The Dictionary of Lost Words: The International Bestseller

The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal is a captivating story about love, loss, and the power of language. It follows the journey of Esme, who spends her childhood at her father's feet as he and his team gather words for the first Oxford English Dictionary. Esme begins to collect words for a secret dictionary, The Dictionary of Lost Words, to help her make sense of her future. The book explores themes of women and words, friendship, love, feminism, and historical change. It has received critical acclaim and is a must-read for historical fiction fans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

An enchanting tale of love, loss, and the profound power of language, Elizabeth Macneal's The Doll Factory delves into the captivating journey of a young girl named Esme. Born without a mother and brimming with an insatiable curiosity, Esme spends her childhood at her father's side, assisting him and his team in the creation of the very first Oxford English Dictionary. One fateful day, Esme stumbles upon a slip of paper containing a forgotten word, and her journey of self-discovery begins. Driven by her newfound passion, Esme sets out to collect words for a secret dictionary: The Dictionary of Lost Words. However, her quest takes her into a world on the brink of change, as the Great War looms and women fight for the right to vote. Can the power of lost words from the past help Esme navigate the complexities of her future?

In this captivating book, Elizabeth Macneal weaves a tapestry of emotions and insights that will leave readers spellbound. Through the eyes of Esme, we witness her growth and transformation as she embarks on this extraordinary quest. The Doll Factory explores themes of love, friendship, feminism, and the complexities of growing up in a changing world. With its tender and moving narrative, the book offers a profound exploration of the human experience.

Jacqueline Wilson, one of the most celebrated authors of our time, praises The Dictionary of Lost Words as a "brilliant book about women and words." She describes it as "tender, moving, and profound," noting that it will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Wilson highlights the book's ability to blend words, growing up, friendship, love, and feminism into a glorious combination that resonates with readers on a deep level.

One of the standout qualities of The Dictionary of Lost Words is its ability to break hearts while also offering hope and healing. The story is filled with moments of tenderness and vulnerability, as Esme navigates the challenges of her life and discovers the power of language to express her emotions. It is a love letter to words and language, reminding us of the beauty and magic that can be found in even the most ordinary of things.

Reese Witherspoon, the renowned actress and book club member, has chosen The Dictionary of Lost Words as her May 2022 Book Club Pick. In a statement, Witherspoon describes the book as "a glorious combination of words, growing up, friendship, love, feminism, and so much more." She praises Macneal's writing as "beautiful and evocative," and encourages readers to immerse themselves in the world of The Dictionary of Lost Words.

In conclusion, The Dictionary of Lost Words is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of language and the beauty of storytelling. Elizabeth Macneal's captivating tale of love, loss, and self-discovery will leave readers feeling inspired, uplifted, and profoundly touched. This book is a testament to the enduring power of words and the ability of storytelling to connect us to our deepest emotions and experiences.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 145 x 197 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529113228