The Bookbinder

Title:  The Bookbinder

Author:  Pip Williams

Publication Information:  Ballantine Books. 2023. 448 pages.

ISBN:  0593600444 / 978-0593600443

Book Source:  I received this book through NetGalley free of cost in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Sentence:  "Scraps."

Favorite Quote:  "The words used to describe us define our value to society and determine our capacity to contribute. They also ... tell others how to feel about us, how to judge us."

As with Pip Williams prior book The Dictionary of Lost Words, I  choose to read this one because - well, books and the art of book binding! The title itself draws me in. The description draws me in further. Two sisters living on a houseboat. A young woman told that she may only bind books not read them. Two siblings - one special needs and one not - somewhat alone in the world. A college and education that is across the street but that may very well be a different world. A coming war. Refugees. A small community. And lots and lots of books!

This story resonates on so many levels.

Peggy and Maude are sisters. Maude has some special needs, and Peggy finds herself in the role of caretaker. However, what does that mean especially as they both become adults? What is Maude capable of? What is she allowed to be capable of? Is Maude's caretaking preventing Peggy from her own dreams or is it a crutch for Peggy to not push past her comfort zone?

Peggy is told that education is not for the likes of her; her role is to bind books not read them. Yet, she reads them. Any binding or folios deemed imperfect end up in her personal library. Against the rules but what harm does it do anyone. She dreams of the college across the street but never envisions that the dream has the possibility of reality.

Peggy and Maude have helpers along the way. Friends and mentors. Many of them are strong women who serve as examples of what is possible in their individual spheres and the gift of paying that forward as help to Peggy and Maude.

The war brings refugees to town which starts many heated conversations, both for and against. It is sad that these conversations are the same ones taking place in different contexts even today.

And, of course, the love of books. I love books that are love letters to the world of books and that speak what I feel about books. "When we bound these books, I thought, they were identical. But I realized they couldn't stay that way. As soon as someone cracks the spine, a book develops a character all its own. What impresses or concerns one reader is never the same as what impresses or concerns all others. So, each book, once read, I realized, will have told a slightly different story." So very true. Each one of us brings our wholes selves to every book that we read. As our perspectives differ, so does our individual read of any book. No two readers ever read exactly the same book.

This story, on all its levels, resonates with me as did The Dictionary of Lost Words. I look forward to seeing what Pip Williams writes next.

Please share your thoughts and leave a comment. I would love to "talk" to you.