minute powers of memory

[suprunp]

Aomame’s fingers traced the dowager’s muscles as though following roads on a map. She remembered in detail the degree of each muscle’s tension and stiffness and resistance the way a pianist memorizes a long score. In matters concerning the body, Aomame possessed minute powers of memory. And if she should forget, her fingers remembered.
(H. Murakami; 1Q84)

I surmise that 'minute' means 'precise or detailed here.
Am I right?

Thanks.

 

[Tdol]

I'd say so.

 

[JohnParis]

Hello suprunp,

Yes, you are right (as Tdol has just confirmed).

I remember reading this passage and thinking (not for the first time) that the English translation of this novel was odd. I have a copy of the French translation and the passage in question was translated as: "In matters concerning the body, Aomame's powerful memory could recall the smallest of details. And if she should forget, her fingers remembered."

 

[suprunp]

"In matters concerning the body, Aomame's powerful memory could recall the smallest of details. And if she should forget, her fingers remembered."

I think this fits the context almost perfectly, while 'minute powers' compelled me, quite unnecessary, to stop and think.

 

[emsr2d2]

I think this fits the context almost perfectly, while 'minute powers' compelled me, quite unnecessary, to stop and think.

I agree. While "in minute detail" makes perfect sense as far as the meaning goes, I too saw "minute powers of memory" and thought it meant that she had incredibly small powers of memory! I didn't think that was anything to be terribly proud of.