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TL;DR: Esme grows up among the scribes who compile the first Oxford English Dictionary in Oxford in the late 1800s. She notices that words used by women and working people are left out. As she grows up, she begins collecting them in secret.
Table of Contents
The Dictionary of Lost Words at a Glance
| Author | Pip Williams |
| First published | 2020 |
| Type | Historical fiction |
| Best for | readers who like books about words, women and the history of the dictionary |
The Dictionary of Lost Words is a novel by Pip Williams, first published in 2020. The novel is based on the real story of the OED. The characters are mostly invented. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
In the Scriptorium
Esme sits under the sorting table while her father works on the dictionary.
A lost word
She finds a slip with a word that fell and takes it.
Growing up
Esme works as a scribe. She travels to meet people and collect words.
Women and suffrage
She meets suffragettes and learns about women's roles.
War
The First World War changes her world.
Completion
The dictionary is completed. Esme publishes her collection.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| In the Scriptorium | Esme sits under the sorting table while her father works on the dictionary. |
| A lost word | She finds a slip with a word that fell and takes it. |
| Growing up | Esme works as a scribe. |
| Women and suffrage | She meets suffragettes and learns about women's roles. |
| War | The First World War changes her world. |
| Completion | The dictionary is completed. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Language shapes history.
- Women's words were often left out.
- Small acts of collecting preserve culture.
- Work and love mingle.
- Dictionaries reflect who has power.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The story is based on real history.
- Esme's perspective is fictional.
- The book celebrates words.
Who Should Read The Dictionary of Lost Words?
Read it if you love words and history. It is gentle.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Dictionary of Lost Words:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams (2020)
- Type: Historical fiction
- Best for: readers who like books about words, women and the history of the dictionary
- Main idea in one line: Language shapes history.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Dictionary of Lost Words is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Dictionary of Lost Words, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester: a nonfiction account of the OED
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: a girl who loves words
- The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams: Williams's second novel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dictionary of Lost Words a true story?
It is fiction based on the real OED.
What is the Scriptorium?
The shed where OED editors worked.
What age is it for?
Roughly 14 and up.
Is The Dictionary of Lost Words worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like books about words, women and the history of the dictionary. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading The Dictionary of Lost Words?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.