A review by luckyliza13
The Dictionary of Lost Words, by Pip Williams
3.0
3&1/2 * For some reason, it just took me forever to finish this book, but I think that was more due to my general tiredness than a reflection of the book itself. It is really a fascinating, albeit fictionalized, look at the creation of the modern dictionary and the unsung women who did work on it. Through Esme's eyes, I have a renewed appreciation for words and their usage. In today's world of pared down, abbreviated text-talk, the idea of learning new words and their definitions, of relishing the discovery of words you didn't know before, is foreign indeed. This book made me a bit nostalgic for my college linguistic classes and made me want to improve my daily vocabulary usage.
I read to the end of the book feeling as if I really knew Esme. She became a well-drawn character to whom I was endeared, and the same goes for Lizzie. Though Lizzie seems to be almost a secondary character at the beginning, much like her status in life, I suppose, she really becomes an important part of Esme's life and, thus, a compelling character.
I read to the end of the book feeling as if I really knew Esme. She became a well-drawn character to whom I was endeared, and the same goes for Lizzie. Though Lizzie seems to be almost a secondary character at the beginning, much like her status in life, I suppose, she really becomes an important part of Esme's life and, thus, a compelling character.