Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto by Leslie Buck

This book surprised me. Despite being an avid gardener and a huge fan of garden lit, I have never been overly fascinated by
Japanese (or any far east) culture. So I wasn't necessarily expecting to enjoy both major aspects of this memoir. However, I did.

I found Buck's undertaking unusual enough, and her story compelling enough, to make a good read. I did find the book quite repetitive in its insights into the rigors of learning a craft (in her case pruning) well and culture shock, though. In fact, I'd say that the book could easily be shortened by about 25% without losing much in the way of content. 

I should also say that I didn't particularly like the writing style of the book. By that, I mean the way the sentences were
actually constructed. Many seemed very simplistic both in form and content, almost to the point of being glib. In fact, if I have any major beef with this book, it is that the conclusions of nearly all of the author's ruminations --- whether at different points along the way or overall --- seem too tidy, too predictable, too pat. Despite being on a fascinating journey, she did not seem to probe her experiences very deeply. Everything seemed so... tame. This was almost maddening to me as I read.

It would have been nice to know what the author did after returning, presumably to the US. How did she put her new-found experience and insight to use?

Still, the author's descriptions of gardens and pruning were very vivid and informative. While Cutting Back isn't my new favorite book, I definitely found it well worth reading.

​--Patricia Johann
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Release Date: Mary 3, 2017