Hallie Rubenhold’s The Five has been praised for its meticulous research and compassionate portrayal of Jack the Ripper's victims, bringing their stories and the socio-economic struggles of Victorian women to light. However, some readers found its focus on social history over true crime disappointing. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and empathetic work that reclaims the victims' identities.

Readers fascinated by social history and women's stories will enjoy The Five by Hallie Rubenhold. This book is ideal for those who appreciated The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot or Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, as it meticulously reconstructs the lives of Jack the Ripper's victims, emphasizing their humanity over their deaths.

The Five by Hallie Rubenhold focuses on the lives of five women, often overshadowed by their association with Jack the Ripper. The book humanizes Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly, highlighting their personal stories, backgrounds, and the societal challenges they faced in Victorian London.

Informative / Mysterious / Dark / Melancholic / Contemplative

- The Five by Hallie Rubenhold won the 2019 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, which celebrates the best in non-fiction writing, making Rubenhold the first female winner in three years.
- The book shifts the narrative focus from Jack the Ripper to the lives of his female victims, providing a feminist perspective and challenging long-held myths about them.
- Hallie Rubenhold's extensive research for The Five uncovered numerous historical documents and personal records that had been overlooked for over a century, offering fresh insights into the lives of the women she profiles.

Hallie Rubenhold

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Five and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Five Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Five Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction

The Five Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Polly, August 26, 1845-August 31, 1888”

Part 1 The Five Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Annie, September 1841-September 8, 1888”

Part 2 The Five Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Elizabeth, November 27, 1843-September 30, 1888”

Part 3 The Five Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The Five Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Mary Jane, c. 1863-November 9, 1888”

Part 5-Conclusion

The Five Part 5-Conclusion Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Five Key Figures

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Themes

The Five Themes

Index of Terms

The Five Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Five Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Five Essay Topics

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Five?

Reading Age

Book Details