The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper
by Hallie Rubenhold
Approximately 368 pages
This book sheds light on the lives of the women affected by a notorious historical event, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known story.
Difficulty
Accessible
Pace
Medium
Mood
informative, empathetic
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- true crime
- you appreciate women's history
- you like social commentary
Consider another book if
- you prefer fictional narratives
- you dislike historical analysis
What it is about
"The Five" by Hallie Rubenhold explores the lives of the five women murdered by Jack the Ripper. The author focuses on Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly. Each woman is presented as a complex individual rather than just a victim.
Rubenhold delves into their backgrounds, revealing their struggles and societal challenges. The book highlights issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and the stigma surrounding sex work. It challenges the narrative that these women were disposable figures in a sensationalized crime story.
Rubenhold draws on historical records to reconstruct their lives before their deaths. The work emphasizes the importance of understanding their humanity. The author aims to restore dignity to the women often overshadowed by their murderer.
Ultimately, the book serves as a commentary on the societal conditions of Victorian London.
Award recognition
2019 winner
Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction
United Kingdom
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