By stepping back from the enchanting image of Baricco's unfathomable girl, we are better able to see for ourselves that the Orient as a whole escapes precise definition. And rightly so. For once a culture, possessed of the traits and complexities that are unique to itself, is portrayed with certitude by another, it is divested of its birthright to exist on its own terms and of its capacity to externalize the wonderful diversity of the collective human experience. For questions or comments about a review, please contact the person listed at the top of the review. Ed's Internet Book Review is copyright 1995-2001, Dr. Edwin V. Bell, II, all rights reserved.
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