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Book of Forbidden Words
"Devotees of rich historical fiction and contemporary social discourse alike will be enthralled.” —Booklist, starred review From bestselling author Louise Fein comes a new historical novel set in a world of banned books and censorship, in which an encrypted manuscript unleashes a chain of consequences across 400 years, perfect for fans of Weyward and The Briar Club.
1552, PARIS The printing press is quickly spreading new ideas across Europe, threatening the power of church and state and unleashing a wave of book burning and heretic hunting. When frightened ex-nun Lysbette Angiers arrives at Charlotte Guillard’s famous printing shop with her manuscript, neither woman knows just how far the powerful elite will go to prevent the spread of Lysbette’s audacious ideas.
1952, NEW YORK Milly Bennett is a lonely housewife struggling to find her way in her new neighborhood amidst the paranoid clamors of McCarthy’s America. She finds her life taking an unexpected turn when a relic from her past presents her with a 400-year-old manuscript to decipher, pulling her into a vortex of danger that threatens to shatter her world.
From the risky backstreets of sixteenth-century Paris to the unpredictable suburbs of mid-twentieth century New York, the stakes couldn’t be higher when, 400 years apart, Milly, Lysbette, and Charlotte each face a reality where the spread of ideas are feared and every effort is made to suppress them.
Dramatic and affecting, and inspired by the real-life encrypted Voynich manuscript, Book of Forbidden Words is both an engrossing story about a timeless struggle that echoes through the ages and a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to let their words be heard.
1552, PARIS The printing press is quickly spreading new ideas across Europe, threatening the power of church and state and unleashing a wave of book burning and heretic hunting. When frightened ex-nun Lysbette Angiers arrives at Charlotte Guillard’s famous printing shop with her manuscript, neither woman knows just how far the powerful elite will go to prevent the spread of Lysbette’s audacious ideas.
1952, NEW YORK Milly Bennett is a lonely housewife struggling to find her way in her new neighborhood amidst the paranoid clamors of McCarthy’s America. She finds her life taking an unexpected turn when a relic from her past presents her with a 400-year-old manuscript to decipher, pulling her into a vortex of danger that threatens to shatter her world.
From the risky backstreets of sixteenth-century Paris to the unpredictable suburbs of mid-twentieth century New York, the stakes couldn’t be higher when, 400 years apart, Milly, Lysbette, and Charlotte each face a reality where the spread of ideas are feared and every effort is made to suppress them.
Dramatic and affecting, and inspired by the real-life encrypted Voynich manuscript, Book of Forbidden Words is both an engrossing story about a timeless struggle that echoes through the ages and a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to let their words be heard.
512 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2026
About the author
Louise Fein
4 books909 followersLouise is an internationally bestselling and prize winning author of historical fiction, focusing on unheard voices or from unusual perspectives. Her fourth novel, Book of Forbidden Words, was published in February 2026.
Louise, holds an MA in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University. Equally passionate about historical research and writing, she loves to look for themes which have resonance with today’s world. Louise lives in the Surrey countryside, UK, with her family, and is a slave to the daily demands of her pets.
Louise, holds an MA in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University. Equally passionate about historical research and writing, she loves to look for themes which have resonance with today’s world. Louise lives in the Surrey countryside, UK, with her family, and is a slave to the daily demands of her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 13, 2025
As someone deeply fascinated by both the hidden history of Bletchley Park coders and the world of rare books and manuscripts, Book of Forbidden Words was an absolute delight to read. It weaves together multiple timelines, most vividly the 1500s/1600s and the 1950s; showing how, across centuries, women’s voices have been suppressed, silenced, or dismissed. Yet, the resonance of their resilience and brilliance still shines through.
Through the characters of Lysbette, Charlotte, and Milly, the novel highlights the unbroken thread of women pushing against the constraints of their time. Lysbette’s fight to have her words preserved, Charlotte’s determination to honor them despite danger, and Milly’s struggles in post-war England and America all mirror one another, demonstrating how little some challenges have changed even four hundred years apart. As a woman in 2025, I found myself relating to each of them such as the frustration of being dismissed, the yearning for independence, the hunger to leave behind more than silence.
The manuscript at the heart of the story, hidden and rediscovered, felt like a metaphor for women’s history itself: fragile, easily buried, but when uncovered, capable of rewriting narratives. The layers of espionage, censorship, forbidden books, and code-breaking were captivating, but what stayed with me most was the emotional truth; the courage it takes for women to think, write, and live beyond the roles assigned to them.
The author’s attention to historical detail was remarkable, from the echoes of McCarthyism in the 1950s, to the religious crackdowns of the 1500s, to the lingering secrecy of Bletchley. Each era felt immersive, and I appreciated how the narrative wove them together seamlessly without losing emotional depth.
This is not only a story about manuscripts and codes, but about the enduring fight for women’s intellectual and personal freedom. A sweeping, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring novel that I couldn’t put it down.
Through the characters of Lysbette, Charlotte, and Milly, the novel highlights the unbroken thread of women pushing against the constraints of their time. Lysbette’s fight to have her words preserved, Charlotte’s determination to honor them despite danger, and Milly’s struggles in post-war England and America all mirror one another, demonstrating how little some challenges have changed even four hundred years apart. As a woman in 2025, I found myself relating to each of them such as the frustration of being dismissed, the yearning for independence, the hunger to leave behind more than silence.
The manuscript at the heart of the story, hidden and rediscovered, felt like a metaphor for women’s history itself: fragile, easily buried, but when uncovered, capable of rewriting narratives. The layers of espionage, censorship, forbidden books, and code-breaking were captivating, but what stayed with me most was the emotional truth; the courage it takes for women to think, write, and live beyond the roles assigned to them.
The author’s attention to historical detail was remarkable, from the echoes of McCarthyism in the 1950s, to the religious crackdowns of the 1500s, to the lingering secrecy of Bletchley. Each era felt immersive, and I appreciated how the narrative wove them together seamlessly without losing emotional depth.
This is not only a story about manuscripts and codes, but about the enduring fight for women’s intellectual and personal freedom. A sweeping, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring novel that I couldn’t put it down.
March 3, 2026
Set over differing timelines and told from the perspective of three main female characters, Charlotte, Lysbette and Milly, this is a captivating story of censorship through the ages – from the 16th century through to the 20th and the brave women who despite the danger they faced from accusations of heresy and communism in an intolerant world were determined to make their voices heard.
A 400 year old encrypted manuscript is the focus of the story; in 1500’s Paris renowned printer of theological books Charlotte Guillard is defying the authorities and secretly printing literature that has been banned. A brutal murder is the catalyst for Charlotte’s determination to protect the manuscript for future generations in any way she can.
The stories of all three women were beautifully drawn but for me Milly was the star. Hiding secrets of her past from her family through necessity, her feelings of loneliness and boredom were palpable but through her friendship with a local librarian, she was afforded some independence at a time when women couldn’t even open a bank account without their husband’s permission. She loved her husband and children of course but housework wasn’t her natural forte and she didn’t fit in with other mothers at the school gates. Her part was central to the story however actions have consequences, especially in McCarthy’s era of accusations for anything deemed to be subversive or “unAmerican,” whether it be books, teaching or people.
Compelling, powerful, rich with detail and superbly researched this is a story to savour. There is always an element of Louise’s books that is both thought provoking and educating and Book of Forbidden Words is no exception. I was drawn into this from the first page and have no hesitation in recommending.
At the back of the book is the author’s interesting ‘Behind the Book’ outlining those characters and events that were inspired by fact and history and those which are fictionalised.
A 400 year old encrypted manuscript is the focus of the story; in 1500’s Paris renowned printer of theological books Charlotte Guillard is defying the authorities and secretly printing literature that has been banned. A brutal murder is the catalyst for Charlotte’s determination to protect the manuscript for future generations in any way she can.
The stories of all three women were beautifully drawn but for me Milly was the star. Hiding secrets of her past from her family through necessity, her feelings of loneliness and boredom were palpable but through her friendship with a local librarian, she was afforded some independence at a time when women couldn’t even open a bank account without their husband’s permission. She loved her husband and children of course but housework wasn’t her natural forte and she didn’t fit in with other mothers at the school gates. Her part was central to the story however actions have consequences, especially in McCarthy’s era of accusations for anything deemed to be subversive or “unAmerican,” whether it be books, teaching or people.
Compelling, powerful, rich with detail and superbly researched this is a story to savour. There is always an element of Louise’s books that is both thought provoking and educating and Book of Forbidden Words is no exception. I was drawn into this from the first page and have no hesitation in recommending.
At the back of the book is the author’s interesting ‘Behind the Book’ outlining those characters and events that were inspired by fact and history and those which are fictionalised.
May 14, 2026
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Really Enjoyed this Book about a Book written in 1552. The Book is written in code since it is an unsafe time to write openly. Then in 1952, Milly, a recently married woman who has moved to the USA from London is asked by her old boss to try and figure this 400 year old book out. This is in the time of deep fear of Communism and Unholding Family Values, so anyone writing or acting un-American could get in deep trouble. Millie enjoys the challenge of breaking the code though and she is also asked to write for a woman’s magazine. So, at both times, suppressing women’s voices and banning books is being done. It was chilling, but such an enjoyable story. Very relatable considering current times.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for a copy of this book.
Really Enjoyed this Book about a Book written in 1552. The Book is written in code since it is an unsafe time to write openly. Then in 1952, Milly, a recently married woman who has moved to the USA from London is asked by her old boss to try and figure this 400 year old book out. This is in the time of deep fear of Communism and Unholding Family Values, so anyone writing or acting un-American could get in deep trouble. Millie enjoys the challenge of breaking the code though and she is also asked to write for a woman’s magazine. So, at both times, suppressing women’s voices and banning books is being done. It was chilling, but such an enjoyable story. Very relatable considering current times.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for a copy of this book.
August 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read Book of Forbidden Words by Lois Fein.
Book of Forbidden Words was not what I was expecting. I thought it would be like many WWII books that approach the topic of banned books or books used to pass coded messages during the war. Yes there is a book that is encrypted, but it is 400 years old.
Book of Forbidden Words takes place in the 1950s, where the fear of communism was very real. Milly, as far as anyone knows, is a typical housewife, but she is far from ordinary. During the war, Milly had a top secret job, the kind she can never talk about. When someone from her past shows up unexpectedly with a 400 year old manuscript, she has to come up with a cover story to keep her past a secret.
Book of Forbidden Words tells the story of how this manuscript came to be. Like Milly, it too has secrets that could be dangerous if the truth ever came out. The reader is taken back in time to 1552 Paris, where we learn about the author of the manuscript, ex-nun Lysbette, and the woman who helped her print it, Charlotte.
Throughout history there has been the issue of banning books and censorship. Whether it is Lysbette and Charlotte in 1552 Paris or Milly in 1952 New York, new ideas are feared and considered dangerous. The three women in this story face the challenge of protecting the manuscript and its contents. They struggle with the consequences of what they are doing, as well as the consequences if they don't.
I enjoyed this book. The issues the characters face are just as real today as they were then. People fear change, are resistant to new ideas, and often see information as dangerous. So, they try to control it by banning books, censoring information, and denying access.
Book of Forbidden Words was not what I was expecting. I thought it would be like many WWII books that approach the topic of banned books or books used to pass coded messages during the war. Yes there is a book that is encrypted, but it is 400 years old.
Book of Forbidden Words takes place in the 1950s, where the fear of communism was very real. Milly, as far as anyone knows, is a typical housewife, but she is far from ordinary. During the war, Milly had a top secret job, the kind she can never talk about. When someone from her past shows up unexpectedly with a 400 year old manuscript, she has to come up with a cover story to keep her past a secret.
Book of Forbidden Words tells the story of how this manuscript came to be. Like Milly, it too has secrets that could be dangerous if the truth ever came out. The reader is taken back in time to 1552 Paris, where we learn about the author of the manuscript, ex-nun Lysbette, and the woman who helped her print it, Charlotte.
Throughout history there has been the issue of banning books and censorship. Whether it is Lysbette and Charlotte in 1552 Paris or Milly in 1952 New York, new ideas are feared and considered dangerous. The three women in this story face the challenge of protecting the manuscript and its contents. They struggle with the consequences of what they are doing, as well as the consequences if they don't.
I enjoyed this book. The issues the characters face are just as real today as they were then. People fear change, are resistant to new ideas, and often see information as dangerous. So, they try to control it by banning books, censoring information, and denying access.
March 9, 2026
The Book of Forbidden Words connects the lives of three women through an encrypted manuscript and the ideas hidden inside it. As the story unfolds, each woman’s life becomes tied to the manuscript in a different way, and each must grapple with what it means to find—and use—her voice.
What really stayed with me while reading was the way the book explores how women’s voices have historically been suppressed. Empire, religion, and social expectations all shape the lives of the women in the story and influence how they’re allowed to show up in the world.
Reading it now, the themes still feel incredibly relevant. People in power tend to work hard to maintain that power, and dissenting voices are often the first ones pushed aside.
In the end, the novel feels like a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be. Even when voices are suppressed, stories have a way of surviving.
A thoughtful piece of historical fiction that hit home in more ways than one. Great for fans of Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, and readers who enjoy historical fiction that centers strong women and their stories.
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley and am sharing my honest review.
What really stayed with me while reading was the way the book explores how women’s voices have historically been suppressed. Empire, religion, and social expectations all shape the lives of the women in the story and influence how they’re allowed to show up in the world.
Reading it now, the themes still feel incredibly relevant. People in power tend to work hard to maintain that power, and dissenting voices are often the first ones pushed aside.
In the end, the novel feels like a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be. Even when voices are suppressed, stories have a way of surviving.
A thoughtful piece of historical fiction that hit home in more ways than one. Great for fans of Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, and readers who enjoy historical fiction that centers strong women and their stories.
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley and am sharing my honest review.
August 4, 2025
A timely and compelling read following the dual timeline of a post WW2 housewife in the McCarthy years and then of a 16th century printer and former nun who are risking everything to imagine a world where dissenting voices (especially those of women) arent silenced. Plucky and prophetic. 4.5 stars rounded up.
I’m grateful to Netgalley for an ARC for review.
I’m grateful to Netgalley for an ARC for review.
May 25, 2026
This book is perfect for readers and non-readers alike today. The meaning behind this book is clear: you can NEVER EVER succeed in banning any pathway of knowledge. Once humans could learn to read, we became unstoppable.
Censorship and book banning are the main focus of this book, centering the years 1552 and 1952. Ironically, despite the 400 years the separate these two time periods, the struggles women who thought differently than the majority were still pretty much the same. Charlotte and Lysbette in the 1552 timeline are working on coding a manuscript and preserving the words in the manuscript for generations. As their story develops, it is evident that these women seek social change for the women in their communities. They question a woman's inability to think, to be intelligent, to be dominate forces of society - they assert that women are just as, if not more, capable of power as men.
In the 1952 timeline, we meet Milly - a doting mother and hardworking housewife with a loving husband. During the war, Milly helped crack the German Enigma Code at Bletchley Park, a world-changing event of new, advanced technology that took years off of the war and saved possibly millions of lives. Now, in New York, she follows the same protocols as any married mother would do in the 1950s which was taking care of her husband and children. Milly knows she's meant for more and receives the same manuscript that Charlotte and Lysbette were working on, tying their worlds together.
With Charlotte and Lysbette facing certain death for their activities and Milly (living during the Cold War period where anything deemed un-American was cause for arrest) facing extradition, these women sought to change the world by telling women (and men) that they were destined for more; that their lives didn't have to be bogged down by marriage and children and husbands. These women and all women had brains of their own, they fought against the idea that women were subservient, that their only rightful place was in the home and taking care of domestic responsibilities.
This book serves as two striking reminders, now more important than ever, 1.) Books and reading are crucial to the survival of humanity. 2.) Women are capable of anything, same as any man. Women can and will continue to change the world.
Censorship and book banning are the main focus of this book, centering the years 1552 and 1952. Ironically, despite the 400 years the separate these two time periods, the struggles women who thought differently than the majority were still pretty much the same. Charlotte and Lysbette in the 1552 timeline are working on coding a manuscript and preserving the words in the manuscript for generations. As their story develops, it is evident that these women seek social change for the women in their communities. They question a woman's inability to think, to be intelligent, to be dominate forces of society - they assert that women are just as, if not more, capable of power as men.
In the 1952 timeline, we meet Milly - a doting mother and hardworking housewife with a loving husband. During the war, Milly helped crack the German Enigma Code at Bletchley Park, a world-changing event of new, advanced technology that took years off of the war and saved possibly millions of lives. Now, in New York, she follows the same protocols as any married mother would do in the 1950s which was taking care of her husband and children. Milly knows she's meant for more and receives the same manuscript that Charlotte and Lysbette were working on, tying their worlds together.
With Charlotte and Lysbette facing certain death for their activities and Milly (living during the Cold War period where anything deemed un-American was cause for arrest) facing extradition, these women sought to change the world by telling women (and men) that they were destined for more; that their lives didn't have to be bogged down by marriage and children and husbands. These women and all women had brains of their own, they fought against the idea that women were subservient, that their only rightful place was in the home and taking care of domestic responsibilities.
This book serves as two striking reminders, now more important than ever, 1.) Books and reading are crucial to the survival of humanity. 2.) Women are capable of anything, same as any man. Women can and will continue to change the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2026
4.5 stars
Rich historical fiction about banned books and censorship told from the point of view of three women across two timelines - two in 16th century Europe and one four hundred years later in post-war America.
Paris 1552 - Amidst a wave of book burning and heretic hunting, Charlotte Guillard, a widow and well-respected business woman, puts herself and her print shop at risk when former nun Lysbette Angiers shows up on her doorstep with a manuscript that she wants printed.
1952: Milly Bennett left England for an American soldier and now she's a bored and lonely housewife trying to fit in with the other mothers and neighbours in her Long Island neighbourhood amidst the paranoia of McCarthy's America. An ordinary housewife with a secretive past, Milly is intrigued when a former colleague turns up on her doorstep with a centuries-old manuscript written in code to decipher not realizing that by accepting this challenge she might be putting herself and her family at risk.
Inspired by the real-life encrypted Voynich manuscript, Book of Forbidden Words is compelling, meticulously researched historical fiction - I couldn't put it down and raced through it in about 24 hours! The historical fiction aspects of the novel and the parallels between the two timelines are fascinating and it's disturbing that many of these same issues of censorship and paranoia have reared their ugly heads once again in today's political climate. This was the second historical fiction novel that I have read by this author and both were excellent (the other was The London Bookshop Affair)!
Rich historical fiction about banned books and censorship told from the point of view of three women across two timelines - two in 16th century Europe and one four hundred years later in post-war America.
Paris 1552 - Amidst a wave of book burning and heretic hunting, Charlotte Guillard, a widow and well-respected business woman, puts herself and her print shop at risk when former nun Lysbette Angiers shows up on her doorstep with a manuscript that she wants printed.
1952: Milly Bennett left England for an American soldier and now she's a bored and lonely housewife trying to fit in with the other mothers and neighbours in her Long Island neighbourhood amidst the paranoia of McCarthy's America. An ordinary housewife with a secretive past, Milly is intrigued when a former colleague turns up on her doorstep with a centuries-old manuscript written in code to decipher not realizing that by accepting this challenge she might be putting herself and her family at risk.
Inspired by the real-life encrypted Voynich manuscript, Book of Forbidden Words is compelling, meticulously researched historical fiction - I couldn't put it down and raced through it in about 24 hours! The historical fiction aspects of the novel and the parallels between the two timelines are fascinating and it's disturbing that many of these same issues of censorship and paranoia have reared their ugly heads once again in today's political climate. This was the second historical fiction novel that I have read by this author and both were excellent (the other was The London Bookshop Affair)!
February 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc. I really enjoyed this book! I did have a hard time getting into it in the beginning but once everything was established, it just flowed really well. I like that you can tell the author put research and genuine interest into this book. I also enjoyed the 3 perspectives because it really helped build the book into what it was. All three women were brave to do what they did and I think it was inspiring. I also honestly liked George because even though he might not have agreed with Millie, I think him never seeming to give up on her was nice. I loved the ending because it gives you hope. I really liked this book and recommend it!
April 29, 2026
2.5* rounded up to 3*
"If voices of dissent are silenced, if people can't, or don't want to hear different points of view, then it is not a healthy society. "
Book of Forbidden Words is a story about censorship and resistance told through three POVs across different timelines. The writing is strong and the research is clear, and I really liked all three main characters. However, the pacing felt slow at times and didn’t fully hold my attention. Still, I’m glad I read it for its important message.
"If voices of dissent are silenced, if people can't, or don't want to hear different points of view, then it is not a healthy society. "
Book of Forbidden Words is a story about censorship and resistance told through three POVs across different timelines. The writing is strong and the research is clear, and I really liked all three main characters. However, the pacing felt slow at times and didn’t fully hold my attention. Still, I’m glad I read it for its important message.
March 27, 2026
If you are interested in historical fiction, the suppression of women, coding, & censorship, then this might be the book for you.
Three women are featured in this novel, Milly (a woman in the 1950s & a former Bletchley Park coder), Lysbette (1500-1600 orphan, former nun) & Charlotte (1500-1600 who owes a printing house). Lysbette wrote a book that she wanted to print. However, fearing that it might be deemed unfit because it defied the thoughts of the time, she wanted to bring it to Charlotte to have it printed. Lysbette, though, was pretty sure her life was in danger & sure enough, it was. Charlotte, after finding the book, decided to print it; however, she coded it incase it fell into the wrong hands. But centuries later, it falls into Milly's hands & Milly decodes it using the skills she learned at Bletchley Park. However, Milly's live unravels very quickly, as well, as she reveals the content very slowly.
It is sad to find out that censorship & the banning of books has always existed & it's even sadder that now, it today's day & age, we are still subjected to this because people fear change & see information & new ideas as being dangerous.
An intriguing read!
Three women are featured in this novel, Milly (a woman in the 1950s & a former Bletchley Park coder), Lysbette (1500-1600 orphan, former nun) & Charlotte (1500-1600 who owes a printing house). Lysbette wrote a book that she wanted to print. However, fearing that it might be deemed unfit because it defied the thoughts of the time, she wanted to bring it to Charlotte to have it printed. Lysbette, though, was pretty sure her life was in danger & sure enough, it was. Charlotte, after finding the book, decided to print it; however, she coded it incase it fell into the wrong hands. But centuries later, it falls into Milly's hands & Milly decodes it using the skills she learned at Bletchley Park. However, Milly's live unravels very quickly, as well, as she reveals the content very slowly.
It is sad to find out that censorship & the banning of books has always existed & it's even sadder that now, it today's day & age, we are still subjected to this because people fear change & see information & new ideas as being dangerous.
An intriguing read!
February 24, 2026
Another timely, infuriating dual timeline historical fiction novel set in 16th century Europe and 1950s America that follows the journey of one encrypted manuscript, one woman printer, one woman author and one British American housewife/codebreaker who dreamed of a better world.
Together they all play a part in fighting to protect the words on the manuscript's pages that envision a more egalitarian life for women everywhere. I loved this story about a former Bletchley Park codebreaker turned American housewife who gets tasked with decoding this mysterious manuscript only for her to fall under the Comstock/Communism craze of the 50s and get torn from her family and deported back to England.
This book is for anyone who stands against censorship, book banning and for gender equality. It's truly sad and rage-inducing that women are still having to fight for equal rights against angry, scared men who want to silence their voices.
Great on audio narrated by a full cast and perfect for fans of books like The librarian of banned books by Brianna Labuskes or The sisters of book row by Shelley Noble. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Together they all play a part in fighting to protect the words on the manuscript's pages that envision a more egalitarian life for women everywhere. I loved this story about a former Bletchley Park codebreaker turned American housewife who gets tasked with decoding this mysterious manuscript only for her to fall under the Comstock/Communism craze of the 50s and get torn from her family and deported back to England.
This book is for anyone who stands against censorship, book banning and for gender equality. It's truly sad and rage-inducing that women are still having to fight for equal rights against angry, scared men who want to silence their voices.
Great on audio narrated by a full cast and perfect for fans of books like The librarian of banned books by Brianna Labuskes or The sisters of book row by Shelley Noble. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2026
Historical fiction featuring dual timelines of 1500s France and McCarthy-era USA exploring the suppression of women.
April 13, 2026
This is a work of historical fiction centered on women’s voices, resistance, and the preservation of ideas under threat. Set across timelines and anchored by its three principal characters, it weaves together past and present through the mystery of decoding a lost manuscript. While the premise holds promise, its execution is uneven because it sacrifices narrative subtlety for thematic insistence.
The novel’s most distinctive feature is its almost exclusively female cast. Milly, Charlotte, and Lysbette occupy the narrative foreground, while male characters drift in the periphery, largely undeveloped and functionally incidental. This structural choice clearly aligns with the book’s feminist intentions, yet even the female characterizations often lack depth. Each of the central figures feels more like a vehicle for ideas than a fully realized person. Their motivations, emotional contradictions, and interpersonal tensions are sketched in broad strokes, which diminishes our ability to engage with them on a more personal level.
Fein’s feminist framework is unmistakable throughout and often heavy-handed. She seems less interested in ambiguity than in asserting an ideological position. This can feel didactic. Her approach ultimately detracts from what might otherwise have been a compelling literary mystery. The novel’s broader thematic messaging overshadows its promise of decoding a lost manuscript—arguably its most intriguing thread.
That said, there are moments when Fein finds her footing. Her research is evident, particularly in the historical sections, which are rendered with convincing detail and atmosphere. When the narrative leans into suspense—especially in scenes involving the risks associated with preserving forbidden ideas—it becomes far more engaging. These glimpses suggest a more balanced novel lurks beneath the surface, one that might have more effectively integrated its themes with its storytelling.
The most resonant aspect of the book lies in its exploration of intellectual repression. This theme is where Fein’s work achieves its greatest relevance. It draws a clear line from the past to the present, emphasizing the enduring dangers of authoritarian systems that seek to control thought and silence dissent. The suppression of ideas, the policing of language, and the fear-driven rise of reactionary movements are not confined to history; they echo in the contemporary world. The book explicitly explores the post-war climate in the United States, where fear of communism fueled ideological rigidity. But it also gestures toward the resurgence of ultra-right movements in various countries today—most notably in America.
Ultimately, “Book of Forbidden Words” is a novel of admirable intentions but mixed results. Its thematic urgency and historical grounding are compelling, yet its lack of character nuance and its overemphasis on a feminist message limit its impact. Readers seeking a richly textured historical narrative or a gripping literary mystery may come away somewhat unsatisfied.
The novel’s most distinctive feature is its almost exclusively female cast. Milly, Charlotte, and Lysbette occupy the narrative foreground, while male characters drift in the periphery, largely undeveloped and functionally incidental. This structural choice clearly aligns with the book’s feminist intentions, yet even the female characterizations often lack depth. Each of the central figures feels more like a vehicle for ideas than a fully realized person. Their motivations, emotional contradictions, and interpersonal tensions are sketched in broad strokes, which diminishes our ability to engage with them on a more personal level.
Fein’s feminist framework is unmistakable throughout and often heavy-handed. She seems less interested in ambiguity than in asserting an ideological position. This can feel didactic. Her approach ultimately detracts from what might otherwise have been a compelling literary mystery. The novel’s broader thematic messaging overshadows its promise of decoding a lost manuscript—arguably its most intriguing thread.
That said, there are moments when Fein finds her footing. Her research is evident, particularly in the historical sections, which are rendered with convincing detail and atmosphere. When the narrative leans into suspense—especially in scenes involving the risks associated with preserving forbidden ideas—it becomes far more engaging. These glimpses suggest a more balanced novel lurks beneath the surface, one that might have more effectively integrated its themes with its storytelling.
The most resonant aspect of the book lies in its exploration of intellectual repression. This theme is where Fein’s work achieves its greatest relevance. It draws a clear line from the past to the present, emphasizing the enduring dangers of authoritarian systems that seek to control thought and silence dissent. The suppression of ideas, the policing of language, and the fear-driven rise of reactionary movements are not confined to history; they echo in the contemporary world. The book explicitly explores the post-war climate in the United States, where fear of communism fueled ideological rigidity. But it also gestures toward the resurgence of ultra-right movements in various countries today—most notably in America.
Ultimately, “Book of Forbidden Words” is a novel of admirable intentions but mixed results. Its thematic urgency and historical grounding are compelling, yet its lack of character nuance and its overemphasis on a feminist message limit its impact. Readers seeking a richly textured historical narrative or a gripping literary mystery may come away somewhat unsatisfied.
March 23, 2026
As a library worker, heavy reader, and staunch feminist, this book tackled a lot of things I hate the most. It's two timelines 400 years apart, multiple POVs, and this story shines a light on how repressed and oppressed women have always been and continue to be. It feels all the more poignant because of things happening today, like book bans, reversals of body autonomy, and censorship of free speech, despite the modern timeline in the book being 70 years ago. It still goes on!
The plot was fascinating, and I was emotionally charged throughout. The historical pieces were palpable and the storytelling was fantastic. The three main characters are all very smart and courageous women taking risks doing things that put them at odds with what the patriarchy allows women to do, and some bits are quite harrowing. I thought the ending was interesting and I can't say anything, but I was surprised, half good and half disappointed.
The plot was fascinating, and I was emotionally charged throughout. The historical pieces were palpable and the storytelling was fantastic. The three main characters are all very smart and courageous women taking risks doing things that put them at odds with what the patriarchy allows women to do, and some bits are quite harrowing. I thought the ending was interesting and I can't say anything, but I was surprised, half good and half disappointed.
June 13, 2026
This is a book which effortlessly jumps backwards and forwards through time to tell the narratives of three women all with the same struggle. The book within the book itself is a mystery which unfolds over centuries and once revealed, threatens the existing world of men. As a man myself, I found I learned something of history and of women’s struggle. I was also able to draw connections to our current times, especially with the banning of books and the censorship of liberal ideals. This is not only a reality under the current Trump administration, but also makes me think of the treatment of protestors within the UK. Frighteningly relevant. It is also a page turner. Having no knowledge of decoding manuscripts I thought these sections of the novel might go over my head, but the author is somehow able to make it not only accessible, but thrilling! I’d definitely recommend!
May 7, 2026
What especially intrigued me about this novel was its unique historical setting. Two of the three
timelines takes place in the 1550s, a period I don’t seem to come across in historical fiction, which immediately made the story feel distinctive.
The novel was clearly very well researched and centered around a hidden Greek manuscript written in the 1550s that connected the lives of three women across different time periods. I especially appreciated how the story explored themes of censorship, rigid societal expectations, and restrictions that shaped the women’s lives in different ways.
The only drawback I found in the story was the pacing, which became slow at certain points in the novel.
timelines takes place in the 1550s, a period I don’t seem to come across in historical fiction, which immediately made the story feel distinctive.
The novel was clearly very well researched and centered around a hidden Greek manuscript written in the 1550s that connected the lives of three women across different time periods. I especially appreciated how the story explored themes of censorship, rigid societal expectations, and restrictions that shaped the women’s lives in different ways.
The only drawback I found in the story was the pacing, which became slow at certain points in the novel.
February 19, 2026
Book of Forbidden Words by Louise Fein is a historical fiction is about banned books and censorship across 400 years. Between 1552 France with the printing press spreading new ideas and 1952 Long Island deep in the McCarthy era with an encrypted manuscript and the women who are fighting the suppression of ideas.
I enjoyed the 1950s timeline more because I loved the Bletchley Park encryption angle and I prefer more recent historical fiction. The 1550s was good, but seemed a little slower for me. I liked the parallels in this book and seeing how the manuscript helped these women fight for what they believed in.
If you're looking for a more unique historical fiction check out Book of Forbidden Words!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I enjoyed the 1950s timeline more because I loved the Bletchley Park encryption angle and I prefer more recent historical fiction. The 1550s was good, but seemed a little slower for me. I liked the parallels in this book and seeing how the manuscript helped these women fight for what they believed in.
If you're looking for a more unique historical fiction check out Book of Forbidden Words!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
February 28, 2026
Over the past year, I have read quite a few books that seem to parallel the dystopian USA timeline we are living in. This book is chilling in the historical facts that echo current events. I was especially struck by the Minute Women and their similarity to Moms for Liberty. I hope this book and others will raise consciousness and get people, especially women, thinking and questioning. There are dangerous and destructive forces attempting to stifle democracy, equality and justice. Too many people are complacently ignoring current events and excusing themselves by claiming not to be political. That is a mistake born from privilege.
June 4, 2026
An interesting vision of the dangers of free speech, and the even greater dangers of free speech in name only. Sadly, this world is still not ready for the forbidden words the author fabricates in this book, and I can only hope that the author herself doesn't run into horrible repercussions for her ideology here. This world is still not kind to women, especially ones with ideas of equality. I enjoyed the writing, minus a few mistakes in keeping with historical accuracy--easy to do when you're switching between three timelines. Overall, a good but sobering read, because history repeats itself, especially in the present times.
March 8, 2026
This is a really good read on so many levels. It is a genuinely well written historical novel that switches between narratives in 1552 and 1952. Both historical periods conjure up a very real atmosphere and sense of feelings of the time. You might think upon picking up this book that 1552 and 1952 can have very little in common but this thoughtfully written book proves otherwise. The parallels are quite striking especially to think that women’s roles in society hadn’t perhaps changed that much and the paranoia and fear around different thoughts and philosophies were still prevalent. Fast forward to 2026 and although women’s rights have moved on there are still scarily many similarities with 1952 especially when we see parents being separated from their children across the World because people are seen as different. This is a really good history novel.
May 18, 2026
Typically, I love historical fiction. However, this book was missing a lot for me. The story of young Lysbette had depth until she’s sent to the convent, then it gets very shallow with very little insight into her world. Millie’s story also feels half baked. There’s very little love and romance in her storyline with George. So when she betrays him, it’s hard for the reader (even female) to be but so sympathetic to her in the face of George’s reaction. The books reminded me like many historical fictions, that I’m glad I live today and not then, but really, that’s all.
February 7, 2026
A strongly feminist historical fiction split between the Protestant Reformation & the Red Scare/McCarthyism. I loved the concept (centuries old book inspired by the Voynich manuscript, female codebreaker from Bletchley Park, secret communication between women, etc.), but it felt a bit slow to me & I wished there was more focus on the encryption and mystery!
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
March 6, 2026
Book of Forbidden Words goes back & forth between the 1500s & the 1950s from 3 different women’s perspectives. Lysbette is a ward to Sir Thomas More & becomes a nun & writer, Charlotte meets Lysbette & is determined to help her with her manuscript, & Milly comes in 500 years later to decipher the encrypted manuscript. This book tells the story of times where books were banned for heresy in the 1500s & for political reasons in the 1950s. The consequences when you didn’t follow the law or rules of the time could really be dangerous & heartbreaking. This book showed that & just how horrible some women were treated. Very interesting book!
May 19, 2026
In the 16th century a former nun delivers a manuscript to a well-known female printer. It is a manuscript describing a country where women are equal to men. Centuries later a woman who worked on breaking German codes during WWII deciphers the coded manuscript and in a popular women's journal writes a series descripting such a place. It's the early 1950s and this gets her deported back to her England. I've not done justice to the story here, and it is a book well worth reading. An ongoing issue.
May 5, 2026
I enjoyed this very much. Well written, well crafted, well researched and highly compelling. The underlying theme is women's suppression in a patriarchal world, and the male fear that free expression of ideas will upset the long established imbalance of power between the sexes and corrupt and degenerate the cornerstones of establishment and society. The injustices of the 16 th century are paralleled with those of 1950s America during McCarthyism, and indeed are still in evidence today, albeit to a less shocking degree. It is a book written for women about strong, brave women of the past daring to whisper their wisdom through the ages in the hope of empowering women of the future. It delivers a stark reminder that we should never give up fighting for justice, for equality, for Utopia. We still have a long way to go, and many a battle to overcome.
May 28, 2026
I adored each of the three different timelines and the ways the women were both terrified and determined in spite of the risks they faced. It would be wonderful if the real world was truly ready for the Utopian, matriarchal vision of the encrypted, fictional manuscript that made this narrative so worth reading.
February 25, 2026
I really liked the different timelines and the comparisons of the times, including the inevitable comparison of our current time. It also had several elements to which I'm a sucker for - books, libraries, women's wartime efforts, encryption/decoding, and the innate power of women. Really interesting read
March 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
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