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A review by bookstorm_
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book tells the story of the creation of the first Oxford English dictionary from the perspective of Esme, a young girl who is the daughter of one of the lexicographers working on the dictionary.
It is a story that I found to be very accurate in historical context, because as time progresses and Esme grows up we also see other historical events unfold such as the first world war and the women's suffragette movement.
The book itself is lyrical and being a story centred on the creation of the dictionary there are some very interesting word plays as we watch our protagonist develop her own ideas about language, her role in society etc.
It was a sad book, life for women was not easy at the time and as we follow the protagonist through time we see how people come and go from her life.
An emotional book that I would recommend to people who like word games and thinking about language, feminism and history.
It is a story that I found to be very accurate in historical context, because as time progresses and Esme grows up we also see other historical events unfold such as the first world war and the women's suffragette movement.
The book itself is lyrical and being a story centred on the creation of the dictionary there are some very interesting word plays as we watch our protagonist develop her own ideas about language, her role in society etc.
It was a sad book, life for women was not easy at the time and as we follow the protagonist through time we see how people come and go from her life.
An emotional book that I would recommend to people who like word games and thinking about language, feminism and history.