Reviews

The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

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thomash084's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

vlreid's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the second book written by Pip Williams that I've read; the first was The Dictionary of Lost Words which I read for book club last summer. Both books are set in Oxford, England, deal with the Oxford Publishing House, and have some crossover characters. This book (and both books, actually) is extremely charming and lovely, pulling me into the lives of these characters during World War I. Peggy and Maude are twin sisters who have worked in the bindery of the Oxford Publishing House since they were 12 years old. They live on a narrow boat and have followed in their mother's footsteps by working in the bindery. Peggy longs to go to college, but family circumstances have not offered her that opportunity, especially since she has to keep an eye on Maude after her mother's death. Her world expands when Belgian refugees arrive in Oxford and start working at the bindery. In addition, she volunteers at the local hospital, experiencing the horrors of war first-hand.

The book deals with words, language, books, scholarship, reading - all the things I love! There are two librarians who figure prominently in the story, and both are heroes in their own way. The story of the dedication of the two sisters is endearing, and the other characters in the book have very strong roles in Peggy and Maude's lives.

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am very thankful for the opportunity to read this excellent historical novel. Overall I highly recommend this book! One of the best I've read so far this year!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

bookwormmelissa's review against another edition

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3.0

Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. I have not read The Dictionary of Lost Words yet, and I discovered while reading this that the novels are connected. This is a WW1 era story of the women who continued to run the Oxford University Press during the war, and specifically about twin sisters Maude and Peggy, who live on a narrowboat nearby. Peggy dreams to attending the local college, but she is tasked with caring for Maude, who has some cognitive disabilities. The writing is beautiful, and the book focuses more on the stories of Peggy, Maude, and their peers instead of a moving plot. I thought the story was compelling, especially around themes of whose stories get told and who gets to access those stories. However, I wished the book was tightened up a bit more - I was ready to be done! I do have her previous book on my stack for August, so I look forward to revisiting the people in this community. 3.5 stars.