PIP. WILLIAMS

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Syrina

Nour

“If you're not going to get married, then why not aim to become an editor?” Mr Sweatman asked.

«Words are like stories, don’t you think, Mr Sweatman? They change as they are passed from mouth to mouth; their meanings stretch or truncate to fit what needs to be said. The Dictionary can't possibly capture every variation, especially since so many have never been written down -»

A vulgar word, well placed and said with just enough vigour, can express far more than its polite equivalent.

«I find that the more I define, the less I know. I spend my days trying to understand how words were used by men long dead, in order to draft a meaning that will suffice not just for our times but for the future?» He took my hands in his and stroked the scars, as if Lily was still imprinted in them. «The Dictionary is a history book, Esme. If it has taught me anything, it is that the way we conceive of things now will most certainly change. How will they change? Well, I can only hope and speculate, but I do know that your future will be different from the one your mother might have looked forward to at your age. If your new friends have something to teach you about it, I suggest you listen. But trust your judgement, Essy, about what ideas and experiences should be included, and what should not. I will always give you my opinion, if you ask for it, but you are a grown woman. While some would disagree, I believe it is your right to make your own choices, and I can't insist on approving.»

Women don't have to live lives determined by others. They have choices, and I choose not to live the rest of my days doing as I’m told and worrying about what people will think. Thať's no life at all.

We can’t always make the choices we’d like, but we can try to make the best of what we must settle for.

I reckon the only time any of us feel really safe is when our mum's hugging us.

Kenzie Newberry

My words came from nooks and crannies and from the discard basket in the centre of the sorting table.

The Dictionary of Lost Words quotes

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