Most of us who had nothing, would strive to achieve a better life in an honest way (wouldn’t we?) but in 1920’s London, notorious real life female criminal gang ‘The Forty Elephants’ decided that what they couldn’t have they’d just take anyway!

Its 1922 and twenty year old Eleanor Mackridge is living with her parents in Brighton and serving the upper classes in a posh hotel. During the war she worked in a munitions factory, handling explosives, for which she was well paid, as well as doing her bit for the country, but she quickly found that after the war, society deemed that women were no longer needed to do ‘men’s’ work, and were put firmly back in their place.

Eleanor sees no future other than marriage, (hopefully to a kind and decent man), but it’s not enough for her, so when she comes across a member of the Forty Elephants, she imagines a life of plenty - cash, diamonds, luxurious furs and champagne, and from there onwards she’s destined for a roller coaster of a life!

Eleanor becomes ‘Nell’, and joins a cell of the Forty Elephants, who take thieving to a whole new level, alongside Effie, Lily and Charlie.

"The British papers portrayed them as stupid, feckless, feeble minded and the molls of bad men. The American ones portrayed them as dangerous, beautiful and romantic. Both were disappointing. One version to be fucked, the other burned at the stake. It might be nice to occupy somewhere in the middle on occasion, as if they were the same species as men."

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. The main four characters are amusing, slightly wicked ( Effie more so) but also with good hearts when the occasion calls for it. A terrific read that comes highly recommended.

I requested this book because of the next lines "We were never destined to have anything – so you know what we did?
We took it anyway." so I had to read it and I loved it. I loved reading and learning more about a moment in history I had no idea it existed. Nell and the other characters where actually quite enjoyable to spend time with. It is a fast paced story that keep you wanting to know what next and hoping for the best for the girls.

This was such an immersive, historical read set in 1922, following our female protagonist (20 year old Eleanor) who doesn’t want to marry or spend the rest of her life in a demeaning job serving the upper class so she escapes, changes her name and gets involved a women’s gang. She joins the 40 Elephants, a real-life female gang that were involved in thievery. A female crime syndicate from East London who specialised in shoplifting. Glamorous and uncompromising.
Eleanor discovers her agency and finds there is more to live to than following the rules…
This was such a fun read. Whitfield has researched this period and really recreated a vivid sense of place, but the research never feels heavy handed. Her prose, plot and characters are so relatable and engaging that I found myself just going with the flow of the story.

Wow, this was a delightfully brilliant and wild ride of a story that is also captivating and hilarious story. Set in the 1920s, we get the glitz and the glamour and the seedy underbelly of that era with the poignant escaping of a dull fate. Elenore doesn't want to either be a servant or some dull man's wife so she escapes, changes her name and becomes part of a sisterhood that celebrates the life of crime. Clare Whitfield took the reality of what many women faced in this era and gave those women a choice, a different destiny and a way to have incredible fun whilst doing it. I feel like this is a wonderful book to read for any woman or female identifying person to reflect on their own sisterhood, the bonds that bind us and how we can rewrite our own histories, should we want to. This is such a brilliant book, everyone should read it!

I love a book that opens your mind to a past truth, but is totally different. Rarely have I been barracking for a criminal, but I certainly was for Nell and her cell. Constrained by the times, post WW1 Britain, Nell can’t see a way of getting forward , yet is very aware of the injustices of life. This is a book about class and society, but it also about friendships and the power of women. I was almost relieved when she got caught, and the ending was an absolute ripper! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Forty Elephants, even more so knowing that they once truly existed. Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an opportunity to read and review this book.

From the moment I turned the first page of "Poor Girls," I was thrust into a world that pulsates with vigour and rebellion. Clare Whitfield has masterfully crafted a narrative that is engrossing and incredibly relevant, echoing themes of female empowerment and defiance against societal constraints in post-war 1920s London.
Eleanor Mackridge's journey resonated with me. As a twenty-year-old navigating society's suffocating expectations, I felt her horror at the future laid out before her: a life spent either in service to the upper class or tethered to a husband. Having worked in a munitions factory during the war, where she was valued for her abilities rather than her gender, Eleanor had tasted independence. Watching society regress was maddening. Whitfield captures this sentiment beautifully, painting a vivid portrait of a young woman on the brink of transformation.
When Eleanor met a member of the Forty Elephants, my heart raced alongside hers. The allure of these fierce women—bold, glamorous, and unapologetically wicked—was intoxicating. Who wouldn’t be captivated by diamonds, fur, and a life lived fully on one’s terms? As Eleanor sheds her old identity, she becomes “Nell the Mack.” This metamorphosis isn’t just a physical change; it’s a declaration of agency, a rejection of societal norms, which I found immensely inspiring. The juxtaposition between Eleanor's delicate upbringing and Nell’s audacious spirit hit home for me; it’s a reminder of the potential for reinvention that resides within us all.
Whitfield's writing style is both engaging and immersive. The pacing is brisk, filled with action and tension that kept me flipping pages late into the night. I was pulled into the underbelly of London, surrounded by women who challenged the status quo and carved out a space for themselves in a man's world. The novel's tension is palpable, as we swiftly navigate through plots filled with peril and excitement.
One of the aspects of "Poor Girls" that I found particularly compelling is its foundation in historical reality. The Forty Elephants, inspired by real women, add a layer of authenticity that is both fascinating and challenging. As I read, I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of these women’s stories, often marginalised in mainstream history. Whitfield has not only brought them to life but has also encouraged readers to engage with their complexities empathetically.
"Poor Girls" isn’t simply a tale of crime; it’s a vibrant exploration of femininity, independence, and the often-unseen struggles of women from that era. The concluding chapters left me contemplating the socio-economic landscapes of their time and how relevant these themes still are today. Whitfield’s work is a reminder that history is rich with untold stories, and it is our responsibility to listen and learn from them.
In conclusion, reading "Poor Girls" was an exhilarating experience that challenged my perspectives and reignited my appreciation for stories of women who defy convention. It is a brilliant escape into a bygone era that still speaks to us today, and I highly recommend it to anyone drawn to tales of resilience, ambition, and rebellion.

The blurb for this one grabbed my attention, as someone who enjoys historical fiction. However, this one wasn't for me and I DNFed. The writing style is not for me and I don't think it aligns with the times described in the book. I like the writing to go well with the times where the story happens. Having modern words thrown here and there defeats that purpose for me.

I think this might be Claire Whitfield's best book to date, "Poor Girls". Set in the 1920s, Eleanor is recruited by the 40 Elephants and turns her back on a life of waitressing and other serving roles to join the notorious female gang. I thought it was brilliant. I loved the descriptions of the characters, the in-depth schemes, the pantaloons they wore when "hoisting" in the big department stores (who knew you could roll up fur coats and stick them in your pants!) and the whole alternative 1920s vibe. I've definitely seen another side to the roaring 20s. Thought the ending was a really positive way of ending the book too.

After experiencing a previously unheard-of level of freedom and autonomy during World War One, Eleanor finds it hard to adjust back to life as a working class young woman, with no voice and very little money. The chance to change her life arrives with a handsome man who introduces her to the Forty Elephants, a notorious all-female criminal gang working out of South London, and Eleanor, newly-christened as Nell, grabs at it.

The story follows Nell as she learns the skill of hoisting, stealing everything from jewellery and trinkets to fur coats. She’s reluctant and nervous at first, but her friendships with the rest of her cell grow and she becomes accomplished and respected, even earning herself a menacing nickname.

Poor Girls offers a compelling look at the harsh realities faced by impoverished young women of the era, using this real-life gang to explore their fight for survival and empowerment. The characters are richly drawn and relatable, but by the end, the plot takes a few twists that felt somewhat unbelievable and slightly out of place, pulling me out of the story.

That said, it’s an enjoyable read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in 1920s London or stories of strong, empowered women.

An enticing novel delving into the role women played in criminal underbelly of 1920s London. A work of fiction inspired by the real women of the Forty Elephants.
Strong start, tapered off a bit in the middle but a solid finish. A good read overall

This was average for me, I don't know if I like the style or something was missing for me, I didn't feel it was true to the time and era. The way the main character spoke even, so it took me away from the story a lot.
It was a bad book, just not the best Historical Fiction I have read sadly.

This book follows the story of Nell as she joins The Forty Elephants, a gang lead by criminally inclined women in London during the 1920s. I love books about London but I felt it focused too much on the characters and didn't provide enough context for my liking. I liked the progression of Nell's interest into the criminal world as it felt natural and fitted with her character, but I would have preferred to hear more about the exploits of some of the other members, especially the older and long standing members of the group. The disconnect the main character felt from some of her horrid actions did not sit right with me and I think it would have added a further dimension to her character if her guilt and remorse was explored more in depth.

This was such a fun read! Based on a true story, I loved learning about the history of the Forty Elephants gang and how they worked in order to get themselves out of poverty. The character development of Nell was wonderful, through the book she went from an anxious and scared girl to a confident woman who knew her worth. This was my first book of Clare’s, and it won’t be my last!

I looked forward to reading this historical novel based around the notorious all female criminal gang, The Forty Elephants, whose speciality was shoplifting.
The writing is good, the characters are colourful and their lives are portrayed really well, immersing the reader in the post war era. However, for me, the plot lines were a little flat in places and the pacing a little slow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.

Girl Power 1920’s style - I adored this fabulous historical romp! Nell joins the Forty Elephants, a real historical gang with some memorable characters I want to read more about. I loved the descriptions of 1920’s London - from the glamorous to ordinary. It’s really interesting to read about the streets, shops, hotels and nightclubs still there today. A fab story with underlying social commentary about women of the time. Eleanor or Nell and her ‘cell’ of 3 gals are a riot! I want to read about their onward travels round the globe now!

I’ll admit it’s weird reading a book where the character has your name 😂, but Eleanor soon became Nell and it was less strange! Eleanor was a great main character. Her naïveté around the Forty Elephants allowed us to learn as she did and explore the new world. Some of her actions felt a little random, like she was acting without thinking things through.

I loved the descriptions of the 1920s settings and locations across the book, they were wonderful to read. It felt immersive to the world, and situated the story in its context. The story did a really good job at exploring the social and economic situations of women during the 20s. The different women’s stories felt authentic, complex and unique from one another.

Poor Girls was a great read, and I enjoyed its authenticity and how it was inspired by real individuals. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction novels, and strong female characters.

I absolutely adored this book. I love books which are based on real life & especially stories about the forty thieves/forty elephants.

It's 1922 and Eleanor, after a stint working in the munitions factory during the war doesn't want to serve or marry but instead make her own way in the world. At home in Brighton she crosses paths with someone connected to the Forty Elephants, the real life all woman gang of thieves who operate in London and the south coast, she feels a spark, an awakening..

She changes her name to Nell and moves to London to become part of a cell of women who steal. I absolutely devoured this book which has been meticulously researched. I loved the characters including real life ones. Fabulous 5*

In the last few days I found myself transported back in time to the glittering yet gritty world of 1920s London. Clare Whitfield’s Poor Girls is a rollicking romp through the jazz age, following the bold and brazen Nell as she trades her mundane life for the intoxicating allure of thievery with the infamous Forty Elephants gang. Think Ocean's Eight, but with flapper dresses and a dash of Downton Abbey drama.

Elenore, our intrepid protagonist, transforms into Nell—a woman who finds freedom and excitement in a life of crime. And oh, what crimes they are! With her newfound partners in plunder—Effie, Lily, and Charlie—Nell learns the art of the heist. These ladies don’t just shoplift; they elevate it to an art form, swiping everything from luxurious furs to sparkling diamonds with a flair that would make even the most seasoned con artist blush.

Effie, unpredictable and wild, is the beating heart of their operation, bringing a sense of danger and thrill that keeps you turning the pages. Lily, with her sharp wit and charm, navigates the societal norms they flaunt so daringly, while Charlie, the quiet mastermind, ensures their escapades are as successful as they are audacious.

But Poor Girls isn’t just about the thefts; it’s about the women behind them. Whitfield crafts a narrative that delves into their desires, fears, and the unbreakable bond they share. These are not just criminals; they are complex, compelling characters whose stories are as richly textured as the stolen goods they covet.

As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but wonder: in a world that often feels like it's rigged against us, is there a little bit of Nell in all of us? Are we all searching for that thrilling escape from the ordinary, the chance to rewrite our own stories?

So, dear readers, if you're looking to inject a little excitement into your summer reading list, look no further than Poor Girls. It’s a dazzling dance through a bygone era, full of heart, hustle, and a healthy dose of rebellion. And remember, sometimes the greatest treasures aren’t the ones you steal—they’re the ones you discover within yourself.

Until next time, keep your friends close, your diamonds closer, and never underestimate the power of a good heist.

I really enjoyed reading this book and found the concept quite refreshing and exciting. This is the first book of this author’s and of this type that I have read and I will definitely be seeking out more.

The main character was introduced quickly and efficiently in quite an authentic and believable way. Despite being a young woman who had worked to help the war efforts and living in the 1920s, the author managed to make her wholly relatable and witty. The character’s journey throughout the book felt authentic and, despite her actions not being entirely relatable to the standard reader, it was easy to empathise with her.

I was hooked very early on in the book and the pacing felt natural and well thought out, introducing the character and her background before throwing her into the beginning of the plot. I enjoyed watching how Eleanor slowly transitioned into Nell and understanding how this could happen. The three friends she made were well thought out characters with depth and clear differences, meaning they didn’t feel like side characters existing for the sake of the plot. The fact that I would eagerly read spin offs based on all three of these girls demonstrates how well-rounded their characters are.

The area where the book lost a star for me was how it felt that the pacing slowed drastically towards the last third. At that point I was very invested in Nell’s story but it began to feel as though some of the minor plots were for filler purposes.

Overall I found this to be a fascinating read and I felt satisfied with how the story played out. I would definitely recommend this and will be reading more by this author.

"Girls like us have no way of working our way to a life worth having in this country, the rich have no intention of sharing." Poor Girls by Clare Whitfield is a rollicking read about the intersection of gender and class in 1920s London. Fresh from the First World War, women are thrust back into their places with work in munitions factories dried up and they're expected to return to passive home-life—"whatever wallpapered tomb she has been given."

Nell and her brave band of fellow renegades in the Forty Elephants gang aren't happy with the status quo for poor women, so they break both stereotypes and mingle with the upper class while robbing them blind: "Both women adopted the glaze of the servant: soulless, empty, hoping to render themselves invisible." As you can imagine, those in power and their pawns (police) find this situation intolerable so it's a book-long game of cat and mouse: "The Forty Elephants rammed the department stores like a plague of lipsticked locusts."

This definitely a proto-feminist read, with the characters often questioning their gendered lot: "Why was it perfectly natural for a boy to dream of adventure and yet for a girl to have such fantasies was to reveal herself as naïve and worse, immoral." There's even a reclamation of women's violence: "Fighting belongs to us all. They try and make us girls believe fighting isn't natural for us". It's quite a funny scene when Effie teaches Nell "a little practice to deaden the fear of hitting or being hit was all that was needed." It's interesting to consider a hundred years on whether things have sufficiently widened from the position of this book where the only freedoms being available to "working class woman in my country is the freedom to serve, steal or starve."

I enjoyed going to bed at night to delve back into this nicely-told story.