The Dictionary of Lost Words

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6 and Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

What differentiates appropriate and inappropriate words, as defined by Scriptorium lexicographers? Why do they value written words over spoken ones? Why do they make these distinction at all?

In the Prologue, why does Harry try to burn the slip with his late wife’s name on it? Why is it so important to Esme to save it?

Consider the narrative function of Esme’s sometime antagonists, Mr. Crane and Mr. Dankworth. How are they similar? How are they different? What do they teach her?