A review by bella_mckinnon
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

adventurous challenging emotional 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? No

3.25

Interesting premise, enjoyed some parts of the dialogue between the women that were quite humorous in relation to the meaning of 'cunt', conclusion from part 6 onwards was well-done I thought. However, it felt too slow to me much of the time and it became somewhat of a chore to read. It was initially very satisfying that Esme was adamant about being an independent woman but

then there was the predictable romantic interest plot-line with Gareth around 3/4 of the way through the book

...however, my disdain for that direction is just a personal thing, I'm sure people will like that anyhow. Overall interesting, but not life-changing and I wouldn't read it again, purely because it was so slowly-paced.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: War and Sexism

Minor: Rape and Torture

Basis of book is linguistic inequality, specifically how women's words are often discarded as being less important than men's words – sexism is a key implied theme. Part 5 onwards deals occasionally with WWI, with one character sending letters detailing his experience as a soldier overseas. Brief description of a torture method that is "a kind of rape" on p. 269.