Why Was 'The Dictionary Of Lost Words' A Bestseller?

The protagonist of 'The Dictionary of Lost Words' is Esme Nicoll, a woman whose life unfolds against the backdrop of the Oxford English Dictionary's creation. Born in the late 19th century, she grows up in the Scriptorium, a garden shed where her father and other lexicographers labor over words. Esme’s curiosity leads her to collect discarded words—those omitted from the dictionary, often tied to women’s experiences or the working class. Her journey mirrors the quiet rebellion of marginalized voices, as she secretly curates her own "dictionary of lost words." What makes Esme compelling is her blend of innocence and determination. She isn’t a fiery activist but a collector of fragments, preserving slang, curses, and intimate terms that history might otherwise erase. Her relationships—with her father, the suffragette Tilda, and the maid Lizzie—reveal how language binds and divides us. The novel paints her as both witness and architect, a woman who understands that words aren’t just definitions; they’re lives.

'The Dictionary of Lost Words' unfolds primarily in the hallowed halls of Oxford's Scriptorium, a makeshift lexicographical workshop where the Oxford English Dictionary was painstakingly compiled. The story lingers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, weaving between the Scriptorium's cluttered desks and the bustling streets of Oxford, where words slip through the cracks of society. The narrative also drifts to the margins—literally and figuratively—capturing the lives of women, servants, and the working class whose voices were often omitted from the official dictionary. Beyond Oxford, brief but poignant scenes unfold in London and rural England, reflecting the era's social divides. The juxtaposition of scholarly spaces with markets, alleys, and kitchens underscores the novel's central theme: language isn't just forged in ivory towers but in the raw, unvarnished corners of everyday life. The setting becomes a silent character, whispering how place shapes the words we keep—and those we lose.

'The Dictionary of Lost Words' is a brilliant exploration of feminism through the lens of language and history. The novel focuses on Esme, a young woman working on the Oxford English Dictionary, who notices how words defining women's experiences are often omitted or dismissed. She starts collecting these 'lost words,' creating her own dictionary. This act symbolizes reclaiming female voices in a male-dominated world. The book critiques systemic biases in academia and society, showing how language shapes power. Esme’s journey mirrors the broader feminist struggle for recognition and equality. What’s striking is how the novel intertwines personal and political. Esme’s relationships with suffragettes and working-class women highlight intersectional feminism long before the term existed. The story doesn’t just focus on grand gestures but also the quiet rebellions—like Esme preserving 'bondmaid,' a word for enslaved women. The Dictionary becomes a metaphor for how women’s stories are buried and resurrected. It’s a poignant reminder that feminism isn’t just about loud protests but also the subtle, persistent work of reclaiming space.

Pip Williams’ 'The Dictionary of Lost Words' is a work of fiction, but it’s stitched together with threads of real history. The novel revolves around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, a monumental project that did happen, and Williams meticulously researched its process, including the role of lexicographer James Murray and his scriptorium. The protagonist, Esme, is fictional, but her journey mirrors the marginalized voices—women, the poor—whose words were often excluded from the dictionary’s pages. Williams’ genius lies in blending fact with imagination, crafting a narrative where Esme ‘collects’ lost words like a literary archaeologist. The book’s emotional core—how language shapes identity—is invented, but the backdrop is so vividly real, it feels like uncovering a secret history. What makes it compelling is how Williams questions the authority of dictionaries. The OED’s editors did indeed prioritize certain words over others, often reflecting societal biases. Esme’s clandestine lexicon, gathered from servants and suffragettes, challenges this. While her character never existed, her struggle embodies real women’s erased contributions to linguistics. It’s historical fiction at its best: a lie that reveals deeper truths about whose stories get told—and whose words are deemed ‘important’ enough to keep.

The Dictionary of Lost Words' unfolds during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of seismic shifts in language and society. The story orbits around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, with Esme, the protagonist, scavenging words discarded by male lexicographers. It’s a poignant backdrop—the suffragette movement is gaining steam, and the rigid class system is starting to crack. The novel captures the tension between tradition and progress, especially in how words define or marginalize people. The era’s details are exquisite: horse-drawn carriages clatter alongside early automobiles, and women’s whispers in parlors carry revolutionary ideas. Esme’s journey mirrors the quiet rebellions of the time—collecting ‘lost’ words spoken by servants, women, and the poor, voices often erased from history. The book’s setting isn’t just a stage; it’s a character, steeped in the scent of ink and the weight of unsaid stories.

"FFS" is a popular slang acronym often found in online conversations, text messaging, and social media. It stands for "For F*'s Sake"**, a phrase used to express strong frustration, annoyance, or disbelief. Meaning and Usage Expression of frustration: People use "FFS" when something is irritating, disappointing, or hard to believe. It’s a quick way to vent feelings of exasperation. Stronger than polite alternatives: It’s similar in meaning to expressions like “oh, for heaven’s sake” or “for goodness’ sake,” but more intense and informal. Casual and informal: This acronym is common in texting, tweets, chat rooms, and forums — places where casual language thrives. Not suitable for all audiences: Because it contains a swear word, "FFS" is considered vulgar. It’s best avoided in professional or formal settings and around people who might find strong language offensive. Examples of "FFS" in Sentences “FFS, I can’t believe I lost my keys again!” “FFS, stop leaving the lights on when you leave the room.” “FFS, this traffic is unbearable today.” When to Use (and Avoid) "FFS" Use in informal chats: Perfect for conversations with friends or casual online interactions. Avoid in professional environments: Using "FFS" in workplace emails, official communications, or around unfamiliar people can come across as rude or unprofessional. Consider your audience: Some people may find it offensive due to the implied swear word, so use it thoughtfully. Origin and Popularity The phrase “for f***’s sake” has been part of English vernacular for decades, evolving into the acronym "FFS" as texting and online chat grew in popularity. Urban Dictionary and other slang databases capture this shorthand, helping people understand modern internet lingo.

I've been obsessed with 'These Is My Words' since I first read it, and I've dug deep into Nancy E. Turner's works to find out. The book technically doesn't have a direct sequel continuing Sarah's story, but Turner wrote two companion novels that expand the universe. 'Sarah's Quilt' picks up Sarah's life years later with new challenges on her Arizona ranch, while 'The Star Garden' follows her into old age. They aren't traditional sequels but rather standalone stories that enrich the original narrative. If you loved Sarah's voice, these give more of her tough-as-nails perspective on frontier life. The writing style stays just as vivid, though the tone matures as Sarah does.

I just finished 'These Is My Words' last night, and wow, the deaths hit hard. Sarah Agnes Prine, the main character, loses several loved ones throughout her journey. Her first husband, Jimmy Reed, dies early on from a snakebite, which sets the tone for how harsh life is on the frontier. Later, her brother-in-law, Ernest, is killed in a shootout, and her sister-in-law, Savannah, succumbs to illness. The most heartbreaking loss is her second husband, Captain Jack Elliot, who dies protecting their family. The book doesn’t shy away from showing how death was a constant companion in those times, making Sarah’s resilience even more admirable.