The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams follows Esme Nicoll, who grows up around the compilation of the first Oxford English Dictionary. As Esme matures, she collects discarded words, especially those marginalized by the dictionary's male editors. Her journey intersects with the women's suffrage movement and World War I, ultimately leading her to create a dictionary of women’s words. Topics include abusive schooling, sexual encounters, pregnancy, and abortion.

Pip Williams' The Dictionary of Lost Words captivates with its rich historical context and engaging narrative centered around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Readers commend the well-developed characters and the exploration of women's contributions to language. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and moving read.

A reader who would enjoy The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is likely a lover of historical fiction and linguistics, who appreciates novels like The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. This reader enjoys richly woven narratives that explore the intersection of history, language, and women’s roles.

Contemplative / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Emotional

- The Dictionary of Lost Words was inspired by real historical events surrounding the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, a process that spanned several decades.
- Pip Williams, the author of The Dictionary of Lost Words, drew inspiration from her involvement with the History Festival in Adelaide, where she first encountered the idea of women and their omitted contributions to linguistic history.
- The novel intricately explores themes of language and gender, highlighting how certain words with deep significance to women's lives were once disregarded or excluded from official records.

**Esme Nicoll**  
Esme is the protagonist of *The Dictionary of Lost Words*. The novel follows her journey from early childhood into adulthood, highlighting her deep connection with language and the challenges she faces due to societal class and gender hierarchies. Esme, growing up in an upper-class family, begins a project to collect colloquial words from women.

**Lizzie Lester**  
Lizzie is Dr. Murray’s maidservant and Esme’s steadfast friend. Despite her own limited agency due to her social class, Lizzie is a constant support to Esme. She is characterized as a maternal figure who provides care and wisdom, serving as Esme's ally throughout the novel.

**Harry Nicoll**  
Harry, Esme's father, is a kind and supportive presence in her life. He encourages Esme's curiosity about words and language. Despite his love and support, Harry inadvertently exemplifies the misogyny of the time, failing to advocate for Esme’s professional abilities in the male-dominated world of lexicography.

**Gareth Owen**  
Gareth, Esme’s eventual husband, works as a compositor at Oxford University Press. Initially underestimated by Esme, he ultimately proves his skill and becomes a supportive partner. Gareth's belief in Esme's capabilities provides a contrast to the other men in her life and reshapes her views on love and marriage.

**Tilda Taylor**  
Tilda is an actress and suffrage activist who influences Esme with her modern views on women's rights. She contrasts with Lizzie by advocating for freedom and exploration. Though Esme sometimes questions Tilda's methods, their shared commitment to women's visibility forges a lasting friendship.

Pip Williams

Adult

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1887-1896 Batten-Distrustful”

Prologue-Part 1

The Dictionary of Lost Words Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1897-1901 Distrustfully-Kyx”

Part 2 The Dictionary of Lost Words Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1902-1907 Lap-Nywe”

Part 3 The Dictionary of Lost Words Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “1907-1913 Polygenous-Sorrow”

Part 4 The Dictionary of Lost Words Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “1914-1915 Speech-Sullen”

Part 5 The Dictionary of Lost Words Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “1928 Wise-Wyzen”

Part 6 and Epilogue

The Dictionary of Lost Words Part 6 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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The Dictionary of Lost Words

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