The Liar's Dictionary

By Eley Williams,

Book cover of The Liar's Dictionary

Book description

'Made me almost tearful with gratitude that a book as clever as this could give such uncomplicated pleasure ... And when you find a book like this, you grab it, and you hold it close.' JOHN SELF

'A delight ... As funny and vivid as Dickens, as moving and memorable…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Liar's Dictionary as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is the story of etymology: words and the mystery of their origin and utilization by writers and speakers. And of course, the story of the books that officially collect and define them. I made a list of new words, arcane and whimsical. It was amusing to guess which were legitimate usage and which were contrived to aid the narrator’s search for what is true and real. Wordplay is the name of the game. Obsessive main characters with a supporting cast of a lackadaisical cat and oddly motivated associates of the dictionary compilation project amused me up until the…

From Christine's list on books with books as characters.

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