The Bookbinder of Jericho - Book Review

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The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams is the author's second novel and showcases her skills as a raconteur and historical researcher. If you enjoyed Pip's first novel, The Dictionary of Lost Words, you will love The Bookbinder of Jericho.

The book opens with the background 'noises' of imminent war to defend Belgium and support France as Peggy and Maude Jones are walking to work as bookbinders. It's 1914 and the anticipation of war causes all to wonder how it will affect their lives. Twin sisters Peggy's and Maude's class in society is another character in the book, one which threatens Peggy's dreams of a new career. Maud is content with her life as it is. She suffers from a mild, unspecified intellectual disability and Peggy has to watch out for her. Peggy's curiosity about the books they are binding gets her into trouble with her supervisor from time to time as she's told that she's only allowed to bind and not to read the books.



Jericho is the Oxford Uni Press on the Oxford campus where the two women work side by side. You'll find yourself rooting for the bookbinders all the way.

Pip Williams' style of writing made me feel that she has a zest for living and discovery. She was English-born and now resides in South Australia with her family and an assortment of animals. Another of her books is a memoir entitled One Italian Summer.

The Bookbinder of Jericho retails at $29.95 from The Book Tree in Toowoomba, 456 Ruthven Street, City.

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