The Dictionary of Lost Words A Novel

The story centers on Esme Nicoll, a curious and observant young girl living in Oxford at the turn of the 20th century. Her father is a key figure in the ambitious project of compiling the Oxford English Dictionary. As Esme spends her childhood amidst the vast collection of words and the dedicated scholars, she notices a significant omission: many words spoken by everyday people, especially women and children, are overlooked or deemed insignificant by the predominantly male lexicographers. Driven by her own keen intellect and a growing sense of injustice, Esme begins a secret mission to collect these "lost words" herself, creating her own unofficial lexicon. This novel is a powerful exploration of the relationship between language, identity, and power. It delves into how words shape our understanding of the world and who gets to define them. Through Esme's journey, the book highlights the often-unseen contributions and experiences of women and marginalized communities, arguing for the inclusion of their voices in the very fabric of language. The narrative is compelling because it intertwines a deeply personal story of a young woman finding her voice with the grand historical project of the OED, offering a unique perspective on societal changes, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of collective memory and linguistic heritage. It’s a celebration of words, the people who use them, and the quiet rebellion of preserving what might otherwise be forgotten.

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