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

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this book!! I really enjoy books that deal with big social issues by focusing on very intimate aspects of a single person's life, and by doing that are able to say something clearly about the social issue clearly without preaching. This book did that. It's so thoroughly researched and meticulously put together; the historical detail included about the making of the dictionary is fascinating. The main character and many of the supporting characters are masterfully drawn, flawed, yet sympathetic characters. It's beautifully written and reflects on the role of women (or lack thereof) in the development of language, as well as more generally the power of words and sometimes their inability to say what we want to say. It's also astonishing to read a book that covers a scope of so many years and yet is paced so well and keeps my interest/remains consistent in tone and ideas the whole time while growing along with the character. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings