Reviews

The Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams

psalva's review against another edition

3.0

I lost patience a few times with the alternating storylines and the pacing, but I ended up appreciating how the meaning of the story changes, mirroring the ever-evolving meaning of language. It gave me White Noise by Don DeLillo vibes.

sophieguillas's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed all the quirky dictionary stuff, idk how accurate this portrayed the creation of a dictionary but I thought the process was fascinating, particularly the mount weasels. I liked how these really specific words were peppered into the story to keep that dictionary feel while never being obnoxious. I did like Mallory and how her relationship changed with her girlfriend through the bomb threat, their chemistry was compelling. Winceworth's story on the other hand was kind of baffling. It seemed really disjointed, specifically with the pelican scene (wtf) and I never really rooted for him to get the girl cause he wasn't particularly likeable. I was hoping his mount weasels would be a more central part of his story, ending with his relationship felt like a let down.

beckeal's review against another edition

4.0

How could I not enjoy a book so full of Words. (Yes, capitalized.) That said, And while it was a delight, I feel like I’d need to read it again to squeeze every drop out of it, but not convinced I will?? But I probably will. How could I not. Audiobook narrated winningly. Highly recommend.

jsoucie's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

andrew359's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

4.25

opcynic's review against another edition

Incredibly dry and boring.

emmafentonxx's review against another edition

Reading slump but would like to start again one day.

anna_untangled's review against another edition

funny informative lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

shaunie991's review against another edition

2.0

I think this is one of those rare times that reading the physical book rather than the audiobook would have benefited me, because this book was not enjoyable to listen to in the least bit. Super disappointed.

grey_skiess's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I really wanted to like this book and I did love all the linguistics and etymologies of the words as well as discovering all the mountweazles, but the overall plot of the book definitely lost a few threads along the way. Overall, an interesting read but probably not something I would recommend to a friend.