The Great Passage

This book follows the 16 years of making a dictionary. However, it is a translation, which is fine, but it will jump suddenly. At one point 15 years, or maybe 13 years. And if you are not paying close attention, you wonder how you got there. The last chapter is thoughtful and precise. But apparently, the author does not care for relationships or character development

This is a wonderful novel set in a Japanese publishing house, one of whose specialties is making dictionaries. This book is for people who love words. You do not need to know Japanese to fully appreciate what the characters are talking about. There is a sweet love story going on among two people who have a reticence and innocence that is quite fetching.

A book about writing a dictionary. Ok. Then I found myself drawn in by the writing, the characters, the quirky fun, and the things that make you stop and think about the words you use. This was an altogether satisfying read.

A slow building tale of the process of compiling the best Japanese dictionary. Apologies to Webster-san, but this is also a touching story of the relationships between and among the characters at the center and too the periphery of the multi year task, the attention to detail, even down to the texture and opacity of the paper on which the final or first edition is to be printed. Am glad to have this in my permanent library.

The most unlikely subject of dictionary editing and production becomes a novel well worth reading. The characters are well drawn, and we come to know and appreciate them and their struggles to publish a new dictionary from scratch. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a charming tale of words, dictionaries and Japanese culture.

Loved sharing this book with my book club because of our love of words. It was a great themed book and allowed much creativity in menu for our monthly event and the invitation was fun to create, too.
I especially liked considering how such a dictionary writing task would be impacted by all the brush strokes of Japanese writing. Thank you for the translation but sadly I think some things may have been "lost in translation".

This was a great book. Very gripping. Also very sad. It makes you look at all the things that we take advantage of and humbles you. I'm very grateful for what we have and it has changed my out look on a lot of things. I will be making my children read this book when they get older. I think it can help anyone that reads it become more grateful.

This was an amazing book. Who would ever think to write a book about the creation of a dictionary and write it with such completeness and such love. The way the characters with together in the story along with the creation of the dictionary is moving. I never dreamed of the great care and the many steps that go into the publication of a dictionary, but the story was far more than that. It is the story of dedication and love.

Who would have thought that a book about writing a Japanese dictionary could be so interesting? Words and the love of words transform not only the main character, but the others who work to write the dictionary over the course of time. I grew very fond of the quirky crew in this alternately amusing and moving book, and was sorry to come to the last page. Beautifully written and translated from the Japanese, it will stay with me for a time.

I loved this book! I've always kept a dictionary at hand and have enjoyed learning new words. I tutor immigrants learning English and we often check meanings using English/French or English/Vietnamese dictionaries and sometimes find the references lacking. I've never thought about what it takes to "write" or compile a dictionary. The personalities and relationships in this story make it come to life.

This is a wonderful translation of a novel originally in Japanese. The dissuasion of Japanese words is fascinating even though I don't speak the language, and the underlying ideas and principles are applicable to any language. The plot is charming and unfolds gracefully over an extended period of time. The whole thing reminds me of the thoughtfully designed detail of an elegant Japanese garden.

I had never thought about what goes into making a dictionary. So many decisions have to be made, so much research done. It is a long term project. I have always looked up words when I find ones that I don’t know. The correct word says what you mean clearly. This book tells about this whole process as a wonderful story with engaging, nerdy people full of hopes and dreams, people who work together and become great friends over the years that they make a dictionary.

I received a beautiful dictionary as an award from The NY Times when I was a high school senior. It was a beautiful dictionary, more robust and with much greater functionality than any dictionary I have used over the last fifty years.

What are the skill sets and personal characteristics of the team of people who can take a great dictionary from concept to publication? What intellectual bent does a person need to pursue this work successfully?

This is a very creative work and well worth the read.

This was a delightful story about words. It was good about the Japanese language. However, like another reviewer I would have enjoyed of more in English. I must point out that the characters were well drawn. Personally, I also enjoyed the insight it gave to another culture.

I would not have thought a novel about bringing a dictionary to publication could draw me in and keep me reading, but The Great Passage did just that. The characters were depicted in a sympathetic, even touching way, but without sentimentality. I became very absorbed in their work on the dictionary, as well as their personal lives. I'm glad I chose it for my free Prime book that month.

This book exceeded my expectations. Perhaps being a linguist, I appreciated the authors look at the nuances in words. I also have a much greater appreciated for what is involved in publishing a dictionary, not just in Japan, but any country. The translator also did a great job of bringing the characters to life. In all, a unique story that anyone with an appreciation for words and culture will enjoy.

A seemingly esoteric subject, the writing of a dictionary from start to finish becomes a vehicle for various character studies. Since this book is originally in Japanese, the problems the characters had in developing their dictionary would be specific to that language. I found it fascinating.

The Great Passage was a very interesting read. It gives you insights into Japanese culture, dictionary writing, etymology. It was enjoyable. It is straight literary fiction to be sure. I never felt there was a climax or rising plot or a desire to just keep reading and not put it down; it just went along. It is not a con, just something to note. I would recommend this book.

What a delight to watch the characters grow from crippling doubt on the edge of giving up to self understanding to competence to self assurance. I agonized with Majime as he strove to finish the dictionary in a timely fashion without compromising excellence. The book left me with a warm glow.

The translator managed to transcend language barriers to describe the compilation of an epic Japanese dictionary project over a fifteen year period. The author's ability to portray the dedication of some for whom words are easier to research than to express is a subject to ponder for all of us who love the idiosyncrasies of language. Phenomenal novel.

The Great Passage, 5 stars! I don't typically read this type of genre but I'm so glad I started reading this story. From the beginning, its words pulled me in and led me to the journey of the creation of a dictionary - The Great Passage. I highly recommend this book/story and invite everyone to enjoy the adventure finding along the way knowledge, romance, sorrow, joy and laughs!

I couldn't finish this book. The story dragged on seemingly forever without going anywhere. Too much information re writing of dictionaries and too little actual story. May be a good book for some readers but did not hold my attention. Sorry

Didn't get into this book immediately but am really glad I persevered as it is truly fascinating story. Not being Japanese or knowing nothing about creating a dictionary I really enjoyed being able to get through a well written story was able to get some insight into both subjects in a fun and engaging story. Much thanks to the author and to the translator.

Though it moved a bit slowly at times I completely enjoyed this trip into word of making a dictionary. It was easier to follow some of the cultural thing since I have visited Japan on an escorted cultural visit but average readers should enjoy it too.

Interesting insight into the world of creating dictionaries. Words are alive and constantly changing. The author and the translator did a lovely job of expressing the passion of those who painstakingly research, correct and eventually after years, produce a dictionary. The side stories of the people and their relationships was engaging as well.

Excellent, well written book. Good characters and character development. I loved the subject matter as well. Dictionaries! And from another cultures perspective. If you like a good love story. A story full of passion for the subjects work and the people in their lives. Sit back relax and enjoy delving into the lovely words and characters of this book.

I was surprised by this book. A book about writing dictionaries didn't seem very interesting, but the reviews convinced me to give it a try. I liked the characters and felt they were well developed and interesting. It was a mostly "clean read" other than a few crude references to sex.

Interesting insight into the world of creating dictionaries. Words are alive and constantly changing. The author and the translator did a lovely job of expressing the passion of those who painstakingly research, correct and eventually after years, produce a dictionary. The side stories of the people and their relationships was engaging as well.

Excellent, well written book. Good characters and character development. I loved the subject matter as well. Dictionaries! And from another cultures perspective. If you like a good love story. A story full of passion for the subjects work and the people in their lives. Sit back relax and enjoy delving into the lovely words and characters of this book.

I was surprised by this book. A book about writing dictionaries didn't seem very interesting, but the reviews convinced me to give it a try. I liked the characters and felt they were well developed and interesting. It was a mostly "clean read" other than a few crude references to sex.

I enjoyed reading this even though I didn't expect to. What could be interesting about writing a dictionary? It definitely made me look at dictionary entries and dictionaries differently. There were rapid jumps in time that made it confusing for me, but overall very good.

Starting this book, I was skeptical. For those of us who love books and the language of communication that arises from the heart, it can be a struggle to find writing that masterfully carries us along and engages us. This book does that from page one.

This was an interesting change to topics I have been reading.

Dedication, hard work, persistence and completion of goals, resonant through al lives. We identify with these ideals. The Japanese was difficult but enjoyable to read.

I have a Japanese/American daughter in law, I will be recommending this book to her.

Thank you.

I liked this book, maybe because I spent 42 years of my life in printing? I read this on holiday. This is a book about people who have a passion for their work. There's a gentle rhythm to the story that kept me turning pages. I liked the characters, the way they were developed, how the story rolls out and the feeling of an eastern culture.

What a surprising change of pace. I never thought a book about making a dictionary would be so entertaining. The Japanese setting made it even more intriguing, the odd customs adding a bit of spice to the story. A thoroughly delightful book.

I loved everything about this novel. It showed the lives of editors as they created a new dictionary, from start to finish, over a few decades. It showed their dedication, dreams and challenges and family life. I celebrated with them when it rolled off the press. It gave me a new appreciation of a trustworthy, complete, up to date dictionary.

I learned some about the Japanese culture and much about the lengths and efforts of putting a dictionary together. However, I was not spellbound by this read-not a page turner, but sweet in its own right. The last section of the book, reviewing the 'love letter', could have been omitted with no regrets.

This book is nothing near what I typically read. However, I found it to be a touching, wonderful story. Reading a book about a dictionary being written may not seem like a lovely ride but it is one. Great characters that you'll care for and a tale that'll keep you reading. This is a now a favorite.

An extraordinary journey through unexpected realms. How odd a story to capture the imagination. First a love story then other passions grip other characters while through it all the main actors remain true. Thoughts meander as life often does leading to further musing

I really really liked this love affair with words. Actually it combined two of my passions for words/books etc and for food. And it was nice to meet people from other cultures whom I could identify with. It was simply written and while I didn't lose myself in it as I have in other books (hence 4 rather than 5 stars) I found it very engaging.

Interesting if you like studying Japanese language and know a bit of the grammar
Otherwise it is too specialized for the reader
Curious translations into English seem too colloquial for the bookish premise of the story

I couldn't put down The Great Passage. The author has written characters who are both likeable and interesting. She draws the reader into the world of dictionary making and creates an engrossing story. Well done.

A calm book. No cliff hanging plots or subplots. Easy to read, moving, interesting. I really enjoyed the deep look it took at life, love, an determination. Also very interesting regarding shades of definitions and the history of some words.

I was very interested in this subject after reading the very beginning. Great love story that was also a journey into a new world for me. Fantastic job of translation was done. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in expanding their own knowledge of the complexities and similarities of life in humanity.

This is a quirky book about words and Japanese culture. If you are a fan of either, you will like this book. I had never thought about what it might take to make a dictionary and now I know a lot about it. The only thing I did not like as much was that it is pretty slow-moving and a bit hard to get into. But in the end I would say it was worth it.

I love words and language. This novel about the creation of a dictionary of Japanese language made me wish it was a real dictionary, and that I could read Japanese. As Professor Matsumoto wrote, "...I can visualize The Great Passage setting out on the sea, its hold filled with the treasure of words." So can I.

I started reading and could not stop! I rarely use explanation points and here I have used them twice. I have little experience with Japanese fiction and never have given a thought how dictionaries are created. Yet, this lovely story capture my interest. I know that i shall long remember this book. This story is unique, the characters, for me, are both endearing and enduring.

Enlightening, and emotionally moving. Thought-provoking. A brilliant piece of literature. A unique look into a world that I didn't know existed. Very well written. I was smitten by the story, and was intent on reading till the end. I enjoyed it so much that I am going to purchase a physical copy for my library.

I thoughly enjoyed this book. It gave me greater insight into the process of developing a dictionary, the complexity of which I have never considered. I also enjoyed the insight into the Japanese thought process and culture.

A delightful and wonderfully written little gem of a book. I have a new appreciation for the intricacies and nuances of the words we use day to day. I can confidently say I will be more mindful of the words I choose and am inspired to seek out not only new words, but a refinement of the familiar ones.

This book tells a deep story about a simple-seeming premise: the decade-long task of producing a dictionary. There are several pretty passionate passages that have had me appreciate the monumental task those writers take on. The story also has some inspirational stories of people working hard at a job because they believe in it.