Reading Journal 2024: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels
Author: Beth Lincoln
It’s definitely fun, quirky, even cheeky when it comes to its use of the dictionary and word play. And for all the ways it caters to its upbeat and carefree nature, it also takes on some big ideas. It explores that intersection between free will and determined- are we who the world determines us to be, or do we become who we determine ourselves to be. It takes on the nature of language and words- does the dictionary define what words must mean, or does it capture what they mean in their common usage. And wherein, then, is language and words free to change and grow and evolve with time and context. Further yet, as words and language change, what sort of window does this create for the societies which give these words their present meaning and usage (it is here where the book delves into the specifics of gender roles and identity, for example)
And yes, this is a book written for teens. I did wonder at times whether an adult writing from their own vantage point and context but reflecting the voice of a younger generation might be able to adequately detach themselves from imposing their own definitions and understanding of words into a context not their own. Which would of course beg the question of the role of influence in the realm of social formation. Where the book is at its best is when it is striving to establish a universal foundation that can apply in a timeless sense. There are moments when it seems to lose sight of this. But for the most part I think it does a good job of striking that balance,
Full disclosure. Mysteries and who-dunnits are not my favorite genre. I generally steer away from them. This is, beyond the bigger ideas of its premise, a straight up mystery and who-dunnit. If that’s your cup of tea this will likely resonate more for you than it did for me,
The Stories of my Life 