Review by _kjmac_books_ - The Dictionary of Lost Words

_kjmac_books_ 's review for:

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

2.0

emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

When I picked up this book from one of my favorite independent bookstores I knew it was going to be outside of my comfort zone. That’s part of why it took me so long to get around to reading it😅 anyways trying new things doesn’t always pan out and this was one of those cases.

I don’t think the book was “bad,” just not really for me.

The story follows a FMC throughout her life in relationship to her connection with the construction of the Oxford Dictionary. I enjoyed how the author touched on many femin!st topics such as suffrage, m3nstrat!on, s3xual!ty, relationship with children, and overall themes of women often overlooked by men. The story did not shy away from unsavory topics—instead exploring them in both the joys and consequences they may cause. Womanhood is complex and I feel that was adequately reflected. My vocabulary was challenged with the words (which I enjoyed😊).

My biggest issue with the book was its slow pace and lack of movement. I’m a fantasy reader who loves action scenes. This is an intellectual historical fiction. It’s not within my normal wheelhouse, but that’s ok. I can’t give it any more than a 2⭐️ bcuz although I appreciated the topics discussed, I really didn’t enjoy the book… so yeah I’d take this one with a grain of salt.

I’d recommend this book to fans of historical fiction emphasizing femin!st ideas. I think it’s somewhat comparable to the book The Lost Apothecary. Just be prepared to enjoy a slow journey over a lifespan.

Content Warnings