Book Review: The Girls from Fitzroy by Jennie Jones

The Girls from Fitzroy is a remarkable story of the power of friendship.

 

Set in 1945 post war Melbourne the story follows Maggie who comes from a well to do family and Lil who lives in the slums on the other side of town. Two unlikely friends meet during the end of war celebrations and secretly become the best of friends.

 

The Girls from Fitzroy is a beautiful story about friendship and women supporting each other. Jennie Jones highlights the differences between the haves and have-nots and how during this period of history there was definitely a class divide, neither venturing into the other's territory.

 

I loved how Maggie could see beyond the poverty, to the people of the slums and how they helped each other. Jennie Jones highlights how hard times could befall anyone.

 

I enjoyed both Maggie's and Lil's stories, their ups and downs, and how they worked together for a better life for the whole community.

Through The Girls from Fitzroy Jennie Jones shows the judgemental side of high society but also highlights the best of humankind with women like Maggie and Lil who pushed for better conditions for women and workplace childcare. There were also many businesses behind the scenes that gave to the poor.

The story was slow to start but once I was immersed in Maggie's world the pages flew by and I was eager to see where Maggie and Lil's stories would take them.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 384 (paperback)

Source: Own copy