Customer Reviews

The Santoka: Versions by Scott Watson

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3 star:		(1)
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In a review of THE SANTOKA, "Jizo" states that in the past he or she has very much enjoyed my translations/versions of Santoka's work and does so again in THE SANTOKA. Reviewer Jizo continues "I do find though that parts of his introduction display an off putting attitude. If one were to skip over the intro, the book would be as pleasant as it was in its previous incarnations."

In the preface of my book it states clearly "This book is made of selections which previously appeared in The Tohoku Gakuin Review under the titles WEEDS WE'D WED and A LIFE TO LIVE: SANTOKA (in 2000 and 2004)." It also says "What the readers see in this book is exactly what appeared in the two journal pieces. There have been no revisions in the English versions or in my introductions."

What, then, are the previous incarnations reviewer Jizo finds so pleasant? Things in THE SANTOKA are exactly as before. It makes me wonder if reviewer Jizo actually saw any "previous incarnations." If Jizo didn't, how can he or she be trusted as a reviewer? If Jizo did see previous incarnations, why does he or she describe THE SANTOKA as being different?

If reviewer Jizo finds my introductions off putting, fine. Come right out and say it, straightforward, but don't obfuscate people with mistaken facts. Another point that can make a reader think twice is that Jizo (Jizo a Bodhisattva's name that reviewer writes under) does not take the time to guide readers of his review as to why the reviewer thinks my essays are off putting. That seems irresponsible to me. Or just lazy writing. Especially for a Bodhisattva with--supposedly--the power to knock on hell's gates.

A poet translating poetry....sounds simple, seems natural, yet the end results are sometimes not so simple or natural. Mr Watson however, takes the original to heart, quite literally, and what comes out IS poetry. Leaving rules behind, even leaving himself behind, and finding the spirit of the original writer. I appreciate the contemplative hours it must have taken to arrive at that place prior to putting ink to paper. As a reader who cannot read Santoka in his language of origin, I feel that I am through these translations. This beautiful book of poetry and introductions is a gift to the soul, simple and uncluttered.

In the past I've very much enjoyed Scott Watson's translations/versions of Santoka's work and do so here. There is no question about the result of Watson's labors. I do find though that parts of his introduction display an off putting attitude. If one were to skip over the intro, the book would be as pleasant as it was in its previous incarnations.