"Vividly bold and striking, 1920’s London roars to life around the Forty Elephants female crime gang in this fascinating meld of fact and fiction. "
Oh my, what a story! Set in the 1920’s, Nell finds herself caught in the middle of a crime spree, and faced with the difficult decision of whether to serve, marry, or steal. The Forty Elephants actually existed, women running their own, mostly family based, gang of thieves from the 1870’s through to the 1950’s. Author Clare Whitfield has obviously thoroughly researched the history of these women and has created a thrilling and beautifully eloquent tale. Her compelling debut People of Abandoned Character was also set among history and focused on Jack the Ripper. Some of the actual figures from the Forty Elephants appear within Poor Girls, however the majority of this tale is set within the fictional world of Nell. It feels oh-so real, the clubs and clothing are described so vibrantly, and the life of the gang sparks with fiery authenticity, It isn’t all high-jinks, diamonds and champagne, the darker side of their life spills into violence, and prison life is made abundantly clear. I found myself caught hook line and sinker, not wanting to put this book down as the end drew ever closer. Chosen as a LoveReading Star Book, this really hits the spot. Exciting and fascinating in equal measure, Poor Girls grounds itself in reality and thrusts a fist in the air for the strength and audacity of these women.
