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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
sad
slow-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
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
What a wonderful book! The story is so well-written and engaging that I couldn’t put it down. I found every possible moment to keep reading.
The Bookbinder of Jericho offers a powerful perspective on the women who continued their work or served during World War I. These were women who, until then, had little to no rights in a society dominated by men, yet they played a crucial role in their nation’s survival and future.
Peggy and Maude’s journey made me reflect on how far we’ve come in terms of gender equality, but also on the immense hardships these women endured, discrimination, prejudice, and the limiting belief that they shouldn’t even read books.
The novel brilliantly captures their struggles, resilience, and determination, making it an unforgettable and thought-provoking read.
The novel brilliantly captures their struggles, resilience, and determination, making it an unforgettable and thought-provoking read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and stories that challenge societal norms.
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Loved this book. I learnt a lot about London during WW1. About womens rights in society. About the stupidity of war about social class in England. Well written believable interesting characters.
*3.75
It’s more a 4 than a 3. I preferred the dictionary of lost words
It’s more a 4 than a 3. I preferred the dictionary of lost words
I was unfamiliar with this author, so I approached the book with an open mind. I found the book captivating and difficult to put down. The storyline was compelling, offering a unique perspective on the Great War. The characters were well-developed and engaging. It is a moving and vivid story in its portrayal of love, loss, and determination.
slow-paced
The premise of this novel was right up my alley, unfortunately it didn’t work for me at all. It’s clear Williams did a lot of research, but it just felt like a slog to get through. There was no depth to any of the characters and the plot moved so slowly I could hardly stand it sometimes. I had previously picked up The Dictionary of Lost Words and set it down fairly quickly, so I’m thinking Pip Williams as an author just isn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the review copy.
I haven’t read a ton about WW1 books. I know nothing about WW1. I looked up so many of the different battles and actions (like getting a white feather) because I’d never heard of them before. I know Hercule Piorot was a Belgium refugee living in Britain and I know people looked down on him. And now I have the context as to why!
I loved how the characters are women from all walks of life. Working girls, upper class college girls, Belgium refugees, middle age volunteer nurses, etc. I love how Gwen slowly realized that her privilege could be used for good. I love how Peggy chose education AND her man at the end. I totally expected her to fold her dreams for her man. I love that they both went to fulfill their dreams separately while remaining together.
I love how this story gave a voice to all the women who worked, grieved, died, and gave it their all during the war.
I loved how the characters are women from all walks of life. Working girls, upper class college girls, Belgium refugees, middle age volunteer nurses, etc. I love how Gwen slowly realized that her privilege could be used for good. I love how Peggy chose education AND her man at the end. I totally expected her to fold her dreams for her man. I love that they both went to fulfill their dreams separately while remaining together.
I love how this story gave a voice to all the women who worked, grieved, died, and gave it their all during the war.
Thank you to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!
Williams (The Dictionary of Lost Words) brilliantly weaves a new thread into her world of words at Oxford University. Peggy Jones has been told her whole life to bind the books, not read them, but as a child her love of words grew despite her limited access. Now, as the Great War looms and steals Britain’s men and boys, the women of the Oxford University bindery must step into new roles to keep their small town running. Between volunteering to read to wounded soldiers, welcoming Belgian refugees, and taking on the tasks of the men who have left for battle, Peggy loses hope that her own desire for a higher education will ever come to be. Relentless in her pursuit of knowledge, she pushes past her own fears into a new, unknown world. With heartfelt characters, a bit of romance, and a bleak and deeply sad place in time, Williams’s novel is a deft story about the meaning of words, who is allowed access, and how they’re inevitably interpreted. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction about strong women, like the works of Kate Quinn, Beatriz Williams, and Laura Willig.
Williams (The Dictionary of Lost Words) brilliantly weaves a new thread into her world of words at Oxford University. Peggy Jones has been told her whole life to bind the books, not read them, but as a child her love of words grew despite her limited access. Now, as the Great War looms and steals Britain’s men and boys, the women of the Oxford University bindery must step into new roles to keep their small town running. Between volunteering to read to wounded soldiers, welcoming Belgian refugees, and taking on the tasks of the men who have left for battle, Peggy loses hope that her own desire for a higher education will ever come to be. Relentless in her pursuit of knowledge, she pushes past her own fears into a new, unknown world. With heartfelt characters, a bit of romance, and a bleak and deeply sad place in time, Williams’s novel is a deft story about the meaning of words, who is allowed access, and how they’re inevitably interpreted. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction about strong women, like the works of Kate Quinn, Beatriz Williams, and Laura Willig.