I was excited to see Clare Whitfield release a new book, after enjoying her previous novel, People Of Abandoned Character. Poor Girls did not disappoint: it's a whipsmart novel that balances a fast paced Peaky-Blinders-For-Women crime caper with nuanced social commentary about the changing role of women in inter war society. I absolutely inhaled it and wish I had more stars to give.

Eleanor Mackeridge is a former munitions worker, current waitress, struggling at being put back into a box after doing meaningful work during WW1. After a (not so?) romantic tryst with a male gangster she finds herself recruited to an all female gang of shoplifters, the Forties or Forty Elephants. While her romance with the gangster is shortlived, Nell finds real sisterhood with her cell of shoplifters, and their female friendship is the central "love story" of the novel.

Nell is a dynamic and likeable character: even when she's scared her instinct is to face things head on. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who likes morally grey female characters. However, Clare Whitfield doesn't shy away from the nastier realities of the time: on two occasions Nell is pushed into actions that ruin lives, one of which is truly heinous. While she carries a great deal of guilt about it, this may still be off putting for someone who wants a morally uncomplicated Robin Hood type protagonist who only steals from people who "deserve it." But omitting the harsher realities would do a disservice to the real history the story is based on. From the afterword, regarding the real women of the Forty Elephants: " Their stories are important, authentic, complex and deserve to be heard. All people, regardless of their origin or status, must be considered with empathy and compassion, as well as critique in our collective history."

Eleanor Mackridge, a 20-year-old woman, is appalled by the conventional future laid out for her: to either serve the upper classes or secure a husband. Having worked in a munitions factory during the war, handling explosives, she now finds herself in a society eager to revert to traditional gender roles, relegating women to their former positions. However, Eleanor has always defied societal expectations. When she encounters a member of the infamous female-led gang, the Forty Elephants, she is captivated by these audacious women who adorn themselves in diamonds and fur, indulge in champagne and gin, and take what they desire without seeking permission. She begins to envision a new future for herself—one where she can choose to serve, marry, or steal.

Contrary to the adage that blood is thicker than water, Nell believed otherwise. For her, money was the only reliable constant, and diamonds were even more so. Yet, it wasn't the wealth that enticed her; it was the excitement, the sense of purpose, the camaraderie, and the thrill that she craved.

After a difficult decision and a poignant farewell to her family, the journey back to London became a painful transformation. Eleanor Mackridge ceased to exist along the way, metaphorically killed by Machete Mack. In her place emerged Nell the Mack. The old Eleanor, too delicate for this harsh world, had not foreseen this metamorphosis, but it was ultimately for the best. Rest in peace, Eleanor Mackridge. Long live Nell the Mack.

Throughout the narrative, we encounter a host of vibrant characters—brave, liberated women who, by societal standards, appear to take the easier path. The writing style immediately engages the reader, and the novel is replete with action and tension, culminating in an ending that complements the story's rhythm.

This book is both fascinating and challenging, as some characters are inspired by real individuals. It is crucial to approach their portrayal with respect and accuracy. The story is based on extensive research into the real women of the Forty Elephants and explores a frequently overlooked period in our history, between the two world wars.

These women's stories offer profound insights into the socio-economic landscape of their time. Their narratives are significant, authentic, complex, and warrant being heard. It is essential to consider all individuals, regardless of their background or status, with empathy and compassion, as well as a critical eye, in our collective history.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

another hit from Clare!
this book follows Eleanor as she tries to cope with her life following 'The War' (World War One) and deals with her sudden lack of freedom after having a job and independence during the war.
she's working at the Grand Hotel in Brighton when a mysterious man draws her interest, and then her ire as he drops her in hot water with hotel staff. from there, she's drawn into a diamond dazzling world of intrigue and drama in the crime hotspot of London.
I loved this book! it was so fun to read a previously unknown side of history, especially when it's inspired by real people. there was a wealth of lovely descriptions, and I adored the showing of different characterisations of people within the scope of that world. this, combined with the horrors that many people of that generation faced (as well as how blasé many characters were when disclosing and discussing such topics) and how it developed characters and their personalities were wonderful to read and enjoy.
I'll definitely be snagging a copy of this when it's out in paperback for my collection, and I'm so excited to see the cover reveal when that happens!

1920s, post-war Britain is in the midst of a depression when Eleanor (Nell) finds herself drawn into a daring and dangerous enterprise at once making her feel thrilled and alive. Dazzled by the glitz and excesses of 1920s clubs, cars, dresses, furs and jewels, Nell is determined to reinvent herself as a ballsy, confident, glamorous woman, even if it means leaving her much-loved family behind. Combining real people like Alice Diamond, Queen of the Forty Elephants with fictional but very believable and sympathetic characters, Poor Girls' reflects on the limited opportunities and prejudice faced by women in post war 1920s Britain, particularly if born poor. The argument is made that luxury goods are seductive (insured) and so deserving of being stolen and sold on and that financial security shouldn't only be enjoyed by the wealthy few whose wealth has come from inheritance or through the hard labour and servitude of others. Clare Whitfield writes about the controlling side of being a member of the gang but slightly glosses over the darker side of gang culture emphasising the sisterhood and empowerment instead. That said, this was an enjoyable read which I would recommend. Kate Atkinson's 'Shrines of Gaiety' is a brilliant read if you enjoyed this book.

Set in 1920s London, this intriguing tale is a wonderful piece of historical fiction.
I have previously read a non-fiction book on the notorious female gang named the Forty Elephants, which feature in this story.....so my interest in the theme of this novel was willing it to be great....and I was not disappointed.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Perfectly decent, though I fear in a few weeks, not perfectly memorable.
Interesting learning how the robbing was done, from the organising to the shop floor grabbing it.
A good mix of characters.
It just felt a bit flat sometimes.