The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

This is a rather wonderful and compelling dictionary of newly-created words by the author to describe a range of emotions that most of us probably feel but struggle to express. And I have to say it’s very well done, with the entries being carefully crafted from a diverse range of similar-pointing sources. Of the book’s 285 pages there’s a lot of content, and a lot of really nice-sounding and unusual words that are so apt for many of today’s situations that they could easily slip into our vocabulary and become part of modern parlance. They’re certainly words that lodge themselves nicely in memory awaiting that first opportunity to use them, and to create talking points when they are as they'll naturally pique interest. There’s something quite moving about the way the book is written, especially the introspective insights that introduce each chapter; insights that eerily reflects our own thoughts and feelings about the modern world and our often uncertain place in it. Now we have a superbly descriptive toolbox to give cognisance and expression to our bewildering emotions. The highlight of the book is undoubtedly the words themselves. After all, who wouldn’t want to say that they have the wends when not enjoying an experience as much as they could, that they felt a touch of xeno when feeling a slight connection from the friendly smile of a passing stranger or they backmasked a friend they haven’t seen in years to how they were last remembered in childhood? I have the kindle version, but this is a nice-looking book. There’s little doubt that if I were to see it in a bookshop the title and cover alone would be sufficient to make me stop and look through it. It’s a lovely catchy poetical title that is strongly suggestive of the intriguing content inside. The black and gold lettering and image speak of a quality product that is probably something rather special. As such, I surmise it would make a unique gift that will probably be especially appreciated and remembered. It’s also an ideal coffee table book whose style and content will be noticed and remarked upon. An excellent purchase, and nice that a book of this calibre and unusualness periodically pops up. An all round entertaining and enjoyable read. Note: helpful pronunciations accompany each entry.

This is a charming book for word lovers, language enthusiasts, and students of the human condition. This book seeks to define an eclectic selection of emotions or states of mind arising in very specific circumstances with many of which, readers will identify. Each definition has been beautifully crafted and brings with it a sense of relief that the condition has been named. Beautifully wistful, and a joy to read.

This book is beautiful and has cime in handy with my vocabulary and writing. It reminds me of the meaning of LIFF or the devil's dictionary whitch i have both this is next to them all 3 are black with gold writing :) I love finding words that exists for feelings or experiences we don't have the words for yet. It's a grounding experiences

This is one of those books everyone should read "just because". The way the writer looks at the world is hauntingly beautiful, it makes you zoom out of life and appreciate things, wonder things, question things. It's one of those books that leave a scent on your almost, where you learn to feel deeply once you've read it. I go back on it here and then just to remember how to feel deeply and regain that ability to look at things to intensely.

I've been wanting to buy this book for a while now and I gifted it to myself for Christmas. It's not meant to be read quickly, but slowly consumed and digested. It's funny, sad, relatable and everything in between. It gives language to all the nuances of our human experience. And once I'm finished I'll pass it on to the next person.

It's the kind of book everyone should have in their book collection.

Read it. NOW. better still buy it

I am a person who has always wanted to have words for unexplained things. Koenig has beautifully explained and given words that can be added to your vocabulary. Please be aware that some definitions take up two pages but but that's because there's an anecdote to allow you to understand better. I strongly recommend.

Great

I thought this book was absolutely exquisite. What a pleasure to read. I have been using these words as writing prompts, both for myself and in classes I teach.

Libro unico e sorprendente, promuove l'empatia riconoscendo sentimenti condivisi della condizione umana per cui nessun linguaggio ha parole, fino ad ora. acquistato a malincuore da Amazon , per un amico a Perugia. Anche se, preferirei non arricchire ulteriormente il multimiliardario e abusatore dei diritti dei lavoratori, dopo la brexit, non c'era altra opzione per regalare questo libro che cambia la vita dal Regno Unito. Sostieni invece la tua libreria locale X Unique and stunning book , promotes empathy by recognising shared feelings of the human condition that no language has words for , until now. Bought from Amazon Italy for a friend in Perugia. Even though, I would prefer not to enrich further the multi-billionaire , and abuser of workers rights, since brexit , there was no other option to gift this life changing book from the uk

It’s very fulfilling

El texto es muy interesante y visualmente es hermoso