Reviews

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

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millhl's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring slow-paced

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

3.25

bookstorm_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

This book tells the story of the creation of the first Oxford English dictionary from the perspective of Esme, a young girl who is the daughter of one of the lexicographers working on the dictionary.
It is a story that I found to be very accurate in historical context, because as time progresses and Esme grows up we also see other historical events unfold such as the first world war and the women's suffragette movement.
The book itself is lyrical and being a story centred on the creation of the dictionary there are some very interesting word plays as we watch our protagonist develop her own ideas about language, her role in society etc.
It was a sad book, life for women was not easy at the time and as we follow the protagonist through time we see how people come and go from her life.
An emotional book that I would recommend to people who like word games and thinking about language, feminism and history.

lexican31's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.25

kitkat175's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was definitely something different, it was not a book that I myself enjoyed, but everyone has their own opinion's.
I was hoping to love and like this book, but unfortunately I did not love it.
I felt this book was just going everywhere all at once.
It was cool to read about how the dictionary was made.
It was good writing just boring to me.
Also, while reading the dad died and I did not realize till I got 3 pages into one of the chapters.