a novel, but, as the title suggests, it is presented as a dictionary

a novel, full of smaller, connected narratives, ultimately making for a sweeping picture of Maqiao and its people (and also, more generally, of China in these times)

a series of entries that are vignettes about the people and social customs of Maqiao

an often remarkable read

a very interesting and sometimes funny look at human nature and how words and language evolve and change

an impressive achievement, but not entirely a success