THE GREAT PASSAGE

Brian Nishii is the perfect narrator for this audiobook about the making of a definitive Japanese dictionary called THE GREAT PASSAGE. The book's translation combined with Nishii's narration makes the story sound and feel Japanese--there's a subtle choppiness, and certain word choices and phrases aren't what native English speakers would say--and it's all entirely fitting and charming. Nishii smoothly reads the Japanese names and words as Mitsuya Majime begins his journey with the dictionary as a young man, discovering the joy of being consumed by one's work. The explanations of Japanese word definitions and the inner workings of Japanese business relationships come through beautifully, making this a unique and fascinating listen. M.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2017]