The Bookbinder of Jericho

Very interesting overall, love a strong female main character. The way the old bookbinding process is described is beautiful to see as a bookbinder in 2025. I did feel like the first half of the book reads quite slowly so it took me a bit to finish.

"The Bookbinder of Jericho" is the second book I read by Pip Williams. Her first novel "The Dictionary of Lost Words" is the precursor to this book, although both can be read as standalones. However, you will get some fun easter eggs, when reading them in the intended order. Set in 1914 England, the reader gets introduced to the twins Peggy and Maude. Their mother passed away a while ago, leaving Peggy to take care of her disabled sister. The twins work in a bookbindery, both loving to read, which is uncommen for women in their time. At the start of the first world war, the men get sent away, leaving the women to keep the bindery running. This leaves Peggy with a choice: Will she stay and take care of Maude? Or will she find her place in the world and study at the university? Pip Williams is an incredible writer and you can tell that she does her research well! The way language and words are described in her books is beautiful, giving them so much power especially for women. Wether you're into historical fiction or not, I think this book could be for anyone!