The Dictionary of Lost Words : A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK
The Dictionary of Lost Words : A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK
EGP755.00
Book Summary
| ‘An enchanting story about love, loss and the power of language’ Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory Sometimes you have to start with what’s lost to truly find yourself… Motherless and irrepressibly curious, Esme spends her childhood at her father’s feet as he and his team gather words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary. One day, she sees a slip of paper containing a forgotten word flutter to the floor unclaimed. And so Esme begins to collect words for another dictionary in secret: The Dictionary of Lost Words. But to do so she must journey into a world on the cusp of change as the Great War looms and women fight for the vote. Can the power of lost words from the past finally help her make sense of her future?’A brilliant book about women and words – tender, moving and profound’ Jacqueline Wilson Readers LOVE The Dictionary of Lost Words: ‘If you only read one book this year, let it be this one!’ ‘If you’re a fan of The Binding and The Betrayals you will surely love this’ ‘A glorious combination of words, growing up, friendship, love, feminism and so much more’ ‘The best love letter to words and language’ ‘This book broke my heart … I highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans … it’s one I will be reading again’ |
Language: English
Paperback: 432 pages
ISBN-10: 9781529113228
ISBN-13: 9781529113228
Genre: Popular Fiction
Condition: New
More detail about this book and author can check this link also Discover the Best English Books Online in our store through this link
The Dictionary of Lost Words
Overview of The Dictionary of Lost Words
A Rich and Moving Story of Language and Identity
The Dictionary of Lost Words, written by Pip Williams, is a powerful historical fiction novel centered around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. The story follows Esme, a young girl who grows up in the Scriptorium, where her father works as a lexicographer. From a young age, Esme develops a deep fascination with words, especially those discarded from the dictionary because they are considered unimportant or inappropriate—mostly words used by or about women and the marginalized.
As the dictionary progresses, Esme quietly collects these “lost words,” creating her own dictionary. Through this, she gives voice to those whose stories are often ignored. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the novel captures a period of social and political change. The women’s suffrage movement, World War I, and the class divide all influence Esme’s journey.
What makes the novel unique is how it explores language as both a tool of power and a means of exclusion. It raises important questions: Who decides what words matter? Whose experiences are deemed worthy of record?
Themes and Historical Context in The Dictionary of Lost Words
Language, Power, and Social Change
The novel skillfully intertwines real historical events with fictional characters. It shows how language can shape our understanding of the world. Esme’s journey is deeply personal, but it also reflects broader societal shifts. As she grows, she witnesses women fighting for the right to vote and learns about the sacrifices made during the war.
The book also reflects the limitations of traditional history. While dictionaries aim for objectivity, The Dictionary of Lost Words highlights how subjective they can be. Esme’s alternative dictionary becomes a quiet act of rebellion. It gives dignity to everyday words and the lives they represent.
Empowerment and Feminist Undertones in The Dictionary of Lost Words
Esme’s quiet determination and growing awareness of injustice provide a subtle but powerful feminist message. Her story is one of resilience. Despite societal pressures, she listens to voices that are often silenced. Through this, the novel emphasizes the importance of remembering and preserving all aspects of human experience—not just those deemed proper by academic standards.
Language: English
Paperback: 432 pages
ISBN-10: 9781529113228
ISBN-13: 9781529113228
Genre: Popular Fiction
Condition: New
More detail about this book and author can check this link also Discover the Best English Books Online in our store through this link
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