Review: Completely Engaging
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2013
This is a series of slices of a very different life.  Ben Steven's is a Gaijin living - and working - in Japan.  He isn't your every day business man, his work is unusual for an Englishman in Japan.  His observations about his life aren't your everyday observations about work and life.He writes with a cadence that is nearly poetic, a pace and style that draws the reader in.  Descriptions of people and places don't get in the way, they flow into and become in large part the essence of his story.  It's nearly a biography, but it's very much more than that.Mr. Stevens describes the every day Japan that a tourist would love to see, but will never be able to, because he lives and breathes the air, works the landscape and intermingles with the people on a day to day basis.  History is woven into his story, culture is the landscape of his story, and personalities are the spice.This is a writer that doesn't have an axe to grind.  He is an observer, a true stranger in a strange land with an incredible eye, a wonderful way of describing, and a talent for blending in while seeing with fresh eyes.  Mr. Stevens describes the good things of this culture and also the not so great things, but even while describing the not so great - such as Japanese television programming - you sense his love for the people, the land, and the culture.When you've finished reading the book you will feel like you have just returned from an extensive stay of your own, fresh with wonderful memories.  I can see the temple and the people in my own mind as though I had actually been there.Truth is, had I gone there in person I sincerely doubt I would have seen as much, learned as much, or enjoyed myself as much.  If I was going to Japan I would want to read this first so that I could see deeper and experience more when I arrived.  But I honestly feel that reading this is better than going.More Mr. Stevens, much more - and soon please!