The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams is a funny and very clever debut novel following two story lines; Malory a young intern in present day England is working to digitize the dictionary and taxed with finding and eliminating any “Mountweazels” that might exist, while Peter, a Victorian lexicographer, is becoming increasingly disillusioned with his job and life and attempting to exert some artistic freedom into his work.

Mountweazel n. the phenomenon of false entries within dictionaries and works of reference. Often used to safeguard against copyright infringement.

Wholly original, and written with a wry sense of humor, Williams made me fall in love with language and words all over again. You might want to have a dictionary handy when reading this book, although I’m not sure if I’ll ever fully trust one again! Highly recommended.