The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

Set against the backdrop of the impending Second Sino-Japanese War, this poignant novel follows Stephen, a young Chinese man sent to his family's beach house in a small Japanese village to recover from tuberculosis. As he navigates his isolation, Stephen forms unexpected bonds with the house's caretaker, Matsu, and a mysterious woman named Sachi, both of whom harbor their own scars and secrets. Through the changing seasons, Stephen learns about the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of love and friendship, and the healing power of nature, all while grappling with the cultural tensions and personal challenges that define his journey.

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