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Dona asked this question about The Dictionary of Lost Words:
Why did I waste 8 hours of reading just to be hit with very obscene language? Beautiful cover, great story idea completely wasted. I could be reading many authors who do not rely on this shock factor to sell their books. Please could someone have a rating system to let readers know what to expect? I would be so grateful.
Jon Sparks The idea that a book like this is relying on the 'shock factor to sell their books' is stretching credibility beyond breaking point. A few mentions of…moreThe idea that a book like this is relying on the 'shock factor to sell their books' is stretching credibility beyond breaking point. A few mentions of a certain word, which don't even occur until a long way in, is not going to gratify those readers (if there are any!) who buy books solely for the sake of reading 'naughty' words.
And do you think Chaucer was also playing on the 'shock factor'? As mentioned in the book, he used the word frequently. What do you think Shakespeare was alluding to with Hamlet's reference to 'country matters'? Did you know that Gropecunt Lane was a common street name in Medieval England?(less)
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The Dictionary of Lost Words
by Pip Williams
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