The Great Passage

I hope to will travel to Japan one day. Particularly Tokyo. Sooner rather than later if possible. I’ve always believed that there are places that call to you. For whatever reason, they beckon you to come closer. The prospect of visiting continually nags at you, so profoundly that it’s impossible to ignore. 

For me, the lure of Japan is all-encompassing. I lived in Seattle for nearly twenty years, a city that’s historically been a melting pot for Asian Pacific cultures. Japanese influence was never in short supply there, but since moving to Utah eight years ago (wow, time goes fast…), I’ve found the lack of such diversity disappointing. 

I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single aspect of Japanese culture that puts me off. The people. The history. The art. The food. All of it. The list goes on and on, but as I get older, I find my interest has only become more intense. 

And as I’ve increased my reading consumption, my appetite to explore more Japanese authors has also grown. There are many novels on my list, but The Great Passage, by Shion Miura, was what fulfilled my specific needs right now. I wouldn’t call this book essential reading, but it served a purpose for me, which was all I required of it.

The Great Passage is a pleasurable read. I’ve been working through heavier subject matter as of late, so this book provided a refreshing breath of fresh air. It delivered exactly what I needed. Straightforward prose. Entertaining plot. Interesting characters. Nothing more, nothing less. Uncomplicated, but subtly intricate, specifically regarding words. Particularly their meanings and usage.

I think it a safe assumption that most would find the details of dictionary construction a mundane and tedious endeavor. As a writer, I would never think to venture into such territory. Bringing that kind of process into focus and shining light on its complexities is daunting. 

Shion Miura handled it beautifully though. Words are fascinating and the business of compiling their meaning and usage into a singular volume is nothing short of an art form. Making dictionary publishing interesting, while simultaneously circling multiple character arcs around said effort was impressive.

When all of the above is underpinned by the day-to-day happenings of life in Tokyo, I’m sold. The book only added to my desire to hop on a plane at the earliest possible date. All in all, a great read for me.