Hallie Rubenhold’s The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper is a masterfully written and deeply moving account that literally transports readers back to the trecherous and harsh realities of Victorian London. This book stands out to me not only for its meticulous research and eloquent prose but also for its profound empathy and dedication to restoring dignity to the lives of five women who have long been misremembered and misrepresented. Nothing new there for stories about women is there?
Rubenhold’s work is a necessary re-examination of the lives of Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly, the women tragically known as the prostitute victims of Jack the Ripper. But rather than focusing on the gruesome details of their deaths, which is usually the case, Rubenhold delves into the rich narratives of their lives. Through vivid storytelling, she brings to light the experiences, struggles, and humanity of these women, who were daughters, wives, mothers, and sisters—not merely the “prostitutes”, or theatrical “Victims” as history has crudely labeled them.
Each of the five sections is dedicated to one of the women, providing an in-depth look at their personal histories. Rubenhold’s meticulous research is commendable as she uncovers their backgrounds, family lives, and the social and economic challenges they faced. This approach offers a fresh perspective, highlighting the issues of poverty, addiction, and societal neglect that contributed to their vulnerability.
My Analysis
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars, I would! I absolutely loved it! I know, there arent many that I don’t love! But what makesThe Five particularly compelling is Rubenhold’s ability to evoke a vivid sense of time travel. Her writing really does immerse readers in the squalid streets of Whitechapel, the desperate conditions of workhouses, and the pervasive misogyny of Victorian society. Hallie tells each woman’s story with the deserved sensitivity and respect that has been seriously lacking in previous accounts, not merely recounting their lives; honoring them.
She also brazenly challenges the long-held myth that all five women were prostitutes, a label that has overshadowed their true stories for over a century- possibly contributing to the severe lack of empathy or respect given to these womens stories. She meticulously dissects the evidence (or lack thereof- because who cares about a womans demise right?) surrounding their occupations, offering a far more compassionate portrayal that defies the simplistic and dehumanizing narratives of the past.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of The Five is the way it lays bare the hardships and resilience of these women. Their stories are marked by profound loss, relentless poverty, and societal indifference. Yet, through Rubenhold’s lens, their dignity is restored. They are remembered not as victims of a notorious killer but as individuals with rich, albeit tragic, lives.
The Five is an essential read for anyone interested in women’s history, Victorian London, or the Jack the Ripper case. This book not only reclaims the identities of Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Mary Jane but also provides a powerful insight into how history has treated women for centuries.
As a woman myself who strives to uplift and empower women I feel is is a testament to the importance of telling women’s stories and ensuring that their voices are heard! This book is one that will remain in my heart for a long while and I will always recommend!
Happy reading, book lovers!
Serenity