The Ginger Tree

This very fascinating book is a story written in the form of numerous letters and personal diary entries made by the principle character of the book. It chronicals the life of a young Scottish woman forced to live first in China then Japan. Well written and historically accurate, it's obvious the author is intimately familiar with the the culture, customs, history and life style of Japan. This makes the book that much more interesting and fascinating for those who enjoy realism and demand accuracy in a story. For all who've ever lived in Japan, it's a believable tale that literally makes you feel you've stepped back in a time machine to witness the birth of modern Japan. For those who haven't lived in Japan, believe that the author has done his homework and is not simply just creating a fictional setting in his mind. Because of this, he's able to focus on his character versus scene/setting development and thus creates a living breathing person in your mind. The timespan covers over 40 years as the story weaves through her trials and tribulations, and shows how her fortitude and strength serve her through tumultuous events in her life. A gripping tale that draws on your emotions and has you constantly rooting for her. When the last page is read it leaves you wishing the story would continue, but even good books must end. Be prepared to sit a spell. Once you start reading you'll find it hard to put down.

This is a little known book and I was very pleasantly surprised to find it very well written with an engaging story. The main character might have been based on the author's grandmother who also went to japan and spent some years there. Mary Mackenzie is brought out beautifully and despite her transgressions, you never judge her. She is an extremely strong woman and its very inspiring to read of her struggles and her victories. The descriptions of China and Japan are breathtaking, making the reader long to visit the same places. Great read all in all.

The Ginger Tree is a captivating, completely believable life story of a woman who grows from a sheltered childhood to wisdom and success in a foreign country. It is told entirely from her point of view through the device of letters and journal entries. Spanning two world wars and encompassing the upheaval experienced in Asia by European imperialism, the story is puntuated by many recognizable historical events viewed from a fascinating perspective.This book is not the type of story I would normally have expected to like, my wife referring to it as a "triumph of the human spirit," which is her code for: "no car chases or explosions -- you won't like it." But once I started it, I could not stop, and now that I have finished, I wish there was more. I recommend it strongly.

This book is a wonderful, easy read, captivating and entertaining. I read the book after seeing the film done by the BBC. The story is so well told and so enjoyable that rereading comes easily and often and makes this piece a perfect choice for gift giving. I was charmed and moved and felt I had a close relationship with the main character and knew and understood her well.