Books About Books | Jennifer's Best Bookish Blog

When the men go to war in 1914, it’s the women who keep the country going. Peggy and Maude are twin sisters who contribute by working at the book bindery at Oxford University Press in Jericho.

Peggy has always been told that her place in the world is no more than to work at the book bindery. Despite this, she dreams of going to Oxford University and studying the literary classics. Peggy loves books and desperately wants to learn. Since the death of their mother, Peggy has also been responsible for the care of Maude, who has disabilities. Even though Peggy loves her sister, that responsibility weighs heavily on her, and causes her to worry about her future.

Eventually Peggy begins to see the possibility of a different life, where she can use her brains. However, the war and illness of those around her that she loves, are getting in the way of her reaching her dreams.

Published in 2023. 432 pages.

The story of Peggy and Maude, along with the book binders, shows war time through the eyes of women, and the decision they must make to live their own lives, as well as care for those they love.

I loved the characters in this story, the main characters as well as those around them. Most were flawed, but completely believable. There are many threads running though the story of the bookbinders of Jericho. There is the sadness of war, and the loss of family who go to fight, with many not returning. At a time when women are edging closer to getting the vote, women are struggling to assert their independence. There is also a love of books and reading which I thoroughly enjoyed. Knowledge and those fortunate enough to be able to receive it, compared to those who have no access to learning, is a constant theme.

Those who loved the author’s first book, The Dictionary of Lost Words, are sure to enjoy this book. I really enjoyed reading about the profession of bookbinding again.

Pip Williams is the author of bestseller The Dictionary of Lost Words.

Star Rating

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The books mentioned in this post are of my own choice and have not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

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