During the past two weeks of peaceful holiday in Sweden I’ve been lucky enough to read an array of books on behalf of NetGalley. Four particularly were striking, unusual, starkly different and therefore my next posts will feature these books. I start with the amazing and wonderful A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton
From the very first few words I knew this book would be one to cherish, to love – one that continues to live within my heart days and weeks later.
The story weaves between the present and past, between Japan and America as Amaterasu Takahashi is forced to re-live the earlier life of her long-lost daughter killed along with thousands of others as a B29 dropped a nuclear bomb Nagasaki on 9th August 1945 at 11.02.
The story opens with the appearance of a man on the widow’s door-step claiming to be her grandson, Hideo, who was killed in the attack. Disbelieving, she is handed documents to prove the veracity of his statement. So begins the epic sweeping novel; at times brutal, at times ethereal.
Amaterasu Takahashi is the main narrator, however this is effectively interspersed with Yoku’s (her daughter) diary as well as letters from Sato – local doctor at the time – who caused the irreparable rift between mother and daughter.
Secrets and lies are at the core of so many novels and this one is no exception. Rather the secrets withheld and lies told are intricately, devastatingly interwoven rising to a crescendo of revelation and understanding in a story of family, love, strife and war.
I could not fail but be pulled in by the heart-felt words early on.
‘Dear Daughter, the life I sought for you was not a bad one, was it? Could you understand why I acted the way I did? Could you see I had no choice? Only child, did you forgive me in those final moments? Did you forgive yourself?’
It was not only the story that ensnared me, the author – previously a language teacher in Japan – powerfully transported me into Japan; its detailed life and customs beautifully portrayed and conveyed. Each chapter begins with a Japanese word or custom followed by a detailed description. Often this technique can slow the narrative and become cumbersome. However Jackie Copleton’s notes only heighten the sense of the culture and our understanding of the characters within her book and the choices they made and the lives they lived. Beyond the people and its culture, Nagasaki particularly is brilliantly brought to life at its cusp of transformation from the old order to modern city.
‘Nagasaki, the city growing like a giant metal insect across the land.’ A city living in the glory of its ship-building era, an industry that would lead to its obliteration. ‘It felt as if the world’s heart had exploded…Never find the language for such and agony of noise and the silence that followed.’
Heart-warming. Heart-felt. Heart-wrenching. These are three words I jotted down as I finished the book and which sum it up perfectly. It is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. No wonder it was long-listed for The Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2016. My only surprise is that it didn’t make the short-list.
I was honoured to be accepted as a reviewer by Random House UK for ‘A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding’ on behalf of NetGalley.
Rating: 5 out of 5!
Book Price: £ 4.99. Kindle
£ 12.08 Hardback (amazon)
Publisher: Random House UK
Annika Perry 
Hi Annika.
I bought this book on your recommendation, and have just finished reading it. You were right; it is a very good story, very well told. That’s not an easy subject to tackle, with all the ramifications, but the author pulls it off brilliantly. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thank you so much for coming back to let me know your thoughts on the book. Phew! So glad you liked it – it is still one of my favourite reads so far this year.
Hiii.. i like your review style.. please, are you on goodreads. Share me your handle to add you as friend and follow you.. thanks in advance. 🙂
Thank you! After having read a couple of posts on how to write book reviews I went ahead and wrote them in my own style – so glad you like it. So far I am not on goodreads however if I do join I’ll let you know. Many thanks
Sure thing Annika! I look forward 🙂
Thank you for this well written review. I probably would not have picked up this book on my own but now it is something I will read.
Oh, I’m so glad about that and I’m sure you will find it a most rewarding book! Enjoy and do let me know what you think of it. Thank you so much for your comment.
This sounds like a great story. Your review inspires me to add it to my TBR list!
Julie, it is a great sweeping, epic story…definitely one I can highly recommend.
Wonderful review and subject! In the US we don’t totally understand the after effects of
dropping the Atomic bomb, the lives it changed and the stories that never were. Even in this country during the war, Japanese-Americans were put in internment camps and lost everything just as their relatives in Japan lost everything including their lives. Yet if you go to Japan, these people are so forgiving. It makes you think. I will certainly read this book. Thanks, Annika…
I don’t think the lack of understanding of the effects after the atomic bombs is limited to the US – it seems to me a surprisingly lack of discussion across the world. The book covers it so well, from an ordinary day shopping destroyed by the bombing, to the confusion, shock and loss that follows. I think you’ll find the book very interesting and rewarding. As for the internment of Japanese during the war, the same happened to Germans and other foreigners in the UK as well…Have you been to Japan? You write of their forgiveness as if from personal experience?
No, I had friends who lived there for a couple of years and we talked allot about this. Also I have a copy of Joseph Campbell’s diary about Japan right after the war. He was amazed by the culture and their ability to forgive especially themselves for there share of the atrocities of the war.
That’s really strange you should mention Joseph Campbell as I came across a page I’d bookmarked from brain pickings about him. If you want to take a look the link is: https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/04/28/what-makes-a-hero-joseph-campbell-monomyth/?mc_cid=4cd0784a5f&mc_eid=02c49ccf6e
Forgiveness of others and especially oneself is a precious art, one not always easily learnt.
If i have a guru it would be Joseph Campbell. I’ve read almost everything he’s written. The monomyth is from his first book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. George Lukus used the monomyth as the basis for his Star Wars movies.
That sounds like an extraordinary book. The war, the atomic bomb, such a powerful subject. I have always wanted to visit Japan as I have also read some wonderful descriptions of the country and the culture. Thanks for the review, I may have to add this one to my list (time is always my enemy there….) I have recently finished one book that I am wanting to write a review for 🙂
You’re right there is such a wonderful mix in this book from before WWII to present time – with a fully immersive experience of all eras of Japan. The description of the actual atomic bomb is so well-written. The bombing or pikadon as it is called in Japan (PIKA means brilliant light and DON means boom) is described from the viewpoint of Amaterasu on a normal day and even though you know what’s coming the confusion and shock are captured brilliantly. I hope you get a chance to read this but understand time is always an element – this holiday was an ideal chance for me to catch up. I’ll look forward to reading your book review.
There are so many good books and so little time..If I ever get to retire, I know what I’ll be doing 🙂
Downloaded my copy!
😃😀
Outstanding review, Annika. Now I MUST READ the book… 🙂
Wow, thank you, Bette – that’s brilliant! You’ll love it I’m sure. Do let me know what you think when you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your opinion.
You captivate the reader with your lovely review, Annika. Thanks for the inspiration too!
Thank you so much, Mary Ann – I’m very touched. I know no photos from my holiday in Sweden – but hoping to show those soon after my book reviews!
I have the habit instilled in me as I grew up of always taking photos everywhere. Sometimes to the consternation of the others but at least our children do likewise. It is good to record those memories. I am impressed with your book reviews. Thanks for the comment.
wonderful to be touched
by this read
& skillful share
your joy 🙂
😀 Glad this touched you and l like sharing my joy. Many thanks for your comment, David.
What a beautiful review, Annika. Some of my favorite books are those that cross cultures and get so deeply into character and the complexity of relationships. This sounds like one of those books. Can’t wait to see what else you read 🙂
Thank you for your lovely comment, Diana. It was a wonderful book so I wanted my review to reflect that fact. Some books that write about other cultures can be rather too prescriptive and like some historical novels wanting to ‘show off’ all the facts at the cost of characterisation and plot – not a mistake in this book as it was so perfectly balanced.
I’ve read a lot of Amy Tan, and your review made me think of her books. A definite on my TBR list 🙂
I’ve been meaning to pop over for a visit. Just can’t seem to catch up with everything. Wonderful book review. I’ll stop by and check out more here. I’m going to have to move out my clothes soon to make room for all the books. There are so many I still want to read.
I know what you mean – I have meant to look at your blog for ages and finally got a chance. I’m so glad you liked the review and hope you enjoy my blog – not just book reviews also about writing, my novel writing experience, books, life…rather eclectic mix. Recently I revamped my study and in the process managed to clear some space by giving away a box of books – the heart-ache though…it took ages to decide which ones. Your way sounds better – make space by moving clothes or something else out of the way!
I know how you feel about the books. Next I’ll be turning the kitchen into a library too. Who needs all those dishes? We do need room to create though. 🙂
Kitchen should work! I made the mistake of having two bookshelves in the bathroom – not great idea and only realised a couple of years later that the books were ruined!
That’s the only place I don’t read!! Ever. Never thought about it. I’m a basic, bare cook so I don’t use the kitchen much. Barely.:)
What a wonderful story line. It reminds me of an experience my mother-in-law had when visiting Japan. She met a man who claimed to be her son, the result of her husband’s mistress. Though she refused to believe him, she couldn’t let go of that possibility.
Oh, what a story, Jacqui – this sends shivers up my back. How strange and unsettling for your mother-in-law. What a great start for a book though…thinks the writer inside me…
When she told me about it, I couldn’t help but believe it. My husband, of course, decided she was a nutty old lady. Men!
Sounds like a heart-wrenching novel and one I will look forward to checking into. Great review!
Thank you for your lovely comment and this is one book I can highly recommend to everyone. Very emotional, intellectually stimulating, total immersive read.
This sounds wonderful. I love learning about other cultures through fiction. I’ll have to keep it in mind.
As with all books there is a fine line between writing too much detail in a book and becoming didactic about a different culture rather than just using it as a setting – this book has no problem in this respect and I loved the fact how easily I was immersed into the Japanese culture, its history, its society whilst hooked by the unfolding story.
Fantastic review, Annika. I’ll have to add this to my stack.
Thank you, Jill. It is a very rewarding read and I don’t say that lightly. I know what you mean about stack – my books to read just keeps on growing…never a boring moment though!
Thanks Annika. I do tend to follow your recommendations (no pressure there!), so Amazon will make another sale this afternoon.
Oh, that’s brilliant, Peter. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the book – it’s one of those where you just have to read one more chapter…two hours later you’re still reading away.
Such a wonderful and strong review Annika. I feel transported already.
How can I now not buy this book.
You have made Jackie Copleton proud and going by some of your earlier reviews you
are an honest and imaginative reviewer.
Heading for amazon now.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I cannot be anything but honest in my reviews and must admit I have started a couple of NetGallet books which I could not even finish so it is just best to say nothing in those cases. Enjoy the travels – soon you’ll be engrossed in the world of Amaterasu and her Japan.
This sounds an intreging book, and after this review it’s ceratinly one I want to read.
Thanks Annika
Mike
That’s great, Mike. I’m sure this is one you’ll enjoy.
Love the sound of this Annika. Enjoy books set in different cultures.:)
I’m the same, Marje and I became absolutely immersed in Japan in this book – one of those that when you finish reading after a while you look up and wonder where you are!
Really that sounds fantastic! 🙂