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The Arrow Garden
Winner of the Bath Novel Award 2020
When lonely and socially isolated translator, Gareth, takes up traditional Japanese archery in 1990s Bristol, he learns that to study Kyudo is to reach out, to another culture, another time, other people… But when one of them reaches back, two lives that should never have touched become strangely entangled.
In wartime Tokyo, Tanaka Mie finds herself wandering the burned-out ruins of her dead parents' fire-bombed home with only hazy recollections of how she survived. Setting out on a hike to a mountain village shrine, away from the charred city, she begins a life to which she is not sure she is entitled, a life which feels like living on the other side of the sky.
To visit the past or the future, even in imagination, is to change it. But it is also to be changed.
The Arrow Garden is a delicately-wrought tale of truth, selfhood, and acceptance, which transcends time in its lyrical exploration of what it means to live.
When lonely and socially isolated translator, Gareth, takes up traditional Japanese archery in 1990s Bristol, he learns that to study Kyudo is to reach out, to another culture, another time, other people… But when one of them reaches back, two lives that should never have touched become strangely entangled.
In wartime Tokyo, Tanaka Mie finds herself wandering the burned-out ruins of her dead parents' fire-bombed home with only hazy recollections of how she survived. Setting out on a hike to a mountain village shrine, away from the charred city, she begins a life to which she is not sure she is entitled, a life which feels like living on the other side of the sky.
To visit the past or the future, even in imagination, is to change it. But it is also to be changed.
The Arrow Garden is a delicately-wrought tale of truth, selfhood, and acceptance, which transcends time in its lyrical exploration of what it means to live.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 22, 2023
The Arrow Garden, by Andrew J King, alternates between the stories of Gareth, in late-90s Bristol, and Mie, whose story begins in Tokyo in 1945.
While their experiences differ in all sorts of ways, the pair have three things in common: they both have training in Kyūdō (traditional Japanese archery); they both know Hiroshi (Gareth’s colleague, and Mie’s nephew); and they are both quiet, diffident characters who feel undeserving and afraid of taking up space in the world.
The author builds up a full picture of both their lives – Gareth’s over a few months as he finds a rare friend in Hiroshi and a new interest in Kyūdō; Mie’s over a few decades as she goes from cherished daughter of intellectuals, to traumatised young adult war orphan, to beloved maiden aunt – and keeps you wondering: when, and in what circumstances, are the two going to meet?
I’ll get to that, and my thoughts on it, later in this review. Suffice it to say here, it sent a bit of a shiver down my spine.
I found it really interesting to read about the traditions and practices of Kyūdō. Mie’s experiences living in Japan over much of the twentieth century were also fascinating to me.
Mie is averse to any sort of attention, and thinks of herself as someone who drifts through life. However, she actually shows considerable strength and self-knowledge in managing to carry on as she does after the devastating loss of her home and parents, turning down an ardent suitor, and opting out of dating altogether. Eventually, the perfect intellectual occupation for her materialises, more or less by chance.
Gareth doesn’t cut himself much slack, either. He’s clearly coded as autistic, but as it’s the 90s, he thinks he’s just plain weird, and so does everyone around him. He’s a lonely outsider when Hiroshi takes him under his wing and teaches him Kyūdō. It’s really gratifying to watch Gareth develop a passion that opens up possibilities and makes him feel like life is worthwhile after all.
As I share quite a few of their traits, I found both Gareth and Mie relateable and sympathetic. They’re quiet, understated heroes in this story, Mie because of her aforementioned resourcefulness, endurance, and strength, and Gareth because of something he does...
The timeslip in this story is such that the two main characters occupy the same space for 12 hours at most – but that's enough time for Gareth to get Mie out of harm's way, so she survives the war and goes on to live a long life.
The limited nature of the timeslip gives King ample space to explore how someone might react to such an event depending on their personality, circumstances, and knowledge of what's going on.
A more extensive and involved timeslip would also have diluted two key messages conveyed by The Arrow Garden: that just one small change in the timeline can have far-reaching consequences; and any life is worth saving, however "small" or "insignificant" the survivor believes themselves to be.
Mie's reaction to surviving the bombing that killed her family in such an extraordinary way is complex.
For one thing, unlike Gareth, she doesn't know what's happening. One minute she's in familiar surroundings; the next, she's in a place and time completely alien to her; then, a few hours later, she's back home, but it's been destroyed and her parents are dead. It's no wonder she's confused by her memories, or that she waits so long to share them with anyone.
Mie experiences considerable survivor's guilt, which is also understandable. Surviving the bombing that killed her parents would probably have had that effect without the intervention, but her outlandish method of escape intensifies her feelings that she wasn't meant to have survived.
It's for this reason that Mie treads so lightly for the rest of her life. While she may not go on to cure cancer or bring about world peace, she has remaining family and friends who love and value her, and I'm glad her story didn't end in 1945.
In addition, there's a mind-bending predestination paradox at the heart of The Arrow Garden concerning Hiroshi's appearance and intervention in Gareth's life. I'm still turning it over in my head now!
The Arrow Garden is fascinating, surprising, and a little spooky.
While their experiences differ in all sorts of ways, the pair have three things in common: they both have training in Kyūdō (traditional Japanese archery); they both know Hiroshi (Gareth’s colleague, and Mie’s nephew); and they are both quiet, diffident characters who feel undeserving and afraid of taking up space in the world.
The author builds up a full picture of both their lives – Gareth’s over a few months as he finds a rare friend in Hiroshi and a new interest in Kyūdō; Mie’s over a few decades as she goes from cherished daughter of intellectuals, to traumatised young adult war orphan, to beloved maiden aunt – and keeps you wondering: when, and in what circumstances, are the two going to meet?
I’ll get to that, and my thoughts on it, later in this review. Suffice it to say here, it sent a bit of a shiver down my spine.
I found it really interesting to read about the traditions and practices of Kyūdō. Mie’s experiences living in Japan over much of the twentieth century were also fascinating to me.
Mie is averse to any sort of attention, and thinks of herself as someone who drifts through life. However, she actually shows considerable strength and self-knowledge in managing to carry on as she does after the devastating loss of her home and parents, turning down an ardent suitor, and opting out of dating altogether. Eventually, the perfect intellectual occupation for her materialises, more or less by chance.
Gareth doesn’t cut himself much slack, either. He’s clearly coded as autistic, but as it’s the 90s, he thinks he’s just plain weird, and so does everyone around him. He’s a lonely outsider when Hiroshi takes him under his wing and teaches him Kyūdō. It’s really gratifying to watch Gareth develop a passion that opens up possibilities and makes him feel like life is worthwhile after all.
As I share quite a few of their traits, I found both Gareth and Mie relateable and sympathetic. They’re quiet, understated heroes in this story, Mie because of her aforementioned resourcefulness, endurance, and strength, and Gareth because of something he does...
The timeslip in this story is such that the two main characters occupy the same space for 12 hours at most – but that's enough time for Gareth to get Mie out of harm's way, so she survives the war and goes on to live a long life.
The limited nature of the timeslip gives King ample space to explore how someone might react to such an event depending on their personality, circumstances, and knowledge of what's going on.
A more extensive and involved timeslip would also have diluted two key messages conveyed by The Arrow Garden: that just one small change in the timeline can have far-reaching consequences; and any life is worth saving, however "small" or "insignificant" the survivor believes themselves to be.
Mie's reaction to surviving the bombing that killed her family in such an extraordinary way is complex.
For one thing, unlike Gareth, she doesn't know what's happening. One minute she's in familiar surroundings; the next, she's in a place and time completely alien to her; then, a few hours later, she's back home, but it's been destroyed and her parents are dead. It's no wonder she's confused by her memories, or that she waits so long to share them with anyone.
Mie experiences considerable survivor's guilt, which is also understandable. Surviving the bombing that killed her parents would probably have had that effect without the intervention, but her outlandish method of escape intensifies her feelings that she wasn't meant to have survived.
It's for this reason that Mie treads so lightly for the rest of her life. While she may not go on to cure cancer or bring about world peace, she has remaining family and friends who love and value her, and I'm glad her story didn't end in 1945.
In addition, there's a mind-bending predestination paradox at the heart of The Arrow Garden concerning Hiroshi's appearance and intervention in Gareth's life. I'm still turning it over in my head now!
The Arrow Garden is fascinating, surprising, and a little spooky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
The narrative switches between first person following Gareth who is living in 1990’s Bristol. To third person where we watch Tanaka Mie in wartime Tokyo as she finds herself wandering through the smoke and ash. I loved switching between the two and watching how their stories became entwined.
Gareth is lonely, isolated and since the spilt from his girlfriend Jo his social life went with her. He works as a translator and has a new contract that comes in the form of Hiroshi Tanaka. As Gareth escapes to eat his lunch in peace in his special spot he notices that Hiroshi has followed him. He feels uneasy and annoyed but also curious when Hiroshi hands him a business card. He tells him to come to the address and he will teach him traditional Japanese archery. When Gareth takes up a hobby he has to know everything about it and enjoys the challenge of learning the hassetsu which is the eight steps that all kyudo practitioners must learn when firing their arrows. It was fascinating to read and learn more about Japanese culture. Gareth is determined as watching Hiroshi made him glimpse into a different reality. It’s the reason, the perfect excuse to keep going.
In contrast Tanaka Mie wonders how and why she survived. She feels guilty and doesn’t feel like she deserves to begin a new life without her parents. Her home is gone, burned to the ground. The dead are taken to the temple, there is nothing left for Mie but to journey up the mountain to a village shrine where an old priest and woman take her in and look after her. The old woman give her a Red hakama, white gi, a kimono blouse and for the first time in what feels like forever, Mie realises they don’t smell of smoke. The priest gives her a bow as they wish her to be a Miko, a shrine-maiden to warn off evil spirits. Mie has a chance, a chance at a life as everything she knew before is gone, her parents, the dojo, all burnt to ash. She has always watched the ceremonies of the shrine, standing on the outside and would have never dreamt of becoming a part of it. She has a reason to live.
I give The Arrow Garden By Andrew J King a Five our of Five paw rating
Breathtaking and enchanting, a story about survivor and being true to yourself.
These two characters find themselves intertwined in a way most would not expect. It was interesting to watch as to how they would come together, I was gripped till the very end, highly recommend.
Gareth is lonely, isolated and since the spilt from his girlfriend Jo his social life went with her. He works as a translator and has a new contract that comes in the form of Hiroshi Tanaka. As Gareth escapes to eat his lunch in peace in his special spot he notices that Hiroshi has followed him. He feels uneasy and annoyed but also curious when Hiroshi hands him a business card. He tells him to come to the address and he will teach him traditional Japanese archery. When Gareth takes up a hobby he has to know everything about it and enjoys the challenge of learning the hassetsu which is the eight steps that all kyudo practitioners must learn when firing their arrows. It was fascinating to read and learn more about Japanese culture. Gareth is determined as watching Hiroshi made him glimpse into a different reality. It’s the reason, the perfect excuse to keep going.
In contrast Tanaka Mie wonders how and why she survived. She feels guilty and doesn’t feel like she deserves to begin a new life without her parents. Her home is gone, burned to the ground. The dead are taken to the temple, there is nothing left for Mie but to journey up the mountain to a village shrine where an old priest and woman take her in and look after her. The old woman give her a Red hakama, white gi, a kimono blouse and for the first time in what feels like forever, Mie realises they don’t smell of smoke. The priest gives her a bow as they wish her to be a Miko, a shrine-maiden to warn off evil spirits. Mie has a chance, a chance at a life as everything she knew before is gone, her parents, the dojo, all burnt to ash. She has always watched the ceremonies of the shrine, standing on the outside and would have never dreamt of becoming a part of it. She has a reason to live.
I give The Arrow Garden By Andrew J King a Five our of Five paw rating
Breathtaking and enchanting, a story about survivor and being true to yourself.
These two characters find themselves intertwined in a way most would not expect. It was interesting to watch as to how they would come together, I was gripped till the very end, highly recommend.
April 24, 2023
I really cannot believe that this is Andrew's first novel. It is so beautifully and expertly written that I would have expected him to have written many earlier novels.
This is an incredible story, linked through the study of Kyudo in which Gareth and Tanaka Mie are inextricably drawn together and to me, it felt as though the whole story was following the arrow head to it's point; suspended in mid-flight. This is also enhanced by the wonderfully descriptive writing that creates both their worlds in your imagination, drawing you deeper and deeper into their lives.
The way the stories merge is cleverly construed and I really like the fact that it changes effortlessly between the two time zones every couple of pages so that everything is kept in parallel . I found the storyline very thought provoking about whether different time zones exist simultaneously and can we, if we are in the right place at the right time , move between them and how can this be used for the good of all concerned. The following quote " He needs a reason to live; she doesn't want to die" summarises the whole story throughout and consequently the way that Gareth's and Mie's lives are changed, and how they survive, through the learning and practicing of Kyudo is both beautiful and heartwarming.
One aspect that is very unique to the book is the naming and description on the chapter headings, as they follow the movements and preparations for the release of the arrow and how the following narrative is linked to that particular movement. I am also now looking into the study of Kyudo, which I am finding incredibly fascinating and, as the pivot point for the book, it is pure genius. The use of Kyudo as a form of meditation helps us link to the healing power it provides for both Gareth and Mie and how their journeys are guided by it.
The lovely twist at the end of the story made this such a completely rewarding novel to read.
A beautiful, beautiful book that I will be keeping on my bookshelf and I really hope that there will be more to follow from Andrew J King very soon .
A thoroughly deserved 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
This is an incredible story, linked through the study of Kyudo in which Gareth and Tanaka Mie are inextricably drawn together and to me, it felt as though the whole story was following the arrow head to it's point; suspended in mid-flight. This is also enhanced by the wonderfully descriptive writing that creates both their worlds in your imagination, drawing you deeper and deeper into their lives.
The way the stories merge is cleverly construed and I really like the fact that it changes effortlessly between the two time zones every couple of pages so that everything is kept in parallel . I found the storyline very thought provoking about whether different time zones exist simultaneously and can we, if we are in the right place at the right time , move between them and how can this be used for the good of all concerned. The following quote " He needs a reason to live; she doesn't want to die" summarises the whole story throughout and consequently the way that Gareth's and Mie's lives are changed, and how they survive, through the learning and practicing of Kyudo is both beautiful and heartwarming.
One aspect that is very unique to the book is the naming and description on the chapter headings, as they follow the movements and preparations for the release of the arrow and how the following narrative is linked to that particular movement. I am also now looking into the study of Kyudo, which I am finding incredibly fascinating and, as the pivot point for the book, it is pure genius. The use of Kyudo as a form of meditation helps us link to the healing power it provides for both Gareth and Mie and how their journeys are guided by it.
The lovely twist at the end of the story made this such a completely rewarding novel to read.
A beautiful, beautiful book that I will be keeping on my bookshelf and I really hope that there will be more to follow from Andrew J King very soon .
A thoroughly deserved 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
April 26, 2023
Gareth and Tanaka Mie become the split arrow travelling towards a specific target, unbeknownst to the two of them, with completely different paths and experiences. The intersecting and crossing, and of the course the way the arrow becomes the metaphor for life and the journey taken, is miniscule moment that should be seen in its entirety. Step away from the complex ant hill of humanity, the tragedy and sense of fate, then imagine the vastness of each such encounter. The way every life holds the equal measure or capability of creating a negative or positive response and encounter.
It leaves the reader with this wistful feeling that is hard to pinpoint, but hovering there in the background. The poetic and lyrical immersion of thought and emotion, as the soul of this creative expanse is laid bare. The echo of survivor’s guilt still a haunting companion until the end.
I really enjoyed the way the study of Kyudo was used as a way to drive, mirror and become the plot. Beautifully crafted and executed, so kudos to the author. I also think the postscript is equally written with a gentle tread and has the same amount of importance.
I loved the writing, the way each description and moment is almost like a held breath waiting to be expelled. Beautifully lyrical and consciously realistic when necessary. Definitely an author to watch.
It leaves the reader with this wistful feeling that is hard to pinpoint, but hovering there in the background. The poetic and lyrical immersion of thought and emotion, as the soul of this creative expanse is laid bare. The echo of survivor’s guilt still a haunting companion until the end.
I really enjoyed the way the study of Kyudo was used as a way to drive, mirror and become the plot. Beautifully crafted and executed, so kudos to the author. I also think the postscript is equally written with a gentle tread and has the same amount of importance.
I loved the writing, the way each description and moment is almost like a held breath waiting to be expelled. Beautifully lyrical and consciously realistic when necessary. Definitely an author to watch.
October 2, 2023
The Arrow Garden is a beautifully sculptured time slip tale that is mystical and entrancing.
The modern part of the story is set in Bristol in the 90s. Our protagonist is Gareth, a reserved young man who works as a technical translator. As the book starts, he is translating the maintenance schedule for a medical waste incinerator from Japanese to English with his colleague Hiroshi Tanaka.
The second thread of the book concerns Mie. It's wartime in Tokyo and she is in the bombed and burnt ruins of her parents' home, with no real recollection of how she alone has survived.
The two threads unspool as Mie walks to the village of her birth and starts to tentatively rebuild a life she isn't sure she deserves. Back in Bristol, Hiroshi has convinced Gareth to learn Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery. Eventually the two strands come together in an unexpected and captivating conclusion.
There is an ethereal dreamlike quality to both the characters as neither seems able to fully engage with the world. Their story is told in short segments with the focus switching between the two of them and the writing is as poised and graceful as the Kyudo Gareth is studying. Utterly gorgeous and highly recommended.
The modern part of the story is set in Bristol in the 90s. Our protagonist is Gareth, a reserved young man who works as a technical translator. As the book starts, he is translating the maintenance schedule for a medical waste incinerator from Japanese to English with his colleague Hiroshi Tanaka.
The second thread of the book concerns Mie. It's wartime in Tokyo and she is in the bombed and burnt ruins of her parents' home, with no real recollection of how she alone has survived.
The two threads unspool as Mie walks to the village of her birth and starts to tentatively rebuild a life she isn't sure she deserves. Back in Bristol, Hiroshi has convinced Gareth to learn Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery. Eventually the two strands come together in an unexpected and captivating conclusion.
There is an ethereal dreamlike quality to both the characters as neither seems able to fully engage with the world. Their story is told in short segments with the focus switching between the two of them and the writing is as poised and graceful as the Kyudo Gareth is studying. Utterly gorgeous and highly recommended.
April 16, 2023
Thank you to Anne of Random Things Tours and to Aderyn Press for the opportunity to join the blog tour on day one for this debut novel and a proof copy of the book. The Arrow Garden by Andrew J King was published earlier this year.
I enjoy reading historical fiction time slip books and live near Bristol, so was interested to know how a story would link Bristol and wartime Japan. So where would The Arrow Garden be?
The story alternates every two or three pages between Gareth in Bristol and Mie in Japan. This sudden change between the narratives of the main characters did take some getting used to – other books I’ve read usually take a chapter per character.
I quickly found myself interested in both elements of the story, whilst wondering how the two stories would become intertwined. I must admit that I hadn’t expected it to happen in the way it did but I enjoyed the direction the story went and how their lives changed.
A fascinating debut novel of multiple genres which has encouraged me to find out more about how life in post war Japan evolved. Happy to recommend.
I enjoy reading historical fiction time slip books and live near Bristol, so was interested to know how a story would link Bristol and wartime Japan. So where would The Arrow Garden be?
The story alternates every two or three pages between Gareth in Bristol and Mie in Japan. This sudden change between the narratives of the main characters did take some getting used to – other books I’ve read usually take a chapter per character.
I quickly found myself interested in both elements of the story, whilst wondering how the two stories would become intertwined. I must admit that I hadn’t expected it to happen in the way it did but I enjoyed the direction the story went and how their lives changed.
A fascinating debut novel of multiple genres which has encouraged me to find out more about how life in post war Japan evolved. Happy to recommend.
May 2, 2023
The Arrow Garden is a character-driven, contemplative novel that will stay with you. I enjoyed the mix of historical fiction, time slippage and Japanese culture. Mie's story amidst WWII Tokyo was gripping and a window into another world. Every step after that is no less emotive. I couldn't help but be drawn into the world of Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery), just as Gareth is; it's an art form, a mind-set and a way of life. His struggles with social interactions, and his increasing isolation in a modern world will reverberate with many.
Overall, The Arrow Garden was a poignant read that made me reflect on self-acceptance, learning to be in the moment, and how we wish to live. It's recommended for fans of David Mitchell and Kazuo Ishiguru.
Overall, The Arrow Garden was a poignant read that made me reflect on self-acceptance, learning to be in the moment, and how we wish to live. It's recommended for fans of David Mitchell and Kazuo Ishiguru.
April 26, 2023
I love historical fiction, I am fascinated by Japan and I used to live near Bristol so this book caught my attention straight away! This is a really interesting and thoughtful read which is very beautifully written. I enjoyed both the main characters stories and how they came together in a very unique way through time and space. As there are two narratives it does take slightly longer to get into the story but once you do it is definitely worth it.
August 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It felt like its own kind of meditation, in a way. It's definitely a book that is FAR enhanced by a re-read and I can't wait to come back to it in the future. I love books that stick solidly with you long after you close the covers, and this is definitely one of them. Absolutely beautiful.
The writing style is elegant and to the point and it doesn't drag on too long over things that wouldn't be necessary. The only minor issue I had with it were how the tenses change from present to past. It's not a problem exactly, but I found myself at times having to take a moment to grow accustomed to it. After that, it wasn't a problem at all.
It follows the two characters Gareth and Mie, and the changes in perspective are easy to follow and clear - refreshing too! It never stays in one narrative for too long, but it's long enough to gather enough of an image in what the story of the character is. They're connected in the most wonderful way, too.
Non-specific spoilers:
At first, I was more connected with Gareth's story; it made more sense, it was simpler to follow and the writing was clear. Near the beginning, Mie's segments felt more disconnected - as if someone was TELLING rather than allowing the reader to experience it with the character. Elements of each perspective during this time felt more connected than others, but this changed soon after getting further into the book.
I absolutely LOVED that from the point of '2 Dozukuri' Mie's perspective felt more clear and connecting. I liked connecting it as her coming out of the experience and finally having things slow down for her. Specific times for each element of her narrative are still foggy, but it doesn't take away from the segments about her.
The characters were interesting and had a lot of depth. I was rooting for Gareth the entire time, consistently empathising with his struggles and loneliness and it was so beautiful to see how he had developed from start to end through archery. And I absolutely ADORED Hiroshi. Their friendship was so lovely to read.
I will admit that I was confused throughout a LOT of the book, but I enjoyed the style and story nonetheless and I'm glad I did, because later in the book, things connect and it makes so much more sense. I really loved the cyclical feeling of it and I understood how Gareth and Mie are connected through archery.
The writing style is elegant and to the point and it doesn't drag on too long over things that wouldn't be necessary. The only minor issue I had with it were how the tenses change from present to past. It's not a problem exactly, but I found myself at times having to take a moment to grow accustomed to it. After that, it wasn't a problem at all.
It follows the two characters Gareth and Mie, and the changes in perspective are easy to follow and clear - refreshing too! It never stays in one narrative for too long, but it's long enough to gather enough of an image in what the story of the character is. They're connected in the most wonderful way, too.
Non-specific spoilers:
At first, I was more connected with Gareth's story; it made more sense, it was simpler to follow and the writing was clear. Near the beginning, Mie's segments felt more disconnected - as if someone was TELLING rather than allowing the reader to experience it with the character. Elements of each perspective during this time felt more connected than others, but this changed soon after getting further into the book.
I absolutely LOVED that from the point of '2 Dozukuri' Mie's perspective felt more clear and connecting. I liked connecting it as her coming out of the experience and finally having things slow down for her. Specific times for each element of her narrative are still foggy, but it doesn't take away from the segments about her.
The characters were interesting and had a lot of depth. I was rooting for Gareth the entire time, consistently empathising with his struggles and loneliness and it was so beautiful to see how he had developed from start to end through archery. And I absolutely ADORED Hiroshi. Their friendship was so lovely to read.
I will admit that I was confused throughout a LOT of the book, but I enjoyed the style and story nonetheless and I'm glad I did, because later in the book, things connect and it makes so much more sense. I really loved the cyclical feeling of it and I understood how Gareth and Mie are connected through archery.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews