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

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

3.75

At times I enjoyed the slow pace, and other times I felt rather stuck. At the same time, the vast time span of the book meant that significant events were covered very briefly, leaving me wanting more. Also, I found myself wishing the main character would take charge of far more and I felt at times feeling as if she was rather passive. All that being said, I felt the prose was absolutely beautiful and enjoyed most all of the characters.

One quote that stuck with me:

“Was I better? Before Shropshire I’d felt broken, as though I would fall should the scaffold of my work be removed. I didn’t feel that now, but there was a fine crack through the middle of me, and I suspected it might never mend. I remembered Lizzie apologizing to Mrs. Lloyd the first time she stayed to chat, for the chip in the cup.
‘A chip doesn’t stop it from holding tea,’ Mrs. Lloyd had said.”

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