This book presents itself as the recovered field notebook of linguist Edna Worthley Underwood. It’s not a linear story, but a collection of her observations, theories, and personal entries. Her central, unusual idea is that every language and dialect has a distinct sensory ‘taste’—German might taste of dark rye bread, Italian of sun-warmed tomato. The notebook follows her global quest to catalog these flavors.

The Story

The plot unfolds through her journal entries. She becomes obsessed with rumors of a ‘honey-tongued’ dialect spoken by a hidden group. The closer she gets to documenting it, the more her notes become fragmented and urgent. She writes of hearing melodies in ordinary speech and hints that this language doesn't just describe the world, but might subtly change it. The book ends abruptly, mid-sentence, leaving her fate and the existence of the language as an open question for the reader.

Why You Should Read It

What hooked me was the sheer joy Underwood finds in words. You feel her excitement in every entry. It transforms how you listen. Suddenly, a chat with a neighbor isn't just an exchange of information, but a sharing of ‘flavors.’ It’s a quiet, powerful reminder of the music and history packed into our everyday speech. The unresolved mystery of her disappearance adds a layer of intrigue that makes it incredibly hard to put down.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious minds who love words, history, or a touch of the unexplained. If you’re a fan of found documents, gentle mysteries, or books that make the ordinary world seem strange and wonderful, you’ll savor this. It’s a short, sweet, and surprisingly poignant read that sticks with you, much like the taste of honey.