Title: Autostop con Buddha
Author: Will Ferguson
First published January 1, 1998
454 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9788807721281 (ISBN10: 8807721287)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
Embark on a hitchhiking journey through Japan in Autostop con Buddha, following the flow of cherry blossom bloom from south to north. Our traveler is a seasoned explorer of this land, having lived there for many years and speaking the language fluently.
The narrative is driven by the diverse characters encountered while hitchhiking, ranging from a nationalist professor to a quirky student and even a Mitsubishi engineer on vacation. Along the way, humorous observations about linguistic differences shed light on Japanese culture and lead to uproarious misunderstandings.
Meanwhile, insightful analyses of Japanese social interactions and their reverence for hierarchical relationships provide a deeper understanding of this fascinating country.
About the Author
Meet Will Ferguson, a highly acclaimed writer and travel enthusiast. His latest novel, The Shoe on the Roof, is set to be released on October 17, 2017.
Ferguson’s literary achievements include winning the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour three times, being nominated for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. His fourth novel, 419, was the recipient of the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Ferguson’s passion for travel began after graduating from York University in Toronto with a B.F.A. in film production and screenwriting in 1990. He joined the Japan Exchange Teachers Programme (JET) and lived in Asia for five years, where he met his wife, Terumi.
After returning from Japan, he experienced reverse culture shock, which inspired his first book. He co-wrote a sequel with his brother, Ian Ferguson, which became a bestseller.
Ferguson’s literary works reflect his love of travel and include tales of hitchhiking across Japan, exploring Canada and trekking through central Africa. His debut novel, Happiness™, was translated into 23 languages.
He has written for several publications including The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, and Time magazine. Ferguson currently resides in Calgary with his wife and two sons.
For more information about his work, visit WillFerguson.ca.
Editoral Review
“Autostop con Buddha” by Will Ferguson follows the journey of a Canadian author named Will who embarks on an epic pilgrimage across Japan to retrace the steps of the famous Buddhist monk, Dogen. First published in 1998, this memoir-like travelogue beautifully captures the essence of Japan’s ancient traditions and modern eccentricities through a series of hilarious and heartwarming anecdotes.
As a seasoned travel writer and winner of the prestigious Giller Prize for Fiction, Will Ferguson is no stranger to weaving exquisite prose with historical context and cultural observations. In “Autostop con Buddha,” he takes the concept of a classic travelogue and imbues it with wit, philosophy, and self-discovery.
The book not only documents his physical journey but also his philosophical musings, spiritual revelations, and emotional growth. The narrative of Autostop con Buddha begins with Will being stranded in Japan without any money.
He decides to embark on a 7,500-kilometer pilgrimage of self-discovery by hitchhiking and backpacking his way through Japan. The book is divided into several small chapters that chronicle his encounters with fellow travelers, locals, and Buddhist monks along the way.
Throughout the journey, Will is accompanied by the ghost of Dogen, who acts as his spiritual guide, and the book is sprinkled with insights from Dogen’s philosophy, which adds a depth of meaning to the entire journey. Hopping from one city to another, the author describes the landscapes, the people, and even the food with undeniable charm and wit.
He also deftly highlights Japan’s history, spirituality, and culture, making it informative yet fun to read. What sets this book apart from other travelogues is the author’s self-awareness and vulnerability.
Will’s candid reflections on personal struggles, such as alcoholism and failed relationships, give a moving account of his own journey to finding inner peace, and this makes the book relatable to a wide range of readers. While the book paints a vivid picture of Japan’s character and culture, it does have some flaws.
At times the narrative veers off course from the pilgrimage and becomes somewhat tedious. Additionally, the flow of events is not always in chronological order, which can make the reading experience confusing at times.
However, these minor flaws are far outweighed by the book’s strengths. Overall, “Autostop con Buddha” by Will Ferguson is a delightful journey through Japan that inspires readers to explore their own potential for self-discovery.
Although it was published in 1998 it remains a timeless classic and a must-read for anyone interested in travel writing, Buddhism, or philosophy. The book scores a 4.5 out of 5 and is highly recommended for all kinds of readers who seek inspiration, reflection, and adventure in equal measure.
