A review by mattiedancer
The Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Writing: 4.75⭐️/5 
Eley Williams writes with fascinating control and ease. I thoroughly enjoyed how our two main characters thought about and used language, given how in love with language they both were. At very small moments, I do think the writing became a bit too much, but these moments were so short and fleeting that it really didn’t matter. 

Characters: 5⭐️/5
I really loved both main characters. Williams extended the depth and arcs she crafted towards her side characters as well, giving them a fullness that was wonderful to read. 

Plot: 4.75⭐️/5 
The plot is deceptively simple and suddenly explosive, leading up to an exciting ending that was unexpected but not unwelcome. I did feel that a portion of Peter Winceworth’s plot happened a little too quickly, as though to match the pace of Mallory’s story, which was winding to a close. I would have enjoyed a bit more time there to build to the ending.

Who Should Read This Book? 
  • Fans of literary reads
  • Fans of dictionary-based fiction
  • Fans of learning new words and discussions about language
  • Someone looking for a good read with decadent language and stunning, well-developed characters.

Content Warnings? 
  • Homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, fire, fire injury, injury, injury detail, ableism, sexual content, bullying, animal cruelty, medical content, infidelity, blood, outing, hate crime, emotional abuse, alcohol

Post-Reading Rating:  4.75⭐️/5
What an unexpected ending, and yet, so right. 

Final Rating: 4.75⭐️/5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings