The Dictionary of Lost Words Summary
The Dictionary of Lost Words is a historical fiction novel by Pip Williams, first published in 2020. The novel explores the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) through the eyes of a young girl named Esme who collects words that have been excluded from the dictionary. The novel has been widely popular among readers and has also been released in audiobook format.
The audiobook version of The Dictionary of Lost Words is narrated by Imogen Sage. Her voice is smooth and engaging, drawing the listener into the world of Esme and the creation of the OED. The audiobook is approximately 12 hours and 36 minutes long and is available on various platforms, including Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
The novel is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time when the creation of the OED was underway. Esme's father is a lexicographer working on the dictionary, and Esme spends much of her childhood playing among the word slips used to create the dictionary. She discovers that many words, especially those used by women and those from non-English-speaking countries, have been excluded from the dictionary. Esme begins to collect these lost words, creating her own dictionary of forgotten words.
The novel explores themes of language, gender, and power. Esme's discovery of the lost words highlights the marginalization of women and non-English-speaking people in society and the exclusion of their experiences and perspectives from the mainstream discourse.
The audiobook version of The Dictionary of Lost Words is a fantastic way to experience the novel. Imogen Sage's narration brings Esme's story to life, adding depth and emotion to the already engaging story. Her voice is soothing and easy to listen to, making the audiobook a great option for a relaxing afternoon or a long car ride.
In conclusion, The Dictionary of Lost Words audiobook is an excellent way to experience Pip Williams' historical fiction novel. Imogen Sage's narration is engaging and draws the listener into Esme's world, exploring themes of language, gender, and power. If you're a fan of audiobooks or looking for a new way to experience a great novel, The Dictionary of Lost Words audiobook is definitely worth checking out.
