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amy_alwaysreading 's review for:
The Dictionary of Lost Words
by Pip Williams
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve always had a love of words. Words are complex, layered, and nuanced. But as much as I adore words, I have never given much thought to the proper organization and documentation of words. In short, I’ve sorely taken for granted the mammoth undertaking which was the assembling of the first Oxford English Dictionary.
This meticulously researched novel intertwines the historical chronology of the compilation of the first dictionary alongside the fictional tale of a young girl growing up amongst the pigeon holes filled with words. We meet Esme as a precocious young girl. As the dictionary slowly progresses and fascicles are printed, we watch Esme journey through life’s joys and hardships (many hardships) to gain a greater understanding of the complexity of words.
Early on, Esme realizes the limitation of the dictionary. Not only is it being written solely by men, it also excludes words deemed unimportant or obscene. Esme begins her own collection of words, starting with those discarded from the OED, and compiles a wealth of language that is both colorful and meaningful. The author uses this fictitious side story to highlight the importance of all words throughout history and people groups. Esme’s dictionary of lost words validates and gives voice to women.
The author has given a compelling voice to the history of the Oxford English Dictionary while also objecting to its unilateral authority upon which words were most valuable.
Many thanks to Pip Williams, Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
This meticulously researched novel intertwines the historical chronology of the compilation of the first dictionary alongside the fictional tale of a young girl growing up amongst the pigeon holes filled with words. We meet Esme as a precocious young girl. As the dictionary slowly progresses and fascicles are printed, we watch Esme journey through life’s joys and hardships (many hardships) to gain a greater understanding of the complexity of words.
Early on, Esme realizes the limitation of the dictionary. Not only is it being written solely by men, it also excludes words deemed unimportant or obscene. Esme begins her own collection of words, starting with those discarded from the OED, and compiles a wealth of language that is both colorful and meaningful. The author uses this fictitious side story to highlight the importance of all words throughout history and people groups. Esme’s dictionary of lost words validates and gives voice to women.
The author has given a compelling voice to the history of the Oxford English Dictionary while also objecting to its unilateral authority upon which words were most valuable.
Many thanks to Pip Williams, Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.