A Concise Chinese–English Dictionary for Lovers

by Xiaolu Guo
A Concise Chinese–English Dictionary for Lovers cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 383
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9781407065588
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-03-04
  • Reviews: 4

Twenty-three-year-old Zhuang, who renames herself Z because Westerners cannot pronounce her name, travels from China to London to learn English and immerse herself in a new culture. Armed with a small Chinese-English dictionary and a keen eye for language, she chronicles her journey of self-discovery through diary-like vignettes that start with English words and their definitions, reflecting her gradual mastery of the language and the complexities of love and cultural difference. The novel explores profound themes of language, identity, and cross-cultural communication, portraying the challenges and misunderstandings in Z's relationship with an older Englishman. It avoids simplistic cultural reconciliation, instead presenting an intimate, evolving narrative voice that captures the bittersweet and sometimes uneasy terrain of love between East and West. Xiaolu Guo’s work is both innovative in form and deeply insightful about the immigrant experience and the nuances of language learning and emotional growth.

Reviews
hootingowl.co · Unknown · 2023-06-15
mixed 3.00

The novel's use of broken English to convey the protagonist's struggles with language and culture is initially grating but improves as the story progresses. The love story at its core is engaging, and the incidental details about cultural differences are the most compelling aspects.

The novel's premise of using broken English to depict the protagonist's journey from China to London is initially off-putting. The stagy literary device of the language barrier feels forced and unconvincing, but as the protagonist's English improves, so does the narrative. The heart of the book lies in the love story between Z and her English boyfriend, which is both poignant and relatable. The incidental details about cultural differences, such as the descriptions of food and the lack of distinction between mental and physical work in China, are the most engaging parts of the book. These moments provide a deeper understanding of the cultural misunderstandings and the protagonist's struggles with belonging. While the novel has its flaws, it offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and the challenges of communication.

Quick quotes

    I not Chinese. I British. I prefer read book with sentences not made look like broke. I prefer writer who not pretend not speak English when actually I think she speak English very goodly.

    The heart of the book is a love story between Z and her English boyfriend, a 44-year-old, ex-anarchist, bisexual vegetarian who lives in Hackney and doesn't like to talk about his feelings.

    They're lovely, these almost accidental observations that interrupt the setpieces on language and difference, and when Z has been allowed to throw off the faux-naivety of the early chapters, she comes much more fully to life.

penguin.co.uk · Unknown · 2019-06-06
thought-provoking 4.50

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo is a coming-of-age story about a young Chinese woman navigating love, loneliness, and cultural differences in England. The narrative's broken English adds authenticity, making the story immersive and thought-provoking. The reviewer highly recommends it for its raw and honest portrayal of relationships and personal growth.

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo is a compelling coming-of-age story that follows Zhuang Xiao Qiao, a young Chinese woman who moves to England to study English. The narrative is written in broken English, which adds a layer of authenticity and immerses the reader in the protagonist's perspective. The story explores themes of love, loneliness, and cultural differences as Z navigates her relationship with a much older man in London. The reviewer appreciates the raw and honest portrayal of Z's struggles and her journey towards understanding the differences between love and need. The book is a quick and easy read, with a unique narrative style that makes it stand out. The reviewer highly recommends it for its thought-provoking content and engaging storytelling.

Quick quotes

    They have no trouble writing about taboo subjects. For instance, the shortcomings of their parents — the mothers who can’t read, the fathers who don’t provide.

    She professes her love for him over and over… But again, like aloneness and loneliness, she is yet to distinguish between love and need, love and attachment.

    All in all, A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers is a thought provoking book. Even though the narrator is a student of English, and the story unfolds in broken English, it is well done.

vector-bsfa.com · Unknown · 2007-05-17
insightful 4.50

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers explores profound questions about language, identity, and culture through the experiences of Zhuang Xiao Qiao, a young Chinese woman in London. The novel highlights the complexities of communication and the personal transformations that come with learning a new language and navigating a different culture.

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo is a deeply introspective novel that delves into the intricacies of language, identity, and cross-cultural communication. The story follows Zhuang Xiao Qiao, or 'Z', as she moves to London to pursue Western education. Her journey is marked by the challenges of learning English and the cultural shifts she experiences. The novel cleverly uses Z's evolving language skills to illustrate her internal transformation and the gaps in understanding that arise from cultural differences. The love story between Z and an Englishman is fraught with tension, highlighting the difficulties in communication and the assumptions that each culture brings to the table. The novel suggests that while language can be a barrier, it is also a tool for understanding and connection. Z's travels and personal growth add depth to her character, making the novel a rich exploration of individual development and cross-cultural engagement.

Quick quotes

    I open my notebook again, looking at my everyday’s study, my everyday’s effort. I see myself trying hard to put more words and sentences into blank pages. I try to learn more vocabularies to be able to communicate. I try to put the whole dictionary in my brain. But in this remote countryside, in this nobody’s wonderland, what’s the point of this? It doesn’t matter if one speaks Chinese or English here; it doesn’t matter if one is mute or deaf. Language is not important anymore. Only the simple physical existence matters in the nature.

    After grammar class, Z says early in her lessons, I sit on bus and have deep thought about my new language. Person as dominate subject, is main thing in an English sentence. Does it mean West culture respecting individuals more?

    I am sick of speaking English like this. I am sick of writing English like this. I feel as if I am being tied up, as if I am living in a prison . . . I wish I could just go back to my own language now. But is my own native language simple enough?

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2007-02-10
charming 4.50

The book is a love story between a young Chinese woman and an older English man, told through the protagonist's unique perspective and language. The reviewer appreciates the fresh and direct language, finding it charming and memorable, despite some initial concerns about authenticity. The story explores cultural differences and the complexities of love and relationships, with the protagonist's growth and independence ultimately leading to a bittersweet resolution.

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers is a love story that follows the journey of Zhaung Xiao Qiao, a young Chinese woman, as she navigates life in the UK and her relationship with an older English man. The novel is presented as a diary and language notebook, with Z's unique and direct language being a standout feature. The reviewer finds this language charming and memorable, appreciating the fresh perspective it brings. The story delves into cultural differences and the complexities of love and relationships, highlighting the protagonist's growth and independence. Despite some initial concerns about authenticity, the reviewer is impressed by the author's ability to convey the difficulties of translation and the protagonist's acute observations. The resolution of the story is honest and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impact.

Quick quotes

    What is this ‘baked beans’? White colour beans, in orange sticky sweet sauce. I see some baked bean tins in shop when I arrive to London yesterday. Tin food is very expensive to China. Also we not knowing how to open it. So I never ever try tin food. Here, right in front of me, this baked beans must be very expensive. Delicacy is baked beans. Only problem is, tastes like somebody put beans into mouth but spit out and back into plate.

    The morning wind is washing my brain, and my small body. This is a city with something really heavy and serious in its soul. This is a city which had big wars in the history. And, I feel, this is a city made for mans, and politics, and disciplines. Like Beijing.

    English is a sexist language … always talking about mans, no womans

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