Of Arcs and Circles by Marc Peter Keane

 

This is a beautifully written book of short essays, each one focused on one tiny aspect of the author’s world which are broadened out via train-of-thought writing to encompass wider and often unexpected ideas. Marc Peter Keane lives in Japan and he writes a lot about the country, it’s culture and history. I enjoyed observing how he moves from one idea to the other, tying different thoughts together into a cohesive whole. I found it to be a truly fascinating read.

In trying to identify the theme of this book, I found several: the author’s love of the natural world, the cycle of nature, and in some of the essays there is a general feeling of melancholy at how progress leads to a disconnection from nature. This book offers a unique look at Japanese culture and includes an exploration of the simplicity of the tea ceremony, reflections on government policies, the beauty of the environment and the origins of many iconic Japanese symbols such as karesansui gardens and torii gates. 

It is not a book to be read quickly, and don’t expect to finish it too soon. Each essay invites you to mull over what you have read, to absorb it fully before moving on to the next one. I enjoyed every word I read in this book and if you enjoy reading well written, thoughtful essays, or if you have an interest in Japanese culture, I definitely recommend this book.

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐