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books_with_kayleigh's review
5.0
What a joyous romp of a read! I ended up loving both Harriet and Ruby, and especially enjoyed when they met.
Ruby is the perfect loveable rogue - she does bad things but is so endearing you feel you can easily forgive her. Her greed and vanity make her who she is.
The forties made for fascinating reading, and I can't blame Harriet for her obsession with them, given her stifled home life.
The descriptions of the characters and places are vivid and I think because of the 1920 setting it feels quite Peaky Blinders at times (minus the Brummy accents.)
Harriet's sheltered life and innocence and Ruby's reality were in such stark contrast throughout, and I'm not sure Harriet could have ever understood Ruby's mindset or way of thinking because of that.
I'd have loved to learn a little more of Ruby's relationship with Solly, and I was hoping Harriet would end up with someone else, perhaps from the newspaper...
I have to say, I did appreciate that the ending was the most realistic scenario but I was disappointed for Harriet and wished for a continued friendship
Ruby is the perfect loveable rogue - she does bad things but is so endearing you feel you can easily forgive her. Her greed and vanity make her who she is.
The forties made for fascinating reading, and I can't blame Harriet for her obsession with them, given her stifled home life.
The descriptions of the characters and places are vivid and I think because of the 1920 setting it feels quite Peaky Blinders at times (minus the Brummy accents.)
Harriet's sheltered life and innocence and Ruby's reality were in such stark contrast throughout, and I'm not sure Harriet could have ever understood Ruby's mindset or way of thinking because of that.
I'd have loved to learn a little more of Ruby's relationship with Solly, and I was hoping Harriet would end up with someone else, perhaps from the newspaper...
I have to say, I did appreciate that the ending was the most realistic scenario but I was disappointed for Harriet and wished for a continued friendship
chaptersofvicki's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit back to 1920’s London. The author has described the setting so well I could really visualise it.
I was intrigued by the forty thieves, I loved reading about them and the women and the relationships they had with each other.
Ruby and Harriet were both really strong characters from completely different backgrounds I loved both of their characters.
If you are an historical fiction fan I recommend this one. Im looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was intrigued by the forty thieves, I loved reading about them and the women and the relationships they had with each other.
Ruby and Harriet were both really strong characters from completely different backgrounds I loved both of their characters.
If you are an historical fiction fan I recommend this one. Im looking forward to reading more from this author.
travelsalongmybookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
The Dazzle Of The Light - Georgina Clarke
‘Ruby Mills was born to be a thief….the diamonds stick to my fingers. I’m born to sparkle.’
Ruby Mills is one of the notorious Forty Thieves, beautiful, and ruthless in her ambition to be Queen of the syndicate.
Harriet Littlemore comes from a good family and is engaged to a rising star of the tory party. An aspiring journalist she wants a successful career of her own.
When Harriet witnesses Ruby fleeing the scene of a robbery, she becomes fascinated with her and it’s something that Ruby can use.
But will the fall out from their acquaintance prove too much for them?
I absolutely devoured this and rattled through it so fast. Full of twenties glamour, dazzling diamonds, heists, the gangs that rule London and a pacy thrilling plot, it held my attention from start to finish.
Ruby is feisty, hard as nails and uber glamorous. Harriet is demure, beautiful but has a streak of obstinacy that I loved, a need to do and be something in the period immediately post The Great War, when most women still did not have the vote and were expected to marry, have babies and simper.
I felt so drawn into this world and it is so well constructed, full of raffish characters, adventure and danger. I really feel that this could be an excellent Sunday evening drama series, there is so much to hold your attention and I just love the fact that it is the women who are front and centre in this story.
A dazzling tale, full of glamour and thrills
‘Ruby Mills was born to be a thief….the diamonds stick to my fingers. I’m born to sparkle.’
Ruby Mills is one of the notorious Forty Thieves, beautiful, and ruthless in her ambition to be Queen of the syndicate.
Harriet Littlemore comes from a good family and is engaged to a rising star of the tory party. An aspiring journalist she wants a successful career of her own.
When Harriet witnesses Ruby fleeing the scene of a robbery, she becomes fascinated with her and it’s something that Ruby can use.
But will the fall out from their acquaintance prove too much for them?
I absolutely devoured this and rattled through it so fast. Full of twenties glamour, dazzling diamonds, heists, the gangs that rule London and a pacy thrilling plot, it held my attention from start to finish.
Ruby is feisty, hard as nails and uber glamorous. Harriet is demure, beautiful but has a streak of obstinacy that I loved, a need to do and be something in the period immediately post The Great War, when most women still did not have the vote and were expected to marry, have babies and simper.
I felt so drawn into this world and it is so well constructed, full of raffish characters, adventure and danger. I really feel that this could be an excellent Sunday evening drama series, there is so much to hold your attention and I just love the fact that it is the women who are front and centre in this story.
A dazzling tale, full of glamour and thrills
thebookclub's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
flickingthroughpages's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow I really enjoyed this one. Loved following the two female main characters although I definitely preferred Ruby. Loved the 1920s setting and nightclub scene. Would make a great tv show! Highly recommend. Good pacing too.
aclarkmassey's review
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jessicaoreads67's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really really enjoyed this book. It was just two women living very different lives and how their lives crossed and effected each other. It was so hooking. I loved the subtle character development. I loved the storylines. And I like how it ended. I initially wished they’d have crossed later in life but that’s not how life always happens so I like how it was just one chunk of time. It may not be a normal read for me but I think it is a really well written book. 100% recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Gun violence, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy
sarahrosereads's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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