Beautifully written historical fiction of women in the 1920's coming into their own! Nell finding out who she truly is even if it means leaving family behind in a time when Women are expected to be seen and not heard - it felt very relevant to todays narrative and still historical at the same time. I really enjoyed this read

had high hopes for Poor Girls by Clare Whitfield, especially after thoroughly enjoying People of Abandoned Character, which I read earlier in the year. Unfortunately, Poor Girls didn’t come close to reaching the same standard. While I appreciate what Whitfield was attempting to do, the execution felt disappointing in many ways.

First off, the characters were a major letdown. They were flat, one-dimensional, and difficult to invest in emotionally. I couldn’t bring myself to care about their journeys, which made it hard to stay engaged with the narrative. The lack of depth in the characters really hindered the story, as they felt more like caricatures than real people.

The historical elements, which could have added richness and context to the story, were clumsily integrated. Rather than being woven into the plot, they felt more like a history lesson inserted awkwardly into the narrative. This left the book feeling less like a compelling historical fiction and more like an educational pamphlet at times ~ which was disappointing given the promising setting.

Overall, the plot was also lacking. There was no real sense of direction or momentum. It felt like a series of disjointed events without much of a central driving force, which made it hard to stay invested. It was, quite frankly, boring.

Sex and drugs and jazz! Inspired by a real early 20th century gang of criminal women know as The Forty Elephants, led by 'Queen' Alice Diamond Claire Whitfield has written a novel about fictional character Eleanor (Nel) Meckridge who escapes from being a put upon seaside hotel waitress to join a group of women stealing from high end London shops and hotels. Having struggled against the behaviour of the upper classes towards her when Nel was a waitress she finds that the gang she has joined is just as stratified and hierarchical as the mileu she has run away from. Whilst an enjoyable tale of Nel trying to take control of her life it is marred by thinly drawn stock characters and regular and unbelievable 21st century style consciousness raising and speechifying about freedom and rights. I understand Wright's fascination with these women and desire to bring their exploits to a wider audience but sometimes truth is better and might have been more satisfying and interesting than fiction.

Based on the real all female crime gang, the Forty Elephants, from 1920s London, we follow Nell, a young 19-year-old working class woman from Brighton working as a waitress serving the snobbish upper class.

Nell can’t resist when the opportunity comes to move to London and join the infamous gang, always seeking a new adventure.

This story was fascinating from the start. The way the glitz and glamour of gang life entwined and clashed with the dark gritty underbelly of 1920s London was cleverly written.

I absolutely adored the sisterhood and found family vibes between Nell and her ‘cell’; the group of girls who operated and worked together as one. Each character was fascinating and I loved how many of them were got to meet. The girls were unique, colourful and complex, each bringing something different to the plot. I was particularly fascinated by how they learnt the tricks of the trade, from how they stole clothes from department stores and jewels from the jewellers.

Overall, this was a fun and wicked story. I really enjoyed the writing style and characters, and I was hooked throughout. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this and I would highly recommend for historical fiction fans.

DNF at 30%

I don't like not finishing books, I really don't. I admit that I have been in an awful reading mood this year so it's often impossible to determine if it's the book or the reader (i.e. me, obviously) who is at fault. But I struggled so hard with Poor Girls, which is a shame as I was really looking. forward to it.

The story being likened to a female Peaky Blinders intrigued me from the get-go. Even though I'm afraid I turned the first episode off after barely twenty minutes. But I like the idea of a female gang of thieves and whatnots roaming the streets, taking what they wanted, and living the life. On top of that, I enjoyed the knowledge that the upper wealthy classes would soon be collapsing after the war, and the poorer people, who worked so hard during the war, would finally be getting an opportunity to maybe move up a little in the world.

Unfortunately for me, I just wasn't getting along with this story. I didn't particularly like any of the characters, not even Eleanor, which I felt was somewhat of a problem. She seemed horribly naive and I have no doubt that the actual girls leading that particular life Eleanor stumbled into would have had her for breakfast. The pace was excruciatingly slow for me, and I don't deal well with that at all lately. I needed a bit more oomph, stuff happening, and even after 30% there seemed to be so very little of that, and my fickle mood just became horribly twitchy. I'm sorry to say at that point I just lost interest, and rather than forcing myself to continue something I wasn't enjoying, I decided to admit defeat.

I've read other reviews. I'm most definitely in the minority so far. So it seems it is me, and not the book. I'm sorry I couldn't be more positive.

If you’re looking for a darkly funny historical thriller, look no further. Poor Girls is a story inspired by the real-life female crime syndicate, The Forty Elephants and follows the character of Nell as she leaves her life in Brighton behind for a more lucrative career as a thief in 1920s London.
When I started the book, I wasn’t expecting it to be so witty and engaging from only the first few chapters, but Clare Whitfield very effectively draws you into Nells' life. 
Nell is a character most women will relate to. She’s clever, angry and restless. After being useful during the war, she’s struggling to fit back into the role men expect of her. When she meets the girls of the Forty Elephants, she takes to the role of a ‘hoister’ easily and chases the thrill of thieving and making a good living from it. 
I really loved the camaraderie between the girls in this book. While the story is primarily Nells, there are some great side characters that never feel flimsy. Effie and PC Bevan are two particularly interesting ones that stuck out for me. 
While it may err in portraying the overly glamorous side of this thieving lifestyle, there are hints of the danger these girls faced if they were caught. Prison is a looming threat that Nell is terrified of, and there’s one effective line of foreshadowing near the start of the book where Nell's sister names her Icarus…

Overall, it's a very entertaining read, with strong characters and and ‘eat the rich’ message that will appeal to a lot of readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for my ARC copy!

This book has a lot of reference to the 1922 - maybe I missed the blurb but it isnt one I would normally go for!

This is a brilliant, fast paced telling of the Forty Elephants, with richly drawn characters (who though fictional) give an authentic portrayal of how this gang actually operated, and vividly reveals the social and economic situations of women during the 20s.

This book is very Great Gatsby - think glitz, glam and gangs!

Poor Girls is certainly a captivating read for readers who like to explore independent authors. You will be swept away by the gripping story of a young woman's journey to break free from society's expectations and forge her own path in the Roaring Twenties, amid the glamor and danger of a bygone era.

Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this eCopy to review

Poor Girls is a gripping and darkly funny thriller set in 1920s London, inspired by the real-life all-female crime gang known as the Forty Elephants. The story follows Eleanor Mackridge, who reinvents herself as Nell the Mack and joins the gang to escape a life of servitude and marriage.

The novel opens with Eleanor, horrified by the limited future mapped out for her, deciding to take control of her destiny. She crosses paths with the Forty Elephants, a gang of bold women who wear diamonds and fur, drink champagne and gin, and take what they want without asking. Nell sees a new future for herself: she can serve, marry, or steal. The story is filled with high-stakes heists, glamorous nights, and the constant threat of getting caught. The tension builds as Nell navigates the dangerous world of crime, balancing her desire for freedom with the risks involved.

The characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Nell is a fabulously unsentimental heroine, determined to make her own way in the world. The other members of the Forty Elephants are equally compelling, each bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the story. Whitfield does an excellent job of developing these characters, making them feel real and relatable.

The story is a celebration of female strength and audacity, showing how women can take control of their lives and make their own rules.

Whitfield’s writing is engaging and evocative, bringing 1920s London to life with vivid descriptions and crackling dialogue. The multiple perspectives add a layer of complexity to the story, allowing readers to see the events from different angles.

Poor Girls is a brilliant novel that combines historical fiction with a thrilling crime story. It’s funny, fast-paced, and dark, with characters that will stay with you long after you finish the book.

Poor Girls by Claire Whitfield is inspired by the real life members of the Forty Elephants, a gang of female thieves who operated in London. Here we follow Eleanor/Nell as she is drawn into a life of crime in 1920's London, a time where the economy is reeling in the aftermath of the war and young women are reluctant to renounce the independence they gained during the war years. A life of domestic servitude has lost its appeal for many women, Eleanor included. When she meets a member of the gang she is seduced by their life of champagne, furs and diamonds, even though she is troubled by the risks she takes and the threat of prison if caught.
Initially I really enjoyed this story, the character of Eleanor had enough spunk and determination to hold my interest and I love a tale about morally grey characters, especially in a historical setting, in fact I was reminded of Kate Atkinson's Shrines of Gaiety, which I had previously enjoyed. The first half of the book where Eleanor gradually becomes Nell, the accomplished thief was clearly well researched and I felt very immersed in both the lives of the characters and the society they were living in. Unfortunately I found that as I drew nearer to the end of the book the pacing felt more rushed and it seemed like the author had almost painted herself into a corner that she needed to force her way out of, That being said, I still recommend this interesting take on gang culture in a very different era.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

‘After all, men will only let you down. Diamonds are forever.’

I love this period of history and always enjoy books written about the Forty Thieves/Elephants in the 1920s.
This story is narrated by Eleanor, who finds herself hating her waitress job, and with limited other options available, she decides to join the criminal gang. We follow Eleanor/Nell as she gets drawn deeper into this underworld with her cell (group of 4 friends)
This was such an atmospheric read with brilliantly written characters. I was willing the girls to get away with their crimes!
The book gives you a great insight into society life for young girls after the war in London. I found Nell's criminal training and the details of their thieving operations fascinating. There were so many great characters too; Alice, the Queen of the Elephants, Bevan the policeman, and the four girls themselves who developed such long-lasting friendships.
A gripping read with a great plot that I would highly recommend for crime/historical fiction fans!

A good period read about the limited choices for women a century ago.

Eleanor Mackridge, like many of her peers, 'did her bit' for her country during the first world war; now, four years on, she is dismayed to realise that she is expected to settle for either serving the upper classes or finding a husband. Surely there must be more options? Well, it turns out there is. Changing her name to Nell, she joins the notorious gang, Forty Elephants, who steal luxury goods and enjoy spending their 'cut' treating themselves to the same luxurious items and enjoying the social life that the capital has to offer.

This isn't the first book I've read about this notorious gang so I wasn't as shocked as I may have been. This is a tale which brings home how much women's lives have improved over a century by providing many more choices in life. For me, this novel showed how Nell fell into crime due to a lack of opportunities but, as a lifelong believer in right against wrong, I couldn't really condone her actions. For me, 4*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Really enjoyable read based on the true story of Alice Diamond and the forty elephants. Nell is frustrated by her life as a waitress but soon seduced and groomed to be a thief in the most notorious female criminal gang of the twenties. Glorious period detail has you rooting for these girls and their only opportunity to break out of drudgery.

Poor Girls was so much fun!! Set in the aftermath of WWI and before anyone knows WWII is on the horizon, Poor Girls follows Eleanor (Nell) as she re-adjusts to life after working for the war effort. It mainly consists of waitressing and being reminded of her station on the south coast until she finds herself caught up in the
heady world of London organised crime. I loved getting to know Nell, her friends and family, and getting a brief peek into the justice system of the 1920s.

An entertaining tale set in the 1920s featuring 4 specific girls who were members of a genuine group called the Forty Elephants - a group of women who were an organised group of shoplifters in London. This story is fictional and centres on 4 girls - Eleanor (Nell), Effie, Lily and Charlie. Their characters are well developed and their loyalty to each other is wonderful.
Nell was always in trouble at school, when she left she became a waitress and soon realised however good at her job there were always entitled people who would complain for the sake of complaining and would cause them trouble. The customer is always right is not an easy thing to put up with. So Nell escapes to London and joins this group of shoplifters - she finds good friends, excitement and more money than she ever thought she would have.
This follows Nell's early life - there is shock, horror and laughter.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Clare Whitfield/Aria and Aries for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Pitched as the female Peaky Blinders, Clare Whitfield’s Poor Girls is a fabulous romp of angry girls taking what they have no chance of ever getting honestly. When we first meet main character, Nell she’s living a very proper life working as a waitress in Brighton’s poshest hotel yearning for the freedom, and the higher wages of her Wartime Job in the munitions factory. A chance encounter leads her into a new life with London’s Forties gang. A gang of women who work in small groups to lift huge quantities of luxury goods from a cross London’s top end department stores, boutiques, and jewellers by running distractions, Nell is soon earning 3 years salary in a single week. It’s so much fun to see these girls choose to be wicked, to choose to break the bonds that leave women with only 3 options Serve - hours of drudgery and abuse from ones so called betters, marry - being shackled to the first man that comes along churning out children meals and laundry, or steal everythinag being born working class denies them. This is no morality tale and is inspired by the true history of the Forty Elephants gang of Elephant and Castle, the Forties being run by the indomitable Alice Diamond. As brutal as gang life could be the gang looks after it’s own fully aware that justice is dependent on class, status and money - only the poor go to prison after all. I massively enjoyed this story and I’d love to see more of Nell of the girls pulling heists wherever they end up.

Thank to Head of Zeus for the review.

I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed reading the stories about the forty theives/forty elephants and how it wasn't just about the thefts but the women behind them. It was an amazing tale where you get transported back in time and gripped learning about the women and their crimes. Throughly enjoyable and throughly recommeneded.

Based on a true life female gang called the forty elephants, this book is a delight to read! Set in 1920s London, the forty elephants are a true force of nature and exceptionally brave.

I enjoyed reading more about the real members of this gang such as Diamond Annie, the queen of this gang.
Nell, Effie, Lily and Charlie are remarkable characters and you will be rooting for them!

Eleanor Mackridge, a waitress at the Grand Hotel, has few prospects in 1920's Brighton. Following a chance meeting with a male gangster, she is introduced to an all-female gang of thieves - the Forty Elephants. She moves to London and joins the gang as Nell the Mack.
Poor Girls is a well-researched novel based on real people. It is a well-written, immersive read with relatable characters. Rich with period detail, it transports the reader to London between the wars.
Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Poor Girls by Clare Whitfield transports readers to the gritty, glamorous world of post-WWI England, where Eleanor “Nell” Mackridge finds her way from a dreary existence in Brighton to the enticing, dangerous streets of London. Set in the 1920s, the story introduces us to the notorious Forty Elephants, an all-female gang known for their high-profile heists and rebellious defiance of societal norms. When Nell meets a mysterious young man who later connects her to the group, she’s offered an escape from her mundane life as a waitress—and a chance to taste freedom and luxury.

Character Development and Themes

Whitfield crafts a relatable, multi-dimensional protagonist in Nell, a young woman seeking something beyond the limitations society imposes. Her evolving relationship with her new friends—strong-willed women like Charlie, Lily, and Effie—reveals her growing sense of agency and camaraderie within the gang. Nell’s struggle with the thrill of criminality versus her aversion to violence grounds her in realism, making her a sympathetic and intriguing character.

Historical Setting and Social Commentary

The novel brilliantly captures the despair and resilience of the working-class women of the time. The post-war era is depicted with vivid accuracy, from the desperate need for financial security to the allure of a champagne lifestyle. Whitfield's portrayal of women in the 1920s—forced back into oppressive roles after glimpsing freedom in wartime jobs—adds depth to the motivations of the Forty Elephants. The historical details about fashion, social customs, and London’s criminal underworld create an immersive setting.

Final Thoughts

Fast-paced and filled with fascinating details, Poor Girls offers readers a fresh perspective on an all-female gang history has largely forgotten. While the narrative occasionally jumps in time, Whitfield's storytelling keeps readers hooked. Poor Girls is an enjoyable, insightful read that balances suspense, historical intrigue, and the bittersweet realities faced by women defying society's expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries, and Clare Whitfield for the opportunity to read and review this fascinating piece of historical fiction. Highly recommended for fans of both historical fiction and crime stories!