Find out what Mumsnetters thought of A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton

Just typed out a long post and my phone swallowed it. I'll be back later with my comments but as a quick summary I loved it. This was the first book I have finished at such a pace in a long time. It took just under 5 hours to get through it due to the great characters and page turning story.

I have just finished and what a fantastic read it was!
Although I founds parts of it a little harrowing and the story tended to jump about a little, meaning I had to go back and re-read parts thinking I'd missed something, I found it fascinating and enjoyed learning more about Japanese culture and the history of Nagasaki.
This book was well written and the story was thought provoking and not too predictable.
Thank you Mumsnet for the opportunity to read this brilliant novel and praise to Jackie Copleton for her excellent writing!

I still haven't received my copy

I have just finished this beautiful book - thank you MN for the opportunity to read it.

Makes you think about what you would and wouldn't do for your child. To be honest I guessed the "secrets" but it didn't matter. The writing is beautiful and I really cared about most of the characters. The horror of the aftermath of the nuclear bomb is quietly descriptive, not loud. In fact I would say that this is a quiet and contemplative, not showy book.

It is about a family, the nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki, first love, older love, the position of women in that society at that time and what was required of them to survive.

I also loved the little Japanese lesson at the beginning of every chapter - the one that has stuck with me is about sharing an umbrella - read it and see what I mean.

I loved this book and was hooked from the very first page. I started reading one night and I ended up staying up late to continue reading as I just could not put it down. The story is so beautifully written with lots of twists and turns that keeps you interested. I devoured this book in less then 24 hours and think that it be the perfect holiday read.

To be honest the title, A Dictionary Of mutual Understanding rather put me off applying for the book, but I am so glad I did. From the first page I entered the story, & accompanied Amaterasu on her journey. I felt her despair during the scenes of the aftermath of the atomic bomb, felt her love, and anguish, with all the twists and turns until the unexpected conclusion. A thoroughly good read which I would recommend.

I loved it! Thanks MN for my copy. I love reading historical books set in Japan but had never read about this era before. It was so interesting to find out about the war from a different perspective.

I loved the ending. Not to give it away but it is solved in a way which satisfies the reader whether you believe Hideo is her grandson or not.

I want to read more about WWII from the perspective of Japan now.

Lucky to receive this book in the giveaway! A really good read, not something something I would have picked up myself, but so glad i have read it. A beautifully written fictional account of events leading up to and after the A bombing of Nagasaki, capturing the horror and heart wrenching story of a family ultimately destroyed and left trying to rebuild their lives.

This story was an interesting and engaging work of historical fiction and I liked that I learned a lot about Japanese culture and this event in particular. I would be interested in reading more about this horrific event and historical period in the future after reading this book. I loved the style this book was written in and the way the story gradually came together. In places this was rather an emotional read, but overall a compelling story that felt very real.

My copy arrived 4 days ago and I've devoured it already. Its a story about motherhood and how much a mother will do to protect her daughter. Told via the daughter Yuko's letters and also those of her lover which are interpreted by the mother, who also fills in the blanks in the story. It's really Ama's story (the mother) and although you have to wait until the end to discover the truth about her past, it is worth the wait as the rest of the story unfolds slowly.

The book is set mainly in Japan during WWII and some of the descriptions of events in POW camps and the aftermath of the bombing of Nagasaki are difficult to read. The story does jump around in time quite a bit which was a little confusing at times but necessary for the plot.

Not a book I would normally have picked up but definitely worth reading. I shall be recommending this one to friends.

Received my copy yesterday, perfect timing because I have just finished a book! Can't wait to start reading it!

A beautiful, moving story, full of human understanding. The book jumps about somewhat in narrative so can become a little confusing but bear with it! Without giving away any spoilers, a lovely human story told with compassion.

Has anyone received their copy?

Missed the opportunity. Would have loved to read this.

Got an email yesterday to say I would be getting a copy. Many thanks, am looking forward to reading it.

I won't be applying for a free copy as have just finished reading it on my kindle but just wanted to post to say this is an absolutely fantastic book. I downloaded it on a recommendation from another MNetter and was glad I did as it was a gripping read.
I kept reading it long after my BF baby had gone to sleep in my arms and could have been put in his cot-didn't want to put the book down!