sonya_w 's review for:

The Wordsmith by Patricia Forde

5.0

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"The List" is a compelling take on the dystopian post-apocalyptic genre- a world were just a few have survived the Melting, and are eking out an existence in the Ark. Life is constrained by the limits of their space, and by the dictates of their leader John Noa. Noa believes that words are the reason that mankind self-destructed, and that words will lead man down the path of destruction again, if they are not controlled. Language is restricted to the List - just five hundred words, all that can be used without fear of punishment. As an apprentice Wordsmith, Letta is charged with copying the List for citizens, and seeking out words to preserve, against some future need. When her Master dies, Letta suddenly finds herself the Wordsmith, and discovers the language is in far more danger than she could have imagined. Can she find it in herself to fight to save the language, and go against everything she believes.

Imaginative, unique and compelling, the world of Ark draws the reader in. Forde has created a work of simple beauty, filled with hope and resilience. Whilst nominally aimed at young adults, this book is equally engaging for the adult reader. The author has left me wanting more.