Book: The Garden of Evening Mists

"The Garden of Evening Mists" by Tan Twan Eng is a beautifully crafted novel set against the backdrop of post-World War II Malaya. The story follows Yun Ling Teoh, the only survivor of a Japanese wartime camp, as she seeks solace in the lush highlands of Cameron Highlands. Drawn to the enigmatic figure of Aritomo, a former gardener of the Emperor of Japan, she apprentices under him in the creation of a garden, Yugiri.

The narrative interweaves Yun Ling's present-day reflections with her haunting past, unraveling themes of memory, loss, and the quest for redemption. As Yun Ling grapples with her traumatic memories and the intricacies of the garden, she confronts the tensions between forgiveness and vengeance.

Tan Twan Eng’s evocative prose captures the essence of a land burdened with colonial and wartime scars while exploring the healing power of nature and art. The garden becomes not only a sanctuary but also a place where Yun Ling must come to terms with her past, forging a path towards peace and understanding in a world marked by shadows and beauty.