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Review:
So Good!!!

A historical fiction with neurodivergent representation, disabilities, refugees and the aftermath of being at war.

It shows so many of the different jobs that women had to fill during the Great War: Red Cross, nurses, reading to people recovering in hospitals/nursing facilities, libraries, publishers, etc. It showed the love and bond of sisters and their found family. They learn new skills and how to depend on others. It shows true bravery and sacrifice, while still somehow remaining cozy and oh so hopeful. It shows the real struggle of women to get the education that they so desired. These characters, including the men, supported these women throughout the story.

More importantly, I want this boat! Calliope, the library on the water. It’s everything two sisters could wish for!

Quotes:

They were gathered in groups according to their occupation; the state of their aprons and hands made it easy to recognise them. They filled the spaces between the Bible side and the Learned side, …
(Ch. 1)

Why do we have so many books? I liked to ask. To expand your world, she would always say.
(Ch. 2)

Some men hardly need an excuse to behave badly and as far as excuses go, war is a good one.
(Ch. 2)

He’s asked three times, she said, but I don’t love him in the right way. She’d had the courage to say no, but she liked him enough to let him keep loving her.
(Ch. 3)

A secret, of course, and a declaration of love. He wanted to win her over with this gift, shore up their relationship.
Note: Yes, but he is making her a book…
(Ch. 5)

‘Glaire, grease, gold,’ echoed Maude. ‘What’s glaire?’ I asked. Bindery girls didn’t learn to gild. ‘Egg white, essentially,’ said Eb. ‘It helps prepare the leather to take the gilt.’
(Ch. 7)

‘Water, water everywhere, Miss Bruce, nor any drop to drink.’ She smiled. ‘Coleridge,’ she said. ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,’ I said, lobbing the shuttlecock back over the net. She placed a hand on my shoulder. ‘Keep an eye out for the albatross, Miss Jones. And take care not to shoot it.’
(Ch. 15)

‘Tilda wants you to send more stars, Maudie. They make the nurses feel safe.’ She frowned. ‘Tilda is safe?’ I wasn’t sure. ‘Of course,’ I said. ‘Not even the Germans would drop bombs on a hospital.’
(Ch. 18)

She understood, I think, that most of what people said was meaningless. That people spoke to fill the silence or pass the time; that, despite our mastery of words and our ability to put them together in infinitely varied ways, most of us struggled to say what we really meant. Maude filtered conversation like a prism filters light. She broke it down so that each phrase could be understood as an articulation of something singular. The truth of what she said could be inconvenient; sometimes it made life easier to misunderstand her. But I realised that what confused most people soothed Lotte. I wasn’t sure how, but she had understood Maude from the first, recognised her somehow and felt comfortable. She didn’t misunderstand Maude, and Maude was beginning to love her for it.
(Ch. 22)

You smell like a new book–it’s positively intoxicating.’
(Ch. 22)

‘She takes up so little room,’ I said. He sighed. ‘In the end, we all do.’
(Ch. 33)

‘Of course I’ve heard of her, Peg, I’m not a philistine. I’m sure Jane Eyre is one of my favourite novels.’ ‘You’re sure?’ ‘Well, I’m sure it should be.’
(Ch. 34)

‘Calliope’s Library,’ she read aloud. She held the ledger in her hand; her eyebrows were raised. She made it sound like a school project. ‘What?’ I asked. ‘Is our home not grand enough for a library?’ Gwen laughed and looked around. ‘I’m afraid it might sink under the weight of all these books.’
(Ch. 36)

‘And that was worse,’ he said. ‘But now, to give you pleasure, it feels like I am filling your lungs with air, warming your blood, making your heart beat.’ ‘Proof of life.’
(Ch. 37)

Her face clouded. ‘What do you mean, mostly?’ I swallowed, took another sip. Her discomfort was strangely pleasing. ‘I can think for myself, Gwen. I don’t always agree with what I’ve read.’ ‘Oh, God,’ she said. ‘Independent thought.’
(Ch. 41)

‘And to be honest, the only way to know what Homer wrote is to learn the language that Homer wrote in, otherwise you are at the mercy of the translator, their times, their perspective. Their gender,’ she said.
(Ch. 42)

‘Why does it matter what they’re called?’ I asked. She smiled. ‘The words used to describe us define our value to society and determine our capacity to contribute. They also’–and again she poked at the translations–‘tell others how to feel about us, how to judge us.’
(Ch. 42)

‘There should be a memorial for women like Lotte,’ Gwen finally said, her voice lower, her words slower. When the refreshments came, Gwen poured milk into her teacup and put a slice of lemon into mine. She checked to see how steeped the tea was. ‘Every town will have a memorial for the men,’
(Ch. 51)

The Bookbinder by Pip Williams is a well researched novel, focusing on how two sisters survive WWI and the love of books that connects us. I really liked The Dictionary of Lost Words and appreciated the connections between these two books. I felt this book was well written, well researched, and full of charming period details. However, I had a hard time connecting with (and liking) most of the characters in this book. Even as a librarian by trade, the endless references to bookbinding grew weary for me and got boring after awhile. Long sections of this book dragged and were a slog to read. Overall, I liked the story but the execution was troubling at times. Perhaps I am just not in the mood for a book like this right now!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

I've been making a conscious effort to branch out into genres I typically don't gravitate to, starting with some historical fiction. I read and adored The Dictionary of Lost Words, so the bar was rather high going into The Bookbinder. Luckily, Williams hit it out of the park for me with this one, too. I felt myself fully immersed in the story, made more lovely by Williams' engaging writing style. I'll definitely be recommending this to other historical fiction readers!
4.5 stars rounded up.

This is a very well-researched historical fiction novel. I enjoyed it overall but I thought the pacing of the story was rather uneven which made it not quite as enjoyable as I had hoped for. My absolute favorite quote from the book was
“As soon as someone cracks the spine, a book develops a character all its own. What impresses or concerns one reader is never the same as what impresses or concerns all others. So, each book, once read, will fall open at a different place. Each book, once read, I realised, will have told a slightly different story.”

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. I enjoy reading books by this author because they always have a great story and this one was no different.

I was quickly transported into the story and I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the historical significance of the book.

What I loved about this book was the nostalgia and history of book making. I didn’t get to finish this one, but not because I didn’t love it. I very much did.

I was excited about The Bookbinder by Pip Williams but as much as I enjoyed this one, I didn't feel a "sequel" was necessary. I LOVED The Dictionary of Lost Words and was hesitant to read Bookbinder because I was worried it wasn't going to be at the same level of writing. Actually, the writing was good and so was the story but I still liked book one better.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I read this a while ago and sadly didn't realize I hadn't left a review. This is set in WWI and is by same author as the dictionary of lost words. Great writing but at time characters felt a little flat.

In this captivating historical novel, twin sisters working in Oxford's bindery face life-changing choices during WWI. Through Peggy's quest for education and Maude's vulnerability, Williams masterfully explores women's roles, knowledge accessibility, and the power of books. A compelling follow-up to The Dictionary of Lost Words that illuminates hidden history.

As with Pip Williams prior book The Dictionary of Lost Words, The Bookbinder resonates with me on so many levels. It is about strong women, family, friendship, community, and, of course, books. Many of these conversations – resources for special needs, equitable access to education, refugees – still continue today. The conversation of the role of women, friends, and family are universal and timeless. I look forward to seeing what Pip Williams writes next.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/01/the-bookbinder.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

I was really looking forward to this book after loving The Dictionary of Lost Words. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it. It was only okay. The book felt way too long and there were large sections that felt like nothing happened.

3/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an eARC of this book.

What a fantastic tale based on real roles and historical events. While I already enjoyed the book, and the journey it took me on, I found the authors note to be fascinating in tying it together. I found that this story took such a unique stance on historical fiction. Sufferagists. Women's vote. A woman declining a proposal because she wants more for her life. Family members with disabilities. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

This book absolutely won my heart. I love a book about words and books and the power of them.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

3.5 rounded up to 4

If you love the smell of old books and the worlds they unlock, The Bookbinder will resonate with you. Set in 1914 Oxford, the novel follows 21-year-old twins, Peggy and Maude, who work at the Oxford University Press bindery. Peggy, captivated by the books she binds, longs for an education beyond her reach as a working-class woman. Meanwhile, Maude, who is developmentally disabled, finds contentment in their simple life, leaving Peggy to shoulder the responsibility for her sister. As World War I looms, women keep the nation running while men fight.

Williams weaves historical detail with themes of class, gender, and literature’s transformative power. Peggy’s secret reading opens doors to a world of suffragettes and scholars, challenging her to push beyond societal boundaries. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge in a time of upheaval.

I often think it would be romantic to live in bygone days, but then I read about people using chamber pots and the lack of hot showers, and it doesn’t seem as dreamy.

Though the detailed bookbinding descriptions might overwhelm some, they enhance appreciation for the craft. The novel’s heartfelt characters, the touch of romance, and exploration of the meaning of words create a rich narrative that celebrates literature’s power.

Williams also vividly portrays the era’s harsh realities, from the horrors of Flanders to the life without modern conveniences. The Bookbinder is for those who cherish stories of courage and have a deep love for books.

** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy for an unbiased review.

I enjoyed The Bookbinder, but it didn't have the magic that The Dictionary of Lost Words had for me. This is probably just a me thing because the book was extremely well written and well researched. I really loved that The Dictionary of Lost Words felt like something other than a war story that then transformed into a war story, mirroring the transformation from normality into war. The Bookbinder was solely in the war years which wasn't for me as much. I thought that the ending was a little bland. It didn't really feel like the story built to something. And maybe that's part of the point. I did love the relationship between Peggy and Maude, loved getting to see familiar faces from Dictionary, and I loved the development of the romantic relationship. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I think I was a little let down when it didn't grab me like Dictionary did. I'd recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction.

I was very excited for this one because I absolutely loved The Dictionary of Lost Words!!

I did really like this story! There’s clearly so much research behind this, and it’s appreciated and shows. I feel like I learned a lot about WWI from a fictional novel. The writing was very atmospheric and transported me to another time.

I also liked that we got to see some characters from TDOLW sprinkled in this! Makes me want to reread it!

I did like the supporting characters more than the main character sometimes. Maud and Bastiaan were so wholesome and Peggy was sometimes so frustrating. I totally understand why she was frustrated, I would be too, but I did wish we had more contented moments with her.

It is 1914 and twin sisters Peggy and Maude work in Oxford's university press bindery. The girls have collected books in their houseboat, and Peg dreams of attending Somerville College. The Great War might affect the sisters, though, as they lose and gain friends. And if Peg gets her chance to attend college, she must decide if she'll leave her sister behind. Or is Peg the one getting left behind?
I laughed and cried while reading this book. The characters felt alive to me. It probably helps that I love books and have a child with special needs. And the female main characters star in the story, which supports the themes of indepedence, truth and the promotion of women's rights.
Note: some profanity, sexual content and war-related violence
Some of my favorite quotes:
"If you shrink yourself to the smallness of your circumstances, you’ll soon disappear."
"The right kind of man? He’ll be someone who wants to understand you, Maudie. Someone you will want to understand."
How one character navigated war trauma: "There’s a war, Bastiaan. All this trauma, yours and Lotte’s, and all I ever talk about is books and the bindery and—And that [conversations about everyday life] is how I bear it, he said."
Grief: "‘She is not right, I think. Damaged.' 'She has not buried her dead,’ he said, ‘and I think she has no desire to.'"
Re: addiction: "I feel like I’ve been occupied by an enemy force, and the only way to rid myself of it is to destroy myself."
Re: our enemies: "Would it surprise you to know that their blood is red, and when they are in pain they groan? When they know they will never see their home again they cry?"

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved Pop Williams first book The Dictionary of Lost Words so I knew I had to get this one. I started and stopped The Bookbinder many times because I could not get into the beginning. Finally I pushed through the beginning parts and enjoyed the book, but I did not love it the same way that I loved The Dictionary of Lost Words, and honestly, not even close.

I felt that many of the scenes were dragged out and it was much harder to connect with these characters for some reason. This book was also pretty lengthy and perhaps it could have been better if it were not as wordy.

Having read this author's prior book The Dictionary of Lost Words, I was excited to read Pip Williams' latest The Bookbinder !

Set in the year WWI began (1914), as men begin to drain into that dark war cloud, it is to women the buy-and-sell community turns. In Oxford, England two sisters who are devoted to each other find work in a bindery at the university. The two girls caught me by the heart strings - for they are twins, and my family is full of them. The author deftly captured and pinned to the page the truths I know about twins. . .how they often are bonded in a way their other siblings are not, how one steps forward and one hangs back (but don't think that's a measure of intelligence or savvy) - they each have a gift (or two), and Maude and Peggy fit every model with which roll through my memories.

Between the war, growing from girls into women (which has its very own rocky path in society - then and now!) they also come to discover their differences in yearnings, expectations, duties they embrace and ones they hang (metaphorically) 'round their necks, burdens that hold them down.

Set in Oxford, England, deep in historical buildings and grounds, Maude and Peggy and their circle of supporters work through challenges that tear their worlds apart. Sometimes that's the best way to make a change in a way that previously would never have presented itself. It's a time when women's work had been entirely different in previous generations, and for their time - their war time - they experienced a freedom in a work-a-day world that had been the domain of men. It was still the domain of men, but seemed to feel like women had gained a foothold on that slippery slope.

A read full of books, the physical building of books, loving words, authors, writers and what they chose to write when and why. . .even the gratifying palpabilities of folding papers in a repetitious rhythm. . .origami-like. . . .there's a compelling rocking sway to this read - maybe it's the houseboat they live on. Overall this book was a comfy, bookish read.

*A sincere thank you to Pip Williams, Random House - Ballantine, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

I love historical fiction books. And I should have done a little more checking into the subject before choosing to read this one. I am not a fan of WWI historical fiction. But I was committed, so I was determined to make a go of it. This is a sequel to The Dictionary of Lost Words, which I enjoyed. So I had high hopes that this would be another lovely read, Unfortunately, I felt like the characters were not that well fleshed out and the story did not engage me. A slow-moving tale, I felt like there was too much attention to minute details and it left me struggling to get through the pages. I enjoyed learning about the bookbinding process as well as the aspects of WWI. But this seemed to bog me down and I was not able to enjoy the book. However, there are plenty of people who have written rave reviews, so I would encourage you to pick it up and give it a try if you are a fan of historical fiction and that which takes place during WWI.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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