Let’s raise a toast to Bonsai!
Pulp Fiction Reviews
“For a first novel, writer Sandy Nicolson displays an uncanny gift for memorable characters and unusual circumstances. Though none of the players in the story of Bonsai and Lily is what one would call exceptional, they remain absolutely fascinating. The riddle that has haunted them for thirty years slowly begins to unravel as the book moves to its climax and the answers to mystery are both beautiful and tragic. People, even imperfect people, can sometimes find love. If they are wise, they will hold on and never let go. Bravo, Sandy Nicolson, “Bonsai” as a truly wonderful surprise.”
"How many chances do you have to realize a dream and how might you embrace it. Debut author Sandy Nicolson’s novel, Bonsai explores this. It was inspired by a real life event that opened the author to the importance of second chances.
To most people, Bonsai is the guy who runs the old gas station at the edge of Salinas. He’s a nobody. Bonsai isn’t even his real name. Beneath the appearance and occupation that make people ignore him, he’s a good golfer with an expensive gambling habit. He’s also a father whose daughter slipped out of his life and become a successful lawyer, but she and her partner have issues—like Bonsai and all of us.
Years ago, his rich, slick boss returned to Japan where he was required to spend a year in prison. He left his wife behind, and asked Bonsai to look after her. When he returns, Bonsai realizes how little control he has over his own life, but maybe something could change and his daughter could return.
The author grapples with many contradictions, exploring as he goes and reminding us that every one of us is a complex individual under the surface.
I was drawn to the book because of its setting and found the contrasts and clashes between the characters believable. The second half of the story moves more swiftly than the first. Although I had a bit of trouble adjusting to some of the author’s capitalization and punctuation, I soon read right past it, which is a compliment to the story itself.
Kudos for all the efforts that went into telling this complex, life-affirming story.“
Amazon.com review
Midwest Book Review
"Bonsai" by Sandy Nicholson is his story -- a former driver to a Japanese Yakuza, an inveterate gambler, an Asian American immigrant, a devout father.
In a strange series of events his remarkable past comes suddenly back into his reality, and forces him to resolve lots of unfinished business in his life. He learns that there is life left to celebrate even though, like any of us, he is not fully in control of his destiny. But maybe his dreams will come true and he will be reunited with his daughter? Her mother would be too much to ask of course.
It's a page turning, life affirming ride and you will pity the fool that entered his gas station and didn't bother take a second look at him in their rear view mirror.
Critique: A carefully crafted, vividly rendered, and memorable account, "Bonsai" will have a very particular appeal to readers with an interest in action/adventure Yakuza crime novels and complex family dramas presented in an Asian American memoir format.”
“Bonsai is a unique, character-driven story featuring the owner of an independent gas station in the rural farming community of Salinas, California. The story was dear to me as the author highlighted many iconic locations in the area.
Bonsai is a good read for its rich characters and vivid imagery. I appreciated Nicolson’s themes of second chances, redemption and forgiveness. Bonsai, the character, is a testament to the many immigrants who came to America and worked hard to improve their living condition. From the difficult first scene to the dramatic conclusion, Bonsai is a compelling read.”
Book Junkie Reviews