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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone who doesn’t read historical fiction often I absolutely love Pip Williams. Historical facts are interwoven with rich characters and an inspiring story line.
challenging
dark
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death, Death of parent
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 rounded up to 4
If you love the smell of old books and the worlds they unlock, The Bookbinder will resonate with you. Set in 1914 Oxford, the novel follows 21-year-old twins, Peggy and Maude, who work at the Oxford University Press bindery. Peggy, captivated by the books she binds, longs for an education beyond her reach as a working-class woman. Meanwhile, Maude, who is developmentally disabled, finds contentment in their simple life, leaving Peggy to shoulder the responsibility for her sister. As World War I looms, women keep the nation running while men fight.
Williams weaves historical detail with themes of class, gender, and literature’s transformative power. Peggy’s secret reading opens doors to a world of suffragettes and scholars, challenging her to push beyond societal boundaries. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in a time of upheaval.
I often think it would be romantic to live in bygone days, but then I read about people using chamber pots and the lack of hot showers, and it doesn’t seem as dreamy.
Though the detailed bookbinding descriptions might overwhelm some, they enhance appreciation for the craft. The novel’s heartfelt characters, the touch of romance, and exploration of the meaning of words create a rich narrative that celebrates literature's power.
Williams also vividly portrays the era’s harsh realities, from the horrors of Flanders to the life without modern conveniences. The Bookbinder is for those who cherish stories of courage and have a deep love for books.
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy for an unbiased review.
If you love the smell of old books and the worlds they unlock, The Bookbinder will resonate with you. Set in 1914 Oxford, the novel follows 21-year-old twins, Peggy and Maude, who work at the Oxford University Press bindery. Peggy, captivated by the books she binds, longs for an education beyond her reach as a working-class woman. Meanwhile, Maude, who is developmentally disabled, finds contentment in their simple life, leaving Peggy to shoulder the responsibility for her sister. As World War I looms, women keep the nation running while men fight.
Williams weaves historical detail with themes of class, gender, and literature’s transformative power. Peggy’s secret reading opens doors to a world of suffragettes and scholars, challenging her to push beyond societal boundaries. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in a time of upheaval.
I often think it would be romantic to live in bygone days, but then I read about people using chamber pots and the lack of hot showers, and it doesn’t seem as dreamy.
Though the detailed bookbinding descriptions might overwhelm some, they enhance appreciation for the craft. The novel’s heartfelt characters, the touch of romance, and exploration of the meaning of words create a rich narrative that celebrates literature's power.
Williams also vividly portrays the era’s harsh realities, from the horrors of Flanders to the life without modern conveniences. The Bookbinder is for those who cherish stories of courage and have a deep love for books.
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy for an unbiased review.