A Book Review: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams, A Journey into Language and History

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is a thought-provoking historical novel that delves deep into the world of words, language, and women's roles in society. Seamlessly

blending fiction with real events, Williams takes readers on a journey through the making of the Oxford English Dictionary and shines a light on the overlooked words that shaped it.

Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows Esme Nicoll, a young girl growing up in the shadows of the Scriptorium, where her father works on compiling the dictionary. Esme discovers a world hidden beneath the male-dominated society, a realm of words discarded, neglected, or deemed too insignificant to be included. She begins collecting these "lost words" and unravels their hidden meanings, finding solace and empowerment in the process.

Williams effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and social dynamics of Victorian England. Through Esme's eyes, we witness the struggles and triumphs of women seeking their rightful place in a world dominated by men, highlighting the power of language as a tool for self-expression and empowerment.

Esme's growth from an inquisitive child to a woman challenging societal norms is beautifully portrayed, and her relationship with Lizzie, a servant in her household, adds depth and authenticity to the story. As you follow Esme’s growth you experience her triumphs, her loss, and grief. I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire novel. You are able to connect to Esme and see through the eyes of a woman in Victorian England, often finding parallels to our current times.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of gender inequality and the marginalization of women's voices. Esme's journey serves as a reminder of the removal of women from the historical narrative and the vital role they played in shaping society. The Dictionary of Lost Words sheds light on the subtle biases embedded within language itself and offers a powerful critique of how words reflect and perpetuate societal norms.

The characters in the book are well-crafted and relatable. The supporting characters, including the eccentric scholars working on the dictionary, further enhance the narrative, adding moments of humor and wit.

The pacing of the novel is generally well-maintained, though there are moments when the plot seems to go off track and you’re wondering where it's all leading to. However, the engaging exploration of language and the enchanting setting compensate for the occasional lack of activity.

Pip Williams has crafted a captivating tale that will resonate with language enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone fascinated by the untold stories that lie hidden within the pages of dictionaries.

My Overall Book Review Rating

I am not usually one to pick up a historical fiction but I enjoyed “The Dictionary of Lost Words” and connected with it as a woman. I gave this book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) on my good reads.

You can find this book on Amazon, Audible, and Libby (free with your library card, of course, there may be a wait time).

Follow me on Twitter for updates on my current reads! I also post daily updates on book review posts quick writing tips, and interactive conversations.

A note to my readers **Novel trigger warnings include miscarriage and infertility.