The Bookbinder By Pip Williams

In The Bookbinder's Daughter, set in 1914, the outbreak of World War I brings sweeping changes to Britain, and with them, a chance for transformation in the life of Peggy, a young woman working in a book bindery. Peggy and her twin sister Maude live on a narrow boat in Oxford, where they both contribute to the war effort from their positions at the university press. While Maude is content with their routine, Peggy harbors dreams of intellectual and emotional fulfillment.

Peggy’s ambition and intelligence set her apart in a time when women’s roles are largely confined to domestic spheres. Despite being told that her role is limited to binding books, Peggy’s curiosity and longing for more compel her to immerse herself in the world of literature, just across Walton Street where female students at Oxford University study.

As the war intensifies and the pressures of daily life mount, Peggy seizes an unexpected opportunity to pursue both knowledge and love. Her journey intertwines with the lives of those around her, challenging societal expectations and redefining her future. Through her story, Peggy navigates the tumultuous changes of wartime Britain, discovering that the quest for self-fulfillment and connection can be as profound as the battlefields afar. 📚❤️