Disappearance of Lydia Harvey: A GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE WEEK: A true story of sex, crime and the meaning of justice

In 1910, Lydia Harvey, a young and working-class woman, was seen as just one of many girls who disappeared. However, when she took the stand to testify at the trial of her traffickers, she ensured she would never be forgotten. Historian Julia Laite traces Lydia's extraordinary life from her home in New Zealand to the streets of Buenos Aires and safe houses of London, revealing the lives of international traffickers Antonio Carvelli and his mysterious wife Marie, policemen who tracked them down, journalists who stoked the scandal, and Eilidh MacDougall, who made it her life's mission to help women who had been abused and disbelieved. Together, they tell an immersive story of crime, travel, and sexual exploitation, of lives long overlooked and forgotten by history, and of a world transforming into the 20th century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION




Hallie Rubenhold, the acclaimed author of the Baillie Gifford prize-winning The Five Ingenious, has crafted a gripping and unputdownable masterpiece. The Mail on Sunday hailed it as "Extraordinary," while the Guardian described it as a "masterwork." Australian Book Review praised it as "imaginative and compelling, impassioned and powerful, and deeply, deeply moving." Matt Houlbrook, the author of Prince of Tricksters, added, "Lydia Harvey was meant to disappear. She was young and working class; she had walked the streets, worked in brothels, and had no money of her own. In 1910, politicians, pimps, policemen, and moral reformers saw her as just one of many girls who disappeared."




However, when Lydia took the stand to give testimony at the trial of her traffickers, she ensured that her story would never be forgotten. Historian Julia Laite takes readers on an extraordinary journey, tracing Lydia's life from her humble beginnings in New Zealand to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires and the safe houses of London. Along the way, she unveils the lives of international traffickers Antonio Carvelli and his enigmatic wife, Marie, the policemen who relentlessly pursued them, the journalists who fueled the scandal, and Eilidh MacDougall, a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping women who had been abused and disbelieved. Together, they weave an immersive narrative that encompasses crime, travel, and sexual exploitation, shedding light on lives that have long been overlooked and forgotten by history. This captivating tale also captures the transformative era of the 20th century, as the world underwent profound changes and emerged into a new era of enlightenment and progress.




A gripping, unputdownable masterpiece




Hallie Rubenhold's The Five Ingenious is a gripping and unputdownable masterpiece that delves into the lives of women who were marginalized and forgotten by history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Rubenhold brings these women to life, revealing their struggles, triumphs, and resilience. The book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing the contributions of women who have been overlooked by mainstream narratives.




The Mail on Sunday's Extraordinary Review




The Mail on Sunday's review of The Five Ingenious praised the book as "extraordinary." The reviewer highlighted the author's ability to bring the characters to life and convey their emotions in a powerful and authentic way. They also praised the book's historical accuracy and the way it shed light on the lives of women who were often overlooked by traditional histories.




The Guardian's Masterwork Review




The Guardian's review of The Five Ingenious described it as a "masterwork." The reviewer praised the author's writing style, which was "clear, concise, and evocative," and her ability to bring the characters to life with vivid detail. They also noted the book's significance in exploring the lives of women who were marginalized and forgotten by history, and its contribution to the ongoing conversation about gender inequality and social justice.




Australian Book Review's Impassioned and Powerful Praise




Australian Book Review's review of The Five Ingenious praised the book as "impassioned and powerful." The reviewer highlighted the author's ability to blend historical research with personal storytelling, creating a deeply moving and immersive experience for the reader. They also praised the book's themes of resilience, survival, and the power of community, and its ability to inspire empathy and understanding.




Matt Houlbrook's Prince of Tricksters Review




Matt Houlbrook, the author of Prince of Tricksters, praised The Five Ingenious as a "masterwork." He noted the author's ability to create a vivid and compelling narrative that transported the reader to different times and places. He also praised the book's exploration of the lives of women who were marginalized and forgotten by history, and its contribution to the ongoing conversation about gender inequality and social justice.




Lydia Harvey's Testimony and the Power of Storytelling




Lydia Harvey's decision to take the stand and give testimony at the trial of her traffickers was a powerful act that ensured her story would never be forgotten. Her courage and determination to speak out against injustice not only helped bring her traffickers to justice but also inspired others to fight against sexual exploitation and abuse. Through Julia Laite's meticulous research and storytelling, Lydia's story has been brought to the forefront, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and honoring the experiences of women who have been marginalized and forgotten by history.




The Lives of International Traffickers and Their Enablers




The Five Ingenious delves into the lives of international traffickers Antonio Carvelli and his mysterious wife, Marie. The book provides insight into the intricate network of people who facilitated the trafficking of women from Europe to South America, and the lengths they went to in order to exploit and abuse them. The author also sheds light on the role of the police and journalists in covering up the scandal and the impact it had on the lives of the women involved.




The Lives of the Policemen and Journalists




The Five Ingenious also explores the lives of the policemen who pursued Antonio Carvelli and his wife, and the journalists who covered up the scandal. The book provides a nuanced portrayal of these individuals, showing their motivations and the challenges they faced in trying to bring the traffickers to justice. It also highlights the systemic issues that contributed to the trafficking of women, such as poverty, inequality, and cultural norms that condoned sexual exploitation.




Eilidh MacDougall's Life's Mission




Eilidh MacDougall, the woman who made it her life's mission to help women who had been abused and disbelieved, is a central figure in The Five Ingenious. The book showcases her unwavering dedication to helping these women and her tireless efforts to raise awareness about the issue of sexual exploitation. MacDougall's story is a testament to the power of one person's determination to make a difference, and her work has had a profound impact on the lives of countless women who have been affected by sexual abuse.




In conclusion, The Five Ingenious is a gripping and unputdownable masterpiece that delves into the lives of women who were marginalized and forgotten by history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Hallie Rubenhold brings these women to life, revealing their struggles, triumphs, and resilience. The book's exploration of the lives of international traffickers, policemen, journalists, and Eilidh MacDougall sheds light on the systemic issues that contributed to the trafficking of women and the importance of recognizing and honoring their experiences. The Five Ingenious is a powerful testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing the contributions of women who have been overlooked by mainstream narratives.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 146 x 225 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788164429
Edition number: Main