Borton also expertly translates from the Vietnamese, maintaining a flavor of the language and offering the reader a glimpse into the lives of a people at once suspicious and gracious, resilient and vulnerable. Until now, books about Vietnam have tended to be written from a non-civilian, male perspective. Borton's addition is a welcome change and a distinct contribution to this immense body of writing. The author, an American English teacher, has obviously spent a great many of his years in Asia studying Eastern religions, and initially the book's title and contents provoke curiosity and anticipation. But by the time one plows through all ten stories the reader is no closer to enlightenment.
Page does seem to have acquired a strong knowledge of Eastern religions.
His arguments about differing faiths are reasonably well handled and often thought-provoking. But when he tries to develop these ideas through stories, they tend to falter. The dialogue sounds even less comprehensible from the mouths of Americans seeking enlightenment through gurus who turn out to be hacks. White Lotus Co., Box 1141 Bangkok, Thailand, 10501. All Rights Reserved.