In the heart of Oxford, within the confines of a quaint garden shed known as the Scriptorium, a young girl named Esme uncovers a world where words wield the power to define reality. Born to a father deeply engrossed in the monumental task of compiling the first Oxford English Dictionary, Esme's existence is intertwined with the destiny of words. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a discarded slip bearing the word 'bondmaid', setting her on a clandestine journey to salvage the neglected and overlooked words of her time. Amidst the backdrop of the burgeoning women's suffrage movement and the ominous clouds of the Great War, Esme's mission transcends mere collection, evolving into a fervent quest to capture the essence of lost words and the unrecorded experiences of women. Pip Williams' "The Dictionary of Lost Words" is a profound exploration of the intricacies of language, the biases embedded within it, and the silent omissions that shape our perception. Through Esme's eyes, readers are invited into a narrative that deftly weaves historical events with the personal, highlighting the monumental impact of words left unsaid and stories untold. This novel is not just a tribute to the power of words but also a heartrending ode to the invisible women who live between the lines of history, their experiences too often deemed unworthy of record. Williams crafts a mesmerizing tale that is both a celebration and a critique of the lexicon that defines our world, making "The Dictionary of Lost Words" an unforgettable journey through the hidden corridors of language and life.