This was such an enjoyable read! I had no idea about the existence of The Forty Thieves before now and Georgina Clarke evokes the period beautifully. What is equally impressive is how she draws such vivid pictures of the very different social milieu in which the main characters, Ruby & Harriet, struggle to live. What these spirited, clever, proto-feminist women have in common is a desire for agency and independence of thought and they both see in each other what the other one wants… this drives the story and is emotionally engaging. A fabulous and thoughtful novel.