Japan Diaries : A Travel Memoir

by Geraldine Sherman

Focuses on one series in his work--trees.

Genres: Travel

292 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Moira Mackinnon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this is the diary of two trips the author and her husband took to Japan, a decade apart. The first, a 6-week trip in 1987, was the result of a grant from the Asia Pacific Foundation. The second, lasting 2 months in late 1997, was sponsored by the Japan Foundation. Neither the author or her husband speak Japanese, but both are confirmed Japanophiles. Without the language, no truly in-depth examination can occur, but as the average tourist is unlikely to speak the language either, their view is likely to be similar to Ms. Sherman's. She has certainly immersed herself in everything available in English on Japan and the Japanese. A traveler's tale often tells one as much about the traveler as about the journey. Ms. Sherman lacks the acerbic edge of Paul Theroux, but I think she would be a much more comfortable traveling companion! Certainly her fascination with Japan, especially the food and theatre, shines through her Diaries.