I saw Pico speak at UC Santa Barbara about his latest work on the Dalai Lama. I knew nothing about him. I just showed up because I love the Dalai Lama. Pico swept me away. He is a charismatic, engaging and charmingly self-effacing speaker. And his writing is something else entirely.
The Lady and the Monk recounted a year Pico spent in Kyoto. It doesn't even matter what happened to him while he was there. I rarely read a book without a care for the plot. Here I was entranced. I lost track of time as I read his descriptions that transcended everything I knew about writing. I no longer think that prose is too limiting for certain situations. I almost feel like when Pico uses it it's another medium entirely.
And then the other part I can't get over is that he recounted a year of travel in a way that made me feel like I was actually there. He captured all those feelings you have when you've spent a good length of time abroad and can never put into words.
Believe it or not there's still more. Pico's friend Sachiko is gorgeously portrayed. We fall in love with her right along with him.
General consensus: Breathtaking. I wish it was a painting so I could admire it on my wall. I never want to let go.
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