The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is a beautifully written historical novel about words, language, love, women's voices, and the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Set in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows Esme Nicoll as she grows up around the scholars compiling the dictionary and begins collecting words that have been overlooked or forgotten.
About This Book
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams combines historical fiction, romance, and the fascinating story of language.
The novel follows Esme Nicoll, whose childhood is closely connected to the work of the scholars compiling the Oxford English Dictionary. Growing up around the world of dictionaries, definitions, quotations, and words, Esme develops a deep fascination with language.
As she grows older, Esme begins to notice that some words used by ordinary people—particularly women and people whose voices are often overlooked—do not always find their way into the official record.
She secretly begins collecting these forgotten words, creating her own dictionary of language that might otherwise disappear.
Set against a changing Britain, the novel explores the relationship between language and power, while also examining women's lives, social expectations, class, education, friendship, love, and the changing role of women in society.
Pip Williams blends historical events with an imaginative story about the people whose contributions to language and culture may not always be formally recognized.
Key Themes
- Historical fiction
- The Oxford English Dictionary
- Language and words
- Women's history
- Women's voices
- Love and friendship
- Social change
- Education
- Class and society
- Feminism
- British history
- Identity
- Literature
Why Read This Book?
The Dictionary of Lost Words is an engaging choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong literary themes.
The novel's exploration of forgotten words provides a thoughtful way to consider whose voices are preserved in history and whose experiences can be overlooked.
Who Should Read This?
This book is ideal for historical-fiction readers, literature lovers, language enthusiasts, women's-fiction readers, book clubs, and anyone interested in British history, dictionaries, words, and stories about women's experiences.
Product Details
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Title: The Dictionary of Lost Words
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Author: Pip Williams
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Language: English
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Genre: Historical Fiction / Literary Fiction
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Subject: Language, Women's History & British Society
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Format: [Edition dependent]
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Publisher: [Edition dependent]
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ISBN: [Edition dependent]
Discover a story about language, forgotten words, women's voices, love, and the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary with The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.
