Leslie Buck

Buck served an apprenticeship as an aesthetic gardener in Japan in the late 90s. In this intriguing telling of her experience, I learned much more about Japanese work culture and social mores than I did about gardening per se. But that was okay, because it was all interesting (though a bit repetitive, occasionally). I can't help but wonder if the female-deprecating work culture has changed in the last 20-plus years. But given the tradition-bound nature of the gardener's art there, I would guess not much.… (mais)

I'm very much an amateur gardener (when I can be bothered to garden), so I was awed by the work described in this memoir, which depicts the author's experience working for a gardening company in Japan. Working in another culture, barely speaking the language, the author provides insight into so many Japanese gardens - from small residential plots to grand imperial showcases. It's a fascinating tour of a world I had never really imagined. The author also discusses how her experience drained her, her struggles working in a culture she didn't fully understand, and how she managed to endure - all of which resonated with me.… (mais)

While I enjoyed reading this book and learning more of the culture which produces such gardening masterpieces, I was also in two minds about the 'suffering' Leslie Buck went through. Was it necessary to have such dis-regard for self? Is the Japanese employment situation really so dire?

I want to like Japan but reading a book like this makes me think that I see the country through rose-tinted glasses. Having stayed with a family in rural Japan, I now wonder did I offend them? was I sufficiently grateful?

I didn't like her use of the expletive 'Jesus' - it just didn't contribute to the story. She was honest enough without being more honest!!

The boyfriend sub-plot was an effective foil to the story.

Her book has sent me back to a book I have on Japanese gardens, where I can ponder the possible techniques that she learned, and which might have produced these gardens.… (mais)