The Dictionary of Lost Words (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The narrative handles physical intimacy with considerable restraint, adhering to the literary sensibilities of a 20th-century historical drama. While Esme experiences significant romantic milestones, including the discovery of physical desire and an unplanned pregnancy, these moments are described through emotional resonance rather than graphic detail. There are scenes where characters engage in kissing and intimate embraces, but the act of procreation is handled via fade-to-black transitions. The text does…

The novel depicts the systemic and physical hardships of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, particularly the brutalization of suffragettes. Readers will encounter descriptions of women being forcibly handled by police and the psychological toll of state-sanctioned suppression of protest. As the timeline moves into the Great War, the violence becomes more external and tragic, focusing on the aftermath of combat. There are descriptions of the horrific injuries sustained by soldiers, such as missing limbs and…

Language is central to the plot, and the book contains a scholarly analysis of words that were considered 'vulgar' or 'unfit' for polite society. This includes the presence of various anatomical terms and period-typical profanities that Esme purposefully collects for her 'Dictionary of Lost Words.' Characters occasionally use mild profanity like 'damn' or 'hell,' and there are instances of derogatory slang used to describe the working class or women in the streets. The use of these words is never gratuitous…

Substance use is entirely consistent with the historical setting, featuring alcohol as a staple of social interaction and domestic life. Characters are frequently seen drinking tea, but they also consume wine, sherry, and beer during dinners or celebratory gatherings at the Scriptorium. In more somber moments, brandy is used medicinally or to steady the nerves of those grieving or injured. There are no depictions of recreational drug abuse or addiction, and drunkenness is not a major plot point. The focus is on…

The story is a profound meditation on how history is written by those in power and how marginalized voices are systematically erased. It tackles heavy themes of gender inequality, the limitations placed on women's education, and the personal sacrifices required for social progress. Death is a recurring motif, from the early loss of Esme’s mother to the catastrophic loss of a generation during World War I. The book also explores the complexities of class, the bond between fathers and daughters, and the enduring…