Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions
THE SAMURAI'S GARDEN by Gail Tsukiyama

  1. One reviewer felt Matsu was a "Samurai of the Soul." What does she mean by this? Who else is a samurai in the story?

  2. What does the garden symbolize? How is Matsu's garden different from Sachi?

  3. Do you like Matsu? Why?

  4. How do the different characters react to feelings of solitude, loneliness & Isolation?

  5. How are Sachi and Stephen alike?

  6. How do the characters define honor? Do you agree?

  7. Compare the love triangle of Matsu, Sachi and Kenzo with the triangle of Stephen's parents and his father's lover.

  8. How is Stephen and Keiko's relationship represented? Examine it in relation to the courtships of Kenzo and Sachi and Matsu and Sachi

  9. What is the effect of the war setting on the novel?

  10. How is war foreshadowed in the book?

  11. Why does Stephen stop longing to return home?

  12. Did you learn anything new about Asian cultures from reading this book?

  13. Sometimes Stephen seems to be very feminine and Sachi seems to be very masculine. Is this intentional?

  14. Do you like the journal format?

Questions created by Vivian Mortensen, Head of Reader Services at the Park Ridge Public Library.