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The Dictionary of Lost Words

by Pip Williams

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.01 (194ย 593 ratings)
2020 ยท 400 pages ยท ~6h 40m read ยท Fiction

Esme grows up in the Scriptorium, where her father and a team of lexicographers are compiling the first Oxford English Dictionary. She begins collecting words discarded or neglected by the men-words relating to women's experiences and the lives of the poor. Set against the backdrop of the women's suffrage movement and World War I, this lyrical novel is a celebration of language and a poignant look at whose stories get told and whose are silenced by history.

A popular book with millions of readers worldwide.

Atmosphere: HistoricalVibe: TenderPacing: Relaxing
historicalcoming-of-agepolitics

Notable Quotes

"Words define us, they explain us, and, on occasion, they serve to control or isolate us."
"I cannot overstate the benefits of a busy day for an anxious mind or a lonely heart."
"Some words are more than letters on a page, don't you think? They have shape and texture. They are like bullets, full of energy, and when you give one breath you can feel its sharp edge against your lip."

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