mckiheather's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Dictionary of Lost Words was a nice storyline, just slow in parts. The main character, Esme, was a very curious and intelligent character who reminded me of Liesel from The Book Thief in her independence and love for words, especially neglected words. This, and the chance to see how Esme changed over time through the words she collected, gave the book a unique voice and style that I enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Classism, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Car accident, Rape, Abortion, Sexual content, and Violence
hannahmh13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Rape
bella_mckinnon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Interesting premise, enjoyed some parts of the dialogue between the women that were quite humorous in relation to the meaning of 'cunt', conclusion from part 6 onwards was well-done I thought. However, it felt too slow to me much of the time and it became somewhat of a chore to read. It was initially very satisfying that Esme was adamant about being an independent woman but ...however, my disdain for that direction is just a personal thing, I'm sure people will like that anyhow. Overall interesting, but not life-changing and I wouldn't read it again, purely because it was so slowly-paced.
Spoiler
then there was the predictable romantic interest plot-line with Gareth around 3/4 of the way through the book
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Sexism
Minor: Rape and Torture
Basis of book is linguistic inequality, specifically how women's words are often discarded as being less important than men's words – sexism is a key implied theme. Part 5 onwards deals occasionally with WWI, with one character sending letters detailing his experience as a soldier overseas. Brief description of a torture method that is "a kind of rape" on p. 269.teamoxfordcomma's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. Wowowowow. I am so glad I decided to pick this one up.
Calling all word/language lovers – this spellbinding historical fiction debut has gorgeous writing, dynamic characters, and a memorable storyline. Based on the true events of creating the Oxford English Dictionary, this is an empowering novel that will forever make you ponder our words and how they came to be.
I was moved by this story in profound ways. It made me smile, cry, hope, dream, and mourn. Really, I can't say enough good things about the writing, the characters, or the richly researched details. Esme's passion for words is something many of us can relate to, but given her historical context, it's even more remarkable. I was entranced while reading, and I now want to flip to the beginning and read again, this time with a highlighter and pen in hand to mark my favorite quotations. Moments of deep academic thought were paired so nicely with snippets of tenderness. Gareth and Da were my two favorite supporting characters, though I do love Ditte and Lizzie as well... Carefully and masterfully developed scenes, characters, and timelines make this book one hell of a read.
How we define language defines us, and this novel is a glittering example of how important that task really is. I cannot reccomend it enough. (Selected as my May '21 staff pick.)
Calling all word/language lovers – this spellbinding historical fiction debut has gorgeous writing, dynamic characters, and a memorable storyline. Based on the true events of creating the Oxford English Dictionary, this is an empowering novel that will forever make you ponder our words and how they came to be.
I was moved by this story in profound ways. It made me smile, cry, hope, dream, and mourn. Really, I can't say enough good things about the writing, the characters, or the richly researched details. Esme's passion for words is something many of us can relate to, but given her historical context, it's even more remarkable. I was entranced while reading, and I now want to flip to the beginning and read again, this time with a highlighter and pen in hand to mark my favorite quotations. Moments of deep academic thought were paired so nicely with snippets of tenderness. Gareth and Da were my two favorite supporting characters, though I do love Ditte and Lizzie as well... Carefully and masterfully developed scenes, characters, and timelines make this book one hell of a read.
How we define language defines us, and this novel is a glittering example of how important that task really is. I cannot reccomend it enough. (Selected as my May '21 staff pick.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy and Body horror
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Rape
TWs were handled with care and tact – listed here moreso as courtesy than concern of their negligence.
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