talks to Suzu, Mari promises that she will restore the garden to its beauty for as long as she remains at Yanagi. Restoring the garden gives Mari a sense of purpose and connects her to the spirituality of the nature around her.
The plot of a garden reviving damaged and broken souls has been explored before, most prominently in Frances Hodgson Burnett's book The Secret Garden. In her Acknowledgements, Logan cites Burnett's classic as an inspiration, even contributing to the title of this book. It's easy to see why.
The garden that Mari and Honda work on has an almost magical way of healing the various characters' pain, particularly Mari's.
The garden is a metaphor for Mari's grief. At first it is dead as she processes the death of her mother. She recalls flashbacks of her time with her mom and Risa and regrets many of the things that she did and said to them.
As she restores the grounds and brings life to the landscape, she herself comes back to life. Her grief is still present but is able to be moved aside as she sees others that are hurting. The garden not only heals herself but others as well.
The Japanese setting not only connects the characters to the natural world but also to the spiritual as well. Of course, the garden has a meditative appeal with the geometric patterns, bridges, and plants that are meant to soothe the mind and body.
The Crane appears at the inn and around the garden as if to comfort or encourage Mari on her path. In Japanese legends, cranes are symbols of peace, luck, prosperity, and longevity. The Crane brings peace to Mari's mind and lets her know that she is taking the right path in her life.
Above all, the appearance of Suzu, the ghost girl, is a more abstract concept than is often found in many Western based books about the spirit world. She isn't meant to scare, though there are a few times where she gets possessive and angry.
There are some questions of what she actually is the ghost of a human that died, some otherworldly spirit, or a manifestation of grief and guilt. It's less concrete than most portrayals of ghosts and the book is all the better for it.
Instead of terror, there is an aura of sadness about her like she's reaching out for something or someone. When her true nature is revealed, her appearance comes not from the usual place of a being that died, came back, scares the living, and needs to move on to the next world. Instead, she inhabits the internal feelings and emotions of the living characters around her. Suzu allows them to bring that grief and guilt forward and helps them move on from themselves.
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a healing and meditative book that beautifully uses the setting of the natural and supernatural worlds to bring healing to the characters and maybe to the Reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
This is a very special book. The story is beautiful - love, loss, grief, renewal. It’s been said this is a gothic retelling of the original The Secret Garden. There are plenty of secrets in this story and even a child ghost!
As a gardener, I could truly relate to the beauty of the gardens as they once were many years ago and fell into neglect and then were cleaned up to be not to their former self but to their new normal. A renewal, a rejuvenation. A new life.
After the painful loss of her mother, Mari has been commissioned to photograph this derelict Japanese garden inn. This is also to help her get away from the US and process her grief, take time out in a quiet, private location and also mend from a recent breakup. But it brings all kinds of sensations, feelings, emotions, to the top and as she moves her way through her commissioned assignment and exploring the inn’s natural grounds and getting acquainted (or not) with the inn’s staff and owner, eventually helping clean up the gardens, some past secrets are bubbling to the surface. Why do some things at the Inn look familiar? Feel familiar? Are they really, or is it just her mind, her grief playing tricks on her?
Also love the book cover art with the flying cranes. That’s what first caught my eye as it was displayed at my library. This was not on my radar before but I’m so glad I discovered this one. A quiet, but stunning story. The telling is paced well, not slow to be boring, but to feel and understand what’s going on in this tale. This would be a meaningful book to gift to someone. Just lovely.
As a gardener, I could truly relate to the beauty of the gardens as they once were many years ago and fell into neglect and then were cleaned up to be not to their former self but to their new normal. A renewal, a rejuvenation. A new life.
After the painful loss of her mother, Mari has been commissioned to photograph this derelict Japanese garden inn. This is also to help her get away from the US and process her grief, take time out in a quiet, private location and also mend from a recent breakup. But it brings all kinds of sensations, feelings, emotions, to the top and as she moves her way through her commissioned assignment and exploring the inn’s natural grounds and getting acquainted (or not) with the inn’s staff and owner, eventually helping clean up the gardens, some past secrets are bubbling to the surface. Why do some things at the Inn look familiar? Feel familiar? Are they really, or is it just her mind, her grief playing tricks on her?
Also love the book cover art with the flying cranes. That’s what first caught my eye as it was displayed at my library. This was not on my radar before but I’m so glad I discovered this one. A quiet, but stunning story. The telling is paced well, not slow to be boring, but to feel and understand what’s going on in this tale. This would be a meaningful book to gift to someone. Just lovely.
October 11, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I really and unexpectedly enjoyed this book! I'm not someone who has nostalgia for the original Secret Garden and always think of retellings as 'inspired by' and this approach allows me to judge them as new books. This is perfect for spooky season, lots of intrigue, mystery and spooky events. It's also about love and grief and finding yourself. Beautiful imagery, captivating writing and a fantastic nod the original whilst also feeling fresh and new. 4.5 Star.
May 30, 2022
The gorgeously haunting and melancholic prose drew me deep into this fantastic story of an artist who throws herself into a random project in a foreign country only to find mysteries that might even be supernatural on her path. On the heels of personal loss, Mari arrives at a rundown inn to document it for a grant. It should be a glorious place, but it's been in decline for 30 years, and mysterious noises make it seem like the resort itself is crying—though Mari's fever dreams lead her to seeing her recently-deceased mother now and then, so who's to say?
Evocative details transport the reader and fill the narrative with supernatural dread, confusion, and rewarding discoveries as we follow Mari's explorations of the forsaken inn and as we follow her on her own transformative journey. I loved how the writing held all of the dark beauty and explorations of grief and guilt that I want in a gothic, but also treated me to many fresh ideas in a fabulous setting. Looking forward to more from this author.
Evocative details transport the reader and fill the narrative with supernatural dread, confusion, and rewarding discoveries as we follow Mari's explorations of the forsaken inn and as we follow her on her own transformative journey. I loved how the writing held all of the dark beauty and explorations of grief and guilt that I want in a gothic, but also treated me to many fresh ideas in a fabulous setting. Looking forward to more from this author.
October 15, 2022
Mari Lennox is grieving since the death of her mother. Her sister finds a photography grant in Kyoto, Japan for a client who wants photos of Yanagi Inn & Mari feels it’s the right time for her to get away.
As she starts to take photos of her surroundings, she comes across an island in the grounds. Told to keep away from it, Mari feels inexplicably drawn to it and keeps going back.
When Mari hears a child crying in the early hours, she ignores it until she finds out there are no children staying there! Where is the eerie crying coming from?
Although this is a ghost story, it is quite a relaxed and at times, peaceful story too.
I liked Mari’s character, she comes across as quite vulnerable and has a lot of baggage to shirk off.
This is a tale of love, grief and letting go. It is beautifully written with depth and meaning.
My thanks to Henry Roi PR for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
As she starts to take photos of her surroundings, she comes across an island in the grounds. Told to keep away from it, Mari feels inexplicably drawn to it and keeps going back.
When Mari hears a child crying in the early hours, she ignores it until she finds out there are no children staying there! Where is the eerie crying coming from?
Although this is a ghost story, it is quite a relaxed and at times, peaceful story too.
I liked Mari’s character, she comes across as quite vulnerable and has a lot of baggage to shirk off.
This is a tale of love, grief and letting go. It is beautifully written with depth and meaning.
My thanks to Henry Roi PR for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2022
What a heartwarming story of love and loss. The people involved all were in varying degrees of grief. Mari over the loss of her mother, Kishi-San over the loss of her daughter many years ago and Honda-San over the loss of friendship. When Mari came to the Inn, she thought it was to photograph the Inn and make a portfolio to get people interested in the Inn again. The visit became so much more. The story was so beautifully written. I found myself wanting to return to the pages to find out what would happen next. The story concluded in a very feel good way.
January 17, 2024
This is a beautiful story about grief, overcoming it and facing yourself/ your emotions but the book was overall a bit too repetitive for me.
November 6, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat books for my audiobook arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
"The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn" is a modern retelling of the classic "The Secret Garden." The printed version came out last year and the audiobook is a new edition so I thought I'd give it a chance and download the arc. I have to say that this is kind of a disappointing one for me. Growing up, I loved "The Secret Garden." I loved the movie and the book and both are just magical. This retelling, unfortunately, didn't have that magical quality that I was looking forward to. The story felt very lackluster which might be attributed to the writing style which I found to be lacking too. The writing was too simplistic and the pacing was much slower than I anticipated. Granted, this is a modern adult retelling and it is technically categorized as a literary fiction book, but it was SLOW. Things do pick up when Mari, the main character, finds the garden but even then...what I think the author was aiming for was atmospheric but for me, it came across very boring. Maybe it was supposed to be meditative...who knows. Either way, it didn't work for me.
The reader was also difficult to like. For a character who's supposed to be in her thirties, I found the audiobook reader to sound so girlish and juvenile. There were some times, extended times, where her voice was shrill and irritating. I found it difficult to listen to this for more than 20-30 minutes at a time because of how grating her voice was. The voice paired with the writing just didn't work for me at all.
Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this. Maybe I'm not in the demographic for the book since this feels more appropriate for the mid-40s+ demographic. It definitely reminded me of some of the patrons I used to help. Unfortunately for me, I definitely feel like I wasted my time with this one.
"The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn" is a modern retelling of the classic "The Secret Garden." The printed version came out last year and the audiobook is a new edition so I thought I'd give it a chance and download the arc. I have to say that this is kind of a disappointing one for me. Growing up, I loved "The Secret Garden." I loved the movie and the book and both are just magical. This retelling, unfortunately, didn't have that magical quality that I was looking forward to. The story felt very lackluster which might be attributed to the writing style which I found to be lacking too. The writing was too simplistic and the pacing was much slower than I anticipated. Granted, this is a modern adult retelling and it is technically categorized as a literary fiction book, but it was SLOW. Things do pick up when Mari, the main character, finds the garden but even then...what I think the author was aiming for was atmospheric but for me, it came across very boring. Maybe it was supposed to be meditative...who knows. Either way, it didn't work for me.
The reader was also difficult to like. For a character who's supposed to be in her thirties, I found the audiobook reader to sound so girlish and juvenile. There were some times, extended times, where her voice was shrill and irritating. I found it difficult to listen to this for more than 20-30 minutes at a time because of how grating her voice was. The voice paired with the writing just didn't work for me at all.
Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this. Maybe I'm not in the demographic for the book since this feels more appropriate for the mid-40s+ demographic. It definitely reminded me of some of the patrons I used to help. Unfortunately for me, I definitely feel like I wasted my time with this one.
October 25, 2023
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a retelling of the classic story "The Secret Garden." Even though I haven't read the original story, I don't think it's necessary to enjoy this novel.
After immediately being thrown into the passing of her mother, the story starts with Mari traveling back to Japan for a photography project. Asked to document the Yanagi Inn, she is surprised to find the Inn is not what she was expecting.
This story is a beautiful exploration of grief and healing, an atmospheric character driven tale that ties in Japanese culture. The mystery that surrounds the dilapidated inn is lyrically haunting and slowly building in it's intensity. This is a slow read but one that pays off by the end, even if you start to become annoyed with Mari's choices throughout the book. It reminded me of reading "A House with Good Bones," in the way we slowly get more information as each day passes. The end of the book had me crying in public.
One of the charms of this novel is the beautiful narration of the audiobook. I thought the narrator for this was perfect.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.
After immediately being thrown into the passing of her mother, the story starts with Mari traveling back to Japan for a photography project. Asked to document the Yanagi Inn, she is surprised to find the Inn is not what she was expecting.
This story is a beautiful exploration of grief and healing, an atmospheric character driven tale that ties in Japanese culture. The mystery that surrounds the dilapidated inn is lyrically haunting and slowly building in it's intensity. This is a slow read but one that pays off by the end, even if you start to become annoyed with Mari's choices throughout the book. It reminded me of reading "A House with Good Bones," in the way we slowly get more information as each day passes. The end of the book had me crying in public.
One of the charms of this novel is the beautiful narration of the audiobook. I thought the narrator for this was perfect.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.
August 15, 2022
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a retelling of a classic that I'm not familiar with.
After her mother die of cancer, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto. She had accept a job to takes pictures of the Yanagi Inn. Exploring the Inn and the grounds she will uncover mystery hunting this old resort as well as an secret garden on a forbidden island. More mysterious, she is the only one that seems to be earing an eerie weeping at night. What could cause this, and why can nobody else ear it? Not listening to the warning of the inn's staffs, she will try to uncover the mysteries of the inn and the island. Just to find secrets that might be tied to her own family.
I have really loved this book. I have received an arc of this book from the author!
After her mother die of cancer, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto. She had accept a job to takes pictures of the Yanagi Inn. Exploring the Inn and the grounds she will uncover mystery hunting this old resort as well as an secret garden on a forbidden island. More mysterious, she is the only one that seems to be earing an eerie weeping at night. What could cause this, and why can nobody else ear it? Not listening to the warning of the inn's staffs, she will try to uncover the mysteries of the inn and the island. Just to find secrets that might be tied to her own family.
I have really loved this book. I have received an arc of this book from the author!
April 5, 2023
3.5/5
Inspired by The Secret Garden, yes, but I still enjoyed this one. It does feel slow at some points, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The ending felt satisfying, soothing even. I’ve added “travel to Japan” to my bucket list after reading this book. Goes well with a cup of green tea.
Inspired by The Secret Garden, yes, but I still enjoyed this one. It does feel slow at some points, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The ending felt satisfying, soothing even. I’ve added “travel to Japan” to my bucket list after reading this book. Goes well with a cup of green tea.
October 20, 2023
Overall it was a nice story, but there are several things that bothered me.
The first was Mari... I found her boring and annoying, her behaviour (whether alone or with the locals) was insufferable.
The story is slow paced and repetitive, it was hard to go through the book. The wrong pronunciation of some Japanese words and the too high-pitched voice at times was clearly unpleasant.
I never read "The Secret Garden" but from the synopsis of the original story and this retelling, they seem pretty much alike (aside from the location and the characters).
To be honest I was waiting for so much more mystery and horror from the Japanese folklore, but I really like the descriptions and references from the Japanese culture.
Than you NetGalley for the audiobook.
The first was Mari... I found her boring and annoying, her behaviour (whether alone or with the locals) was insufferable.
The story is slow paced and repetitive, it was hard to go through the book. The wrong pronunciation of some Japanese words and the too high-pitched voice at times was clearly unpleasant.
I never read "The Secret Garden" but from the synopsis of the original story and this retelling, they seem pretty much alike (aside from the location and the characters).
To be honest I was waiting for so much more mystery and horror from the Japanese folklore, but I really like the descriptions and references from the Japanese culture.
Than you NetGalley for the audiobook.
November 22, 2023
3.5 Stars.
August 5, 2023
I thought this book was an eerie ghost tale happening in a forlorn Japanese inn, but in reality it was a story about bumbling American woman and the author showing how much of a weeb she was. I noticed when I started reading that the novel is a retelling of The Secret Garden (which I haven't read). So I don't how faithful this novel is to that one. And to be honest I don't even care.
There were good parts, but in general this one wasn't for me. Did not finish. The cover is pretty though.
There were good parts, but in general this one wasn't for me. Did not finish. The cover is pretty though.
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