The Eights by Joanna Miller (Penguin)

Joanna Miller's debut novel, set in 1920s Oxford, takes us on a journey through a time when the university first welcomed women. 

We meet four young ladies - Dora, Beatrice, Otto, and Marianne - who become close friends as they tackle this new world together. Each has her own past, dreams, and worries.

Dora, mourning her brother and fiancé lost in the war, finds herself at Oxford almost accidentally. Beatrice, the daughter of a suffragette, wants to make a name for herself. Otto, good with numbers, wrestles with her memories of being a war nurse. And Marianne hides a secret that could ruin her future.

The story's setting is beautifully painted. Miller's vivid descriptions of Oxford's grand buildings stand tall against the characters' heavy emotions. The air buzzes with both thrill and stress. These women are trailblazers in education and equality, but they also face society's judgments and personal battles.

Themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery run through the book, showing how their bond helps them face their fears and what society expects of them.

Miller writes in a way that's easy to read and pulls you in, mixing historical facts with stories about the characters. She deeply explores each character's feelings, helping readers connect with their lives. Sometimes, the story might feel slow because Miller spends a lot of time building the world, but this helps us understand the characters and their complicated lives better.

Some might say that a few characters seem similar at first, but as we learn more about them, we see how different they are. Their stories touch on important issues like gender equality and making your own choices that we still deal with today.

This book shows an important time in women's history and celebrates friendship during hard times. It's a great read for anyone who likes stories about strong women making their way in the world.

4/5