Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel Audiobook: Historical Gem – Free Download

Audiobook Sample

Listen to the sample to experience the story.

• Title: Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel
• Author: Pip Williams
• Narrator: Pippa Bennett-Warner
• Length: 11:11:18
• Version: Abridged
• Release Date: 06/04/2021
• Publisher: Random House (Audio)
• Genre: Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Essays & Anthologies, Contemporary Women
• ISBN13: 9.78E+12

I’ve always believed that words are like maps – they guide us, define us, and sometimes hide the paths we most need to find. So, when I started listening to ‘Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel’ by Pip Williams, narrated by the incredible Pippa Bennett-Warner, I knew I was in for a unique audiobook experience. This historical fiction gem, steeped in the world of the Oxford English Dictionary, isn’t just a story – it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of language and the silenced voices that shape it. Set against the backdrop of the women’s suffrage movement and the looming shadow of the Great War, it’s a narrative that unfolds like a dusty road through forgotten villages, revealing hidden histories at every turn.

Let me take you back to a memory that this audiobook stirred up. A few years ago, I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, and every evening, their grandmother would weave stories under the flickering light of a lantern. Her voice, full of pauses and passion, carried the weight of history and the warmth of personal truth. Listening to this audiobook reminded me of those nights – there’s an intimacy in the way stories are told aloud, a connection that feels like sitting across from someone who’s lived the tale. Pippa Bennett-Warner’s narration captures that same magic. Her voice is a bridge between Esme, the curious protagonist who grows up surrounded by lexicographers, and us, the listeners, hungry for the words she uncovers.

At its core, ‘Dictionary of Lost Words’ is a celebration of language’s power to elevate or repress, as Geraldine Brooks so aptly noted. Esme, born into a world of words yet unseen beneath the sorting table of the Scriptorium, begins collecting discarded slips of paper – words like ‘bondmaid,’ meaning ‘slave girl,’ that the dictionary men overlook. As she matures, she realizes that the experiences of women and common folk are often erased from the official record. Her quest to create her own ‘Dictionary of Lost Words’ becomes a quiet rebellion, a way to reclaim narratives hidden by history. It’s a theme that resonates deeply with me as a travel writer who’s often sought out the untold stories of the places I’ve roamed. You can almost hear the rustle of those paper slips, the whispered secrets of markets and kitchens, in every chapter of this historical fiction masterpiece.

The audiobook experience is elevated by Bennett-Warner’s performance. Her narration is a tapestry of accents and emotions, each character distinct yet woven into the fabric of early 20th-century Oxford. She brings Esme’s curiosity and quiet defiance to life with a tenderness that made me feel as if I were sitting beside her, watching her pen those lost words. The audio quality is pristine, with every inflection and pause meticulously crafted to draw you deeper into the story. Whether I was listening while driving through winding mountain roads or sipping coffee in a quiet café, the listening experience felt immersive, like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph of the past. For fans of contemporary women’s fiction and essays on language, this audiobook is a must.

That said, no journey is without its bumps. While the novel’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow, meticulous work of dictionary-making, there were moments when I craved a faster stride. Some listeners might find the early chapters a bit dense with historical detail, though I appreciated how they grounded Esme’s world. Additionally, while Bennett-Warner’s range is impressive, a few secondary characters’ voices felt slightly less nuanced compared to Esme’s. These are minor quibbles, though, in an otherwise captivating audiobook experience that shines a light on the power of words in historical fiction.

If you’ve enjoyed works like ‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett or ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, this audiobook will feel like a familiar yet fresh companion. Like those stories, it uncovers the strength of women’s voices against the backdrop of history, blending personal transformation with cultural storytelling – themes I often explore in my own travel narratives. For those intrigued by anthologies or essays on language’s evolution, this novel offers a fictional yet deeply researched perspective on the Oxford English Dictionary’s creation.

I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves historical fiction, contemporary women’s stories, or simply the beauty of a well-told tale. It’s perfect for long drives, quiet evenings, or moments when you want to lose yourself in a world of words. While I don’t have confirmation of a free audiobook version, I’d encourage you to check platforms like Audiobooks.com for potential deals or trials to access this treasure. The genre keywords – Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Essays & Anthologies, Contemporary Women – perfectly encapsulate the multifaceted appeal of this listening experience.

Reflecting on this story, I’m reminded of why I’m so drawn to hidden histories. Just as I’ve wandered through remote villages seeking stories of the past, Esme’s journey to preserve lost words feels like a parallel quest. It’s a reminder that language isn’t just a tool – it’s a living, breathing record of who we are. This audiobook experience didn’t just entertain me; it made me think about the words I use, the stories I tell, and the voices I might have overlooked in my own travels. It’s a powerful addition to any listener’s library, especially for those passionate about the intersections of history, gender, and language.

Until our paths cross again, keep seeking the stories – and the words – that others might miss. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of wanderlust and a mind buzzing with lost words. Catch you on the next journey!