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November 2016:

A dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton

A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding
by Jackie Copleton.

First Published: 2015


A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding
by Jackie Copleton.

A book that provoked polarised opinion. It is a romance, a family saga, a picture of Japanese life pre and post the atomic bomb on Nagasaki and the story of life in exile. The story goes back and forth in time, but that did not cause any difficulties.

Most people did not relate to the characters finding them unsympathetic, with the exception of Kenzo, Shige and Hideo. Jomei was felt to be particularly unpleasant with his predilection for young girls and his total disregard for doctor/patient relationships. The description of what he did in the war was compelling and his reluctance showed that he did have threads of morality. One person at least did feel that he genuinely loved Yuko. Yuko came in for criticism too as she betrayed her husband and gave up her art for the love of Jomei. Some found Amaterasu to be very cold.

All enjoyed the dictionary definitions at the beginning of the chapter, hinting at what was to come. Most found that they then forgot about them and the kindle readers in particular did not refer back to them. All appreciated the details of everyday Japanese life; the blossom on the trees, Hideo going to school, the food that was offered for celebrations. Descriptions of Japanese culture, the marriage arranger, the life of a lower class Geisha were felt to be most interesting. The book was felt to be very gentle, but disguised the fact that Japan was a very brutal fascist society, where everything had to be totally respectable. The book painted a very dark picture of Japan with its rigid culture.

Most felt that there were a number of unanswered questions in the book. Why was Kenzo friendly with Jomei? Why did he marry Amaterasu?

Hideo brought happiness to Amaterasu. Ultimately it did not matter whether or not he was her grandson –a fact that could have been easily sorted out by a DNA test. Returning to Japan from exile also brought happiness to Amaterasu.

3.5 stars, JC November 2016

More information at:
Goodreads.com - the Author
Goodreads.com - the book