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A review by siobhanward
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
emotional
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? No
2.5
Reese's Book Club Pick 56/67
I think I'm just burnt out of UK/US based historical fiction in the 19th/20th centuries, because this just dragged for me. It felt like the dictionary was only relevant for the first third of the book and then everything swiveled to Esme and her life. I know that she was the protagonist but I truly thought the dictionary was going to be a bigger plot point and not just kind of pushed to the back. I really didn't find the book or characters that memorable and don't see myself taking much away from this one.
I think I'm just burnt out of UK/US based historical fiction in the 19th/20th centuries, because this just dragged for me. It felt like the dictionary was only relevant for the first third of the book and then everything swiveled to Esme and her life. I know that she was the protagonist but I truly thought the dictionary was going to be a bigger plot point and not just kind of pushed to the back. I really didn't find the book or characters that memorable and don't see myself taking much away from this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: War and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion