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Dear Mr.Martindale,
Your kindest letter arrived here last week. I really do not know how to
express my thanks to you. Indeed,I never thoguht you would make such a quick
action as immediately making iquiries to Norwegian people as well. Now I
am praying for a good luck with my fingers crossed, and looking forward
to hearing from you. Meanwhile, Mr.Martindale, I would like to answer your
question concerning your manuscript. I am only too happy to be of some assistance
to you in this regard, but as your information is quite limited, the following
is the best I can do at present. When reading your letter, I remembered
at once 2 paper chippings I had made recently. They are an introduction
of a newly published book and its author. The title of the book is "Guest
of Hirohito", and the author is Keneth Cabon, a Canadian ex-POW who was
brought to Niigata (No.5 camp) from Hong Kong in 1943. The English version
og the same title was published in 1990 by PW Press of 201-1701 West Broadway,
Vancouver,Canada,though already out of print. The publisher of the Japanese
version is "Tsukiji Shokan" in Tokyo. Telling the truth, I did not know
about this company,but have found they are a very decent publisher known
to writers of historical books including wartime stories. After learning
about the above, I got in touch with the publisher to obtain a copy of the
book. Then,I was told the 1st editing had been sold out, and I should wait
at least one more week for the 2nd. But just in case, they added only one
bookstore which might have a few copies left is the largest one in Ginza,
Tokyo.Fortunately,as my husband's office is in Ginza, I asked him to rush
to the store for a copy. My 1st impression on the book is that its appearance
and design are quite neat. The colours they use are only black and white
with a little bit of red. I think the title of "Guest of Hirohito" is excellent,
very eyecatching and ironic, which may be the reason for the sellout rather
than the content. I read it through that night, and found very interesting.Although
some official figures and historical narratives are rather insufficient,
it cannot be helped because the author Cambon was only a private of 18 years
old when the war broke out in 1941.Then,I thought, Mr.Martindale,considering
of your capacity and experiences,your manuscript would be better and more
accurate in detail compared with his book. Therefore, I immediately telephoned
the publisher again and managed to talk to the editor of the Canadian book,
who told me it was selling more than he expected. To my question if any
chance to publish your book, he answered he would first like to hear my
impression after reading your manuscript,and then would be ready to read
a part or a summary of it in Japanese. Mr.Martindale,if you wish to try
this publisher, I should be delighted to pass to the editor your Japanese
manuscript, if already available, together with my impression. And if it
still requires translation to Japanese,my husband, who is writing this letter
on my behalf,will be quite prepared to do so, provided that you would help
him in understanding technical terms and expressions when needed. Well,Mr.Martindale,once
again,thank you very much for your quick response. Looking forward to hearing
from you with regard to your manuscript as well. With kindest regards. Sincerely
yours. Masako Endo P.S. (1) Have just received by fax a copy of Mr.Gronningsater's
letter addressed to you. Am very excited with the content and have immediately
sent back a fax message to him with my sincere appreciation, saying I would
contact those persons listed in his letter in due course. (2) If you have
a fax number, would you please let me know. |
如水会
実務英語研究会