AT 11 years old Seido Oda is chosen to become a Buddhist monk near to the quiet Japanese village where he and his family live.

Only a few months later a tragedy happens that makes him introverted, forever dwelling on the past, finding solace only in his painting, poetry and prayers.

Then at 40 he is sent to oversee a temple that is to be built in the Little Calabria area of Brooklyn where he not only suffers a culture shock but soon realises that the American Buddhists are misguided in their beliefs; so a time begins that will test him to the limit.

Gradually his experiences take him on a far longer journey than that of crossing oceans, for here, against much arrogance, struggle and internal rebellion, the people he meets break down his barriers enabling him to find his true path in life.

This book has everything: humour, tragedy, conflict, love and we feel a connection and empathy with the wide cast of characters but especially with Seido himself.

It is a beautifully-written book to savour and enjoy and will uplift you for there is a little bit of these characters that are in us all. With such an enjoyable book I will certainly read it more than once.