The Bookbinder of Jericho

The Bookbinder of Jericho follows twin sisters Peggy and Maude, who work at Oxford University Press during World War I. While Peggy binds books in the bindery, Maude assists lexicographer James Murray with the Oxford English Dictionary project. The sisters' paths diverge as the war impacts their workplace and personal lives. Peggy becomes involved with the women's suffrage movement, while Maude discovers her talent for words and definitions brings new opportunities. The narrative tracks the changing roles of women during wartime Britain, set against the backdrop of Oxford's scholarly world and the ongoing creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Through their work and relationships, both sisters must navigate social expectations and their own aspirations. The novel explores themes of language, knowledge, and power - particularly how access to education and the written word shapes identity and independence. It raises questions about who gets to define and preserve meaning, both in dictionaries and in society.

Most readers note deep emotional connections to the twin protagonists and find the historical Oxford setting compelling. Many reviews highlight the authentic portrayal of female workers during WWI and the detailed descriptions of bookbinding practices. Readers appreciated: - Strong character development - Research into women's roles at Oxford University Press - Integration of real historical figures - Exploration of class and gender barriers - Connection to Pip Williams' previous novel Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the ending unsatisfying - A few readers felt overwhelmed by bookbinding terminology Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (823 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (312 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Brings the wartime printing house to life" - Amazon review "Too much technical detail about binding slowed the story" - Goodreads review "Twins Peggy and Maude feel like real people you know" - StoryGraph review

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🔖 Author Pip Williams learned traditional bookbinding techniques while researching this novel, spending time with modern artisans to understand the craft's historical methods. 📚 The story takes place at Oxford University Press during WWI, when women worked in essential publishing roles previously held exclusively by men. 📖 The novel was inspired by real-life "bindery girls" who worked at Oxford University Press, whose stories were largely undocumented in official histories. 🎓 The book explores the Oxford English Dictionary's evolution during wartime, highlighting how words related to women's experiences were often omitted from early editions. 🌟 Like Williams' previous novel "The Dictionary of Lost Words," this book continues her exploration of how language and literature have historically marginalized women's perspectives and contributions.