Book of Forbidden Words: A Novel – A Dual Timeline Historical Fiction of Three Women, an Encrypted Manuscript, and the Fight for Free Speech - Louise Fein

Book of Forbidden Words: A Novel

(Author: Louise Fein)

“Devotees of rich historical fiction and contemporary social discourse alike will be enthralled.” — Booklist (Starred Review)

“A gripping and compelling tale of powerful women who refuse to be silenced. This is exactly the kind of story the world needs right now.” — Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author

From bestselling author Louise Fein comes a sweeping, atmospheric historical novel about banned books, censorship, and three extraordinary women bound across centuries by a single, encrypted manuscript—perfect for fans of Weyward and The Briar Club.

1552, Paris: As the printing press spreads revolutionary ideas across Europe, religious and political elites retaliate with brutal book burnings and heretic hunts. When former nun Lysbette Angiers arrives at Charlotte Guillard’s famed printing shop carrying a dangerous secret text, neither woman anticipates how far the authorities will go to silence Lysbette’s bold ideas.

1952, New York: Milly Bennett feels isolated in suburban America amidst the paranoid height of McCarthyism. But her quiet routine shatters when a relic from her past delivers a 400-year-old encrypted manuscript for her to decode, drawing her into a dangerous web of political suspicion and censorship.

Inspired by the mysterious real-life Voynich manuscript, Book of Forbidden Words bridges 16th-century Paris and 20th-century New York in a thrilling celebration of free speech, female courage, and the eternal power of the written word.

Key Features:

• Inspiring Dual-Timeline Narrative: Seamlessly weaves together the Reformation-era printing presses of Renaissance Paris and Cold War McCarthyism in New York.

• Inspired by History: Draws fascination from the real-life encrypted Voynich manuscript and pioneer female printer Charlotte Guillard.

• Timeless Relevance: Focuses on pressing themes of censorship, intellectual freedom, book banning, and women fighting against systemic silence.

• Ideal for Book Club Discussions: High-appeal read for fans of Kate Quinn, Kristin Hannah, Bridget Collins, and Sarah Penner.