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sofiiramii's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
magyar3g's review against another edition
5.0
Based on real events and people, this is a fascinating look not only into the creation of the Oxford English dictionary, but how language - and the inclusion or exclusion of words - shapes our vocabulary and the way we think about the world. If you like historical fiction and are enthralled with words, how they are given meaning, and how that affects perception, you will love this book. Very thought-provoking. Would be a great book club choice.
jocelyngammie's review against another edition
4.0
I loved it. Great feminist read, fascinating concept and a great way with words. One of the few books lately where it’s made me bring it up in conversation to discuss various points. I loved it.
98cats's review against another edition
4.0
This took a bit for me to really get into the book. It felt slow and hard to connect to, personally. But once I connected, I did really enjoy it. I loved the relationships between the main characters. I loved the passion that Esme had for words and highlighting voices who wouldn’t normally be heard. I cried several times throughout the story, which, to me, means I’ve become emotionally invested - one of my signs of a great book.
melissarochelle's review against another edition
4.0
Do you ever become absolutely infuriated over how women are and have been treated throughout history -- how they've been ignored and cast aside? Yeah, me too.
j_rowley's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those that I wish I could give half stars too.
The story of the Oxford English Dictionary and how it influences and been influenced by women. Told through Esme's eyes. Her dad was Murray's (real person) right-hand man. She is raised there and collects the words forgotten and lost -- most of which seem to be about women. Growing up there, she winds up working there. Raised by her dad and Lizzie, a maid for the Murrays, Esme is neither upper class nor lower class, but floating someplace between the two. She also has Ditte, a family friend who knew her mom.
Esme gets pregnant when she is in her 20s -- Dad and Ditte help. Girl is adopted by friend of Ditte. Esme's dad dies. She marries Gareth who dies in WWI. Instead ring, he makes a book of all the words she's collected over the years. Has her leave the dictionary after Murray's death and its move. She dies at 46 and her case of lost words gets sent to daughter who becomes a lexicographer.
Very good up until Gareth death and dictionary move. Very abrupt to all of a sudden the vibrancy of Esme. We started with her and we should have ended with her collecting words. Then there could have been an epilogue with what happened.
The story of the Oxford English Dictionary and how it influences and been influenced by women. Told through Esme's eyes. Her dad was Murray's (real person) right-hand man. She is raised there and collects the words forgotten and lost -- most of which seem to be about women. Growing up there, she winds up working there. Raised by her dad and Lizzie, a maid for the Murrays, Esme is neither upper class nor lower class, but floating someplace between the two. She also has Ditte, a family friend who knew her mom.
Esme gets pregnant when she is in her 20s -- Dad and Ditte help. Girl is adopted by friend of Ditte. Esme's dad dies. She marries Gareth who dies in WWI. Instead ring, he makes a book of all the words she's collected over the years. Has her leave the dictionary after Murray's death and its move. She dies at 46 and her case of lost words gets sent to daughter who becomes a lexicographer.
Very good up until Gareth death and dictionary move. Very abrupt to all of a sudden the vibrancy of Esme. We started with her and we should have ended with her collecting words. Then there could have been an epilogue with what happened.
themeghanseim's review against another edition
5.0
I almost put this book down. I'm so glad I didn't.
Abashed - embarrassed and ashamed because of something that you have done. "I was greatly abashed to realize I was quite wrong about this book."
Enchant - to fill with great delight; charm. "The young protagonist surprised and enchanted me; I could see her clear as day underneath the sorting table studying fallen slips."
As frustrating as certain formulaic situations can be in historical fiction books, this one surprised the heck out of me. I almost put it down due to a certain challenge the protagonist has to deal with near the halfway mark, just due to personal experiences. But oh my goodness, I'm so glad I gave it chance and finished it. Essy, Lizzie, Ditte, Mabel, Tilde, all of these women will stay with me for life.
If you are a book lover, a word lover or just interested in the history of words & the OED, please do yourself a favor and read this book!
Abashed - embarrassed and ashamed because of something that you have done. "I was greatly abashed to realize I was quite wrong about this book."
Enchant - to fill with great delight; charm. "The young protagonist surprised and enchanted me; I could see her clear as day underneath the sorting table studying fallen slips."
As frustrating as certain formulaic situations can be in historical fiction books, this one surprised the heck out of me. I almost put it down due to a certain challenge the protagonist has to deal with near the halfway mark, just due to personal experiences. But oh my goodness, I'm so glad I gave it chance and finished it. Essy, Lizzie, Ditte, Mabel, Tilde, all of these women will stay with me for life.
If you are a book lover, a word lover or just interested in the history of words & the OED, please do yourself a favor and read this book!
magpi3's review against another edition
3.0
The book itself is perfectly fine, it’s well written, the characters are well developed and stand on their own, and the topic is an important one that isn’t discussed enough.
It is also horrendously miserable. Just depressing throughout.
1h27
It is also horrendously miserable. Just depressing throughout.
1h27