A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding: The compelling Richard and Judy Summer Book Club winner
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By Jackie Copleton
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LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2016A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK ‘Memoirs of a Geisha meets The Piano Teacher, in the best way.’ InStyleAmaterasu Takahashi has spent her life grieving for her daughter Yuko and grandson Hideo, who were victims of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945.
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The horror of Nagasaki is mainly dealt with early on in the novel. It is not the main topic and all the more powerful for being succinct. This is a love story, told through a series of letters and memories, the life of Mrs Takahashi and that of her daughter Yuko. Even though the novel jumps around from present to past, this is done with skill and doesn't appear clumsy.
The dictionary definitions of words at the beginning of each chapter show the complexity of Japanese psychology and a fascinating insight into Japanese culture. The story unfolds with a serene calmness, however in the last part the tone changes and some of Mrs Takahashi's past life make uncomfortable reading.
An accomplished first novel, well worth reading.
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