Wordbook Features

This is a page-by-page ordered glossary presenting selected vocabulary for original Japanese book Kaitou Kuiin Ha Saakasu Ga Osuki, which is published by Kodansha and sold separately.

Workbook Details:
BSW505
Letter and A4 PDF
114 pages
2247 entries

Ordered Glossary Method

Blue Sea Wordbooks provide important vocabulary for a corresponding Japanese book. The format is an "ordered glossary", listing vocabulary words in order to match the page and sequence in which the words appear on the page of the original book. This allows quick reference so that reading of the original book can proceed more smoothly.

Each entry presents 3 elements of information in 3 corresponding columns. The first is the kanji representation of the vocabulary word; the second is the reading of the word in hiragana; the third is a brief definition in English. See Wordbook Information for additional details.

Overview of Original Book

This novel for young readers presents an outlaw heroine and her sidekick as they use a variety of wiles to crack the truth about an equally secretive gang of circus performers bent on fulfilling an old promise.

Kaitou Kuiin Ha Saakasu Ga Osuki was written by Kaoru Hayamine in 2002. It is published by Kodansha (Tokyo). Size of 4.5 x 7.0 inches, paperback, 308 pages, approximately 20 B/W drawings. The generally intended target audience is a native Japanese adolescent.

ISBN-10: 4-06-148577-6
ISBN-13: 978-4061485778

Original Book Details in Japanese

This original book is not sold by Blue Sea Press! It is available from Amazon Japan. All information on the Amazon Japan site is presented in Japanese and may be troublesome for some users.

See Wordbook Information for other sources which may be able to supply the original book.

Blue Sea Press is not responsible for availability of the original Japanese book or its means of distribution.

Evaluation of Original Book

This is another terrific story by Kaoru Hayamine. In this case, exceptional characters, great action, and an intriguing plot are accentuated by innovative efforts with the viewpoint of the story. At times, the reader does not know for sure who is narrating. It could be the queen in disguise, or it could be another character. Elements of hypnosis and auto-suggestion are brought forward, and the result is an even more interesting story, as the reader strives to unravel the possibilities.

A short scene starts the book, in which a circus troop makes a promise to a young audience in a troubled region. Then the focus turns to the kaitou (mystery thief) queen. She is not really a woman's version of the character in the US television show "It Takes a Thief" because the queen has some twisted ideas of her own, but she can lean toward her generous side at times.

The queen and the circus troop soon become entrenched in various confrontations and challenges that will define a final victor.

And this is where things get interesting. Several characters are introduced, and the reader can never be sure if a character really is who he or she says he or she is. Throw in some Osaka-ben for one character, and the reader has a challenge in keeping up with the story.

Very well written. Another example of excellent modern fiction writing, which turns away from the Japanese-style Victorianism of the past.

About Evaluation and Rankings

Read a Japanese Book

Wordbook: Kaitou Kuiin Ha Saakasu Ga Osuki provides support for reading of the original Japanese book, enabling a smoother and more enjoyable reading experience that will assist in learning of the Japanese language.