A review by oceanwriter
The Bookbinder by Pip Williams

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

After such a lovely experience reading The Dictionary of Lost Words, I had high anticipation for this book. I sort of regret that now as I think I set it too high in the sense I was expecting to recreate my first experience with this author two years ago. I still enjoyed the essence of the book, it just hit differently this time. And that’s okay. 
 
The story focuses on twin sisters Peggy and Maude, their careers as bookbinders, as well as WWI and the Spanish Flu epidemic. Each other the sisters have different personalities and are charming in their own right. 
 
Though not a sequel to The Dictionary of Lost Words, there are mentions of Esme and her book scattered throughout. Both books are and can be read as a standalone. 
 
I wish I knew what exactly, but something was lacking for me. It might just be me being in a different place, though I have seen some reviews that share my reaction. It didn’t feel the characters were as fleshed out as they were in the first book and I wonder if that is in part because we have two protagonists as well as very present supporting characters. I still loved the writing and highlighted several lovely quotes, it was just overall a different experience than I’d expected. I will likely revisit this one at a later time. 
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