Dancing Over Kyoto: A memoir of Japan, China and India

by Richard Russell

A Memoir of Japan, China and India. Dancing Over Kyoto is one man's love letter to Japan, and to many people whose lives have been intertwined with his 30 years of Japan experiences. It offers odes to strange, wondrous and at times discomforting experiences in India and China, too. A measure of Southern Gothic completes a recipe that will satisfy long after the final pages are read, pages in which a final, unexpected sorrow hits, but out of which hope abides.

Dancing Over Kyoto is both intimate and funny, startling and contemplative. Personal experiences highlight universal truths about our flawed, but ultimately optimistic, selves. No matter where in the world we live or go.

Genres: Japan, Travel, Nonfiction

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2013

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really two-and-a-half stars, but two seems a bit harsh.

Much of the story concerns the author's personal (romantic) life, which didn't interest me much. China and India are tacked-on chapters, comprising a very small amount of the content.

[Bill Langeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscences of travel in the orient and especially Japan post World War II.

The author goes into his long relationship with Japan and the Japanese and to a lesser extent with other Asian nationalities as he traveled in the area first as a teacher and later as a collector of Asian arts and crafts. An interesting and enjoyable read.

[Derek Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure who the intended audience for this memoir is. It's a bit too racy for Russell's grandchildren. Entirely uninteresting to anyone else.