The Dictionary of Lost Words

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is an evocative and immersive historical fiction novel that blends literary history with the personal journey of a young woman named Esme. Set in the early 20th century, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the creation of the first Oxford English Dictionary — a monumental scholarly project that shaped how language was recorded and understood.

Esme grows up in the world of lexicographers and bibliophiles, yet she is constantly reminded how many words — especially those reflecting women’s lives and experiences — are dismissed or overlooked in official records. When she secretly begins gathering these “lost words,” she embarks on a quietly revolutionary quest to preserve voices that might otherwise vanish.

Pip Williams’ lyrical prose seamlessly weaves together themes of memory, language, feminism, and history. Through Esme’s discovery of forgotten words and forgotten lives, readers gain insight into how language shapes identity and culture — and how the act of reclaiming words becomes a statement of resistance and self-affirmation.

This novel appeals to readers of historical fiction, literary narratives with strong emotional resonance, and anyone fascinated by how the stories we tell — and the words we choose — influence the way we see the world. It’s equally compelling as a book club pick or a personal read for those who enjoy richly drawn characters and thoughtful reflection on how language and human experience intersect.