Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, and Mary Jane Kelly. After reading this book I don't think I will ever forget these women. The Jack the Ripper story has always fascinated and intrigued and still sparks interest to this day, but what of the victims? Hallie Rubenhold has given these women a story and a voice. She tells us of their background and the circumstances that led to their fateful deaths. Life in Victorian England was not easy especially for women, rights and expectations of the female sex were harsh and this book delves into this to give us a picture of how misunderstood the lives of "the five" and women in general were.
We have been lead to believe that they were fallen women, prostitutes, and not really of any consequence, just a sad head line for the excitement and mystery of their killer. We forget that these women were human beings and individuals.This book is a real eye opener. The life of each woman has been thoroughly researched and treated with respect as is their due. This is not a book about the Ripper and I loved the fact there is no mention of his mystery at all. I highly recommend this book as a fascinating and insightful read but also for any study on Women in general.