Friends of the Library Book Recommendations: Historical Fiction with Social Commentary

One Sunday morning while enjoying a warm cup of tea, I beamed over the variety of books that I devoured this spring and summer. The following books stood out to me as part historical fiction and part social commentary about how words shape and define the way the world views women. 

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

If you have ever owned a physical dictionary you will be in awe of the behind the scenes view this book offers on what went into the process of publishing the very first Oxford English Dictionary. Set in the late 1800s, the story unfolds the coming of age journey of Esme, who is motherless and grows up with a lexicographer father surrounded by words and dictionary men. As she spends time in the Oxford shed, she realizes that not all of the public word submissions are considered and recorded by the team - especially ones based on the experiences of women and common folk. I found myself enjoying the audiobook version as I accompanied Esme in her pursuit of building her own dictionary of such lost words.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

When I first got hold of this popular book club pick (which is also a recent TV show adaptation), I was not expecting to be delighted by the cute but weird observations of a pet (a very important character) and his perspective of the humans surrounding him. All non central characters provide their peculiar thoughts and opinions on what it means to be a woman (working or not) in the 1960s. The book tells a vivid story of Elizabeth Zott whose path to becoming a scientist proves to be quite an obstacle course including plenty of twists of fate including emotional ups and downs. I enjoyed how the story sheds light on the importance of having role models that inspire people to think beyond their sense of self and allies that provide much needed support.

Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I categorize this book as half historical fiction partly because of its small paperback size and mostly because it is more contemporary while still being informed by history. Despite its petiteness, this personal letter style response to Adhichie's friend, packs quite a punch. If you have ever been skeptic of whether or not to call yourself a feminist and its titular perception, you are more than likely to enjoy it. The book presents exceptional ideas and food for thought to discuss feminism without being preachy or over the top.

Smriti

Friends of the Library Volunteer