Play Book Tag discussion

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected. It follows the story of Esme from when she spends her childhood in the “Scriptorium” where her father works as a lexicographer on what will become the first version of the Oxford English Dictionary through her teen years and into her adulthood, where she herself works at the “Scriptorium” whilst getting involved in the women’s suffrage movement. I really liked the detail that was included in this book, and the relationships that Esme built with those around her, especially those who worked in the market that she met when she began to collect her own words that weren’t written in the Dictionary, but I especially liked the character of Tilda, who was the person to open Esme’s eyes to how women were treated and denied their rights, influencing Esme’s behaviour and beliefs following this.

This was an unexpected delight for me too! I really enjoyed the details of how the dictionary was put together - all very relatable, seeing it through Esme’s eyes. I must get round to reading ‘The Making of the Oxford English Dictionary’ which is on my shelf - I bought it because the author is a friend of mine but haven’t done more than dip into it so far (it is a weighty thing!!) It was one of Pip Williams’ source books.

I enjoyed this so much that I just got her new book, ‘The Bookbinder of Jericho’. I hope it’s as good.

KateNZ wrote: "I enjoyed this so much that I just got her new book, ‘The Bookbinder of Jericho’. I hope it’s as good."

I have this on my TBR, but it doesn't come out in the UK until later this year. It sounds really interesting.

Hannah wrote: "I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected. It follows the story of Esme from when she spends her childhood in the “Scriptorium” where her father works as a lexicographer on what will become th..."

I didn't realize that she has a new book. It sounds like a good one.
Thanks!