42 pages • 1 hour read
The Dictionary of Lost Words
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • Early 1900s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams follows Esme Nicoll, who grows up around the compilation of the first Oxford English Dictionary. As Esme matures, she collects discarded words, especially those marginalized by the dictionary's male editors. Her journey intersects with the women's suffrage movement and World War I, ultimately leading her to create a dictionary of women’s words. Topics include abusive schooling, sexual encounters, pregnancy, and abortion.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
187,983 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Pip Williams' The Dictionary of Lost Words captivates with its rich historical context and engaging narrative centered around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Readers commend the well-developed characters and the exploration of women's contributions to language. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and moving read.
Who Should Read The Dictionary of Lost Words?
A reader who would enjoy The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is likely a lover of historical fiction and linguistics, who appreciates novels like The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. This reader enjoys richly woven narratives that explore the intersection of history, language, and women’s roles.
187,983 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • Early 1900s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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