The Pearl Thief

I really like Elizabeth Wein, but this just wasn’t as good as some of her others. Code name Verity and Rose under Fire are both very good books. This was Book was just fine, as far as, the writing is still good, the story is reasonably interesting, but it just didn’t pull me in the way Verity and Tose did. Unfortunately, even though this dealt with an awesome character from Verity, I found myself just not really caring about what was happening. This was unfortunate considering I really cared about what was happening to her character in Verity. A few things some readers may want to be aware of before deciding on this title: (Some spoilers ahead. Nothing that gives sway any huge secret or solves the mystery, but they do spoil some minor events in the book.)There is some attraction between a young girl (15) and an adult man. It is mostly innocent with the girl just flirting. He does eventually show some return attraction in some inappropriate ways. Sometimes much more than others.There is some kissing between two teenaged females. As well as between a teenaged female and another teen girl she does not know that mistakes her for a male who she wants to kiss despite not knowing “him” at all. In both cases the kissing doesn’t go beyond just kissing. However, in one case it lasts for an extended period of time, in a sleepover type of scenario and is more of a makeout thanjust a kiss a simple kiss.There are a few instances of an older man trying to force himself on a younger (teenaged) girl. It does not necessarily state that sex is what the man is after, although in at least one case it is somewhat implied. But it is clear that the men are trying to physically force kissing and other physical contact onto the younger females. The advances are either unwanted or unwanted to the extent that is being pushed by the man. Nothing inappropriate, as far as being graphic or even anything that goes beyond just the attempt to force the girl into unwanted physical contact and unwanted advances takes place.

Code Name Verity is one of my all-time favorite books, and as someone who reads a lot, choosing a favorite is hard, so you know I mean it. I don’t usually like prequels, but I loved CNV so much I couldn’t resist. I was not disappointed. Wein’s cheeky, well-researched, authentic style shines through, and Julia Beaufort-Stuart was recognizable as a voice even “five years earlier” than when we first met her. It was fun to learn more about the character, to get inside her head and see her in her own element, the latter of which you don’t really get from CNV. I’m excited to read CNV again, with this background information.This being said, this novel doesn’t sparkle or snap nearly as much as Code Name Verity. CNV is a phenomenal read; it grips your heart and mind and twists them cruelly and deliciously. The Pearl Thief just doesn’t achieve that, but it still makes excellent use of the mystery genre, which coupled with the reader’s love (hopefully) of Julie, makes for an entertaining read. This book is just fun: it takes a character we haven’t gotten to see enough of and puts her in the midst of a page-turning mystery, with interesting historical and social commentary and a delightful look at Scottish culture to boot. It’s no Code Name Verity, but then again, nothing really is.

This prequel to Codename Verity by the same author was a deeply satisfying read. I recommend reading Codename Verity first, then The Pearl Thief, completing the series with the stunning Rose Under Fire.The storyline of The Pearl Thief affords subtle and thoughtful perspectives into changing opportunities for girls before and during WW2, with the added enjoyment of high adventure and intrigue. I liked these authentic characters and their relationships with family, and friends, as well as insight into a marginalized society - gypsies - who are little written about, and less appreciated. This book has the added interest of being a true mystery narrated by an adolescent female detective. Loved all three books.

This book is just perfect! It is beautifully written - sentences that make you pause and underline. Julie is such an amazing character - perfectly flawed and ultra gifted. Every character in this book is well-drawn and the Scottish scenery is just jaw-dropping. The mystery is unusual - the whole book is unusual and such a treat for the senses! Enjoy this treasure! Elizabeth Wein is one talented lady!

Wein does a great job of capturing the challenges of women during this time in history along with the prejudices that some faced. And despite all that, the characters are immensely lovable and worthy of our connection. I will definitely be looking for more titles from this author. I am not a history buff, so not able to pick out inaccuracies, but the book seemed well researched to me.

I really enjoyed how the story took me to another place and time. It is a mystery which I don't think I realized right away.Anyway, a fun read.

Elizabeth Wein once again beautifully depicts multiple dimensions and nuance in young women's friendships that are strong, loving, and understanding

enjoyed "The Pearl Thief". I liked the characters and like Elizabeth Wein's style of writing.

Elizabeth Wein's "The Pearl Thief" is an absorbing read. We are brought so vividly into the world of the book, it's hard sometimes to wrench yourself back into reality. Set in Wein's adopted country, Scotland, it is a prequel to the marvellous Code Name Verity. Julie Beaufort-Stewart is introduced as an uncertain, lies-about-her-age-to-boys teenager, while the verve and audacity of her later self are very much there already.Apart from the central mystery, and the fact that we get to meet Julie at a formative time of her life, I found the most intriguing aspect of this book to be the integral part played by the Scottish Travellers. She depicts these people, and the prejudices and hatred that they must constantly face, with understanding and genuine sympathy.It's a great romp, by turns fun and depressing and claustrophobic and adventurous, weird and wonderful and everything in between. And her writing, always good, is getting better and better. As a writer myself, I can find it difficult to disappear into a book - unfortunate phrases or poor word choice or botched dialogue can throw me right off of the page. The exact reverse happens in Pearl Thief, I was immersed in the world and entirely taken up by the characters, their ways and woes, and the beautifully depicted lives they live. There are little mysteries and large ones, and it is great fun reading along to find out who did what and why.Enjoy.

I've read both Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Now I've read the "prequel", The Pearl Thief.It's different from the first two books, set just pre-war and more a coming-of-age story (I was reminded of ’I Capture the Castle'). It's immensely readable, pulls no punches when portraying the class system and prejudices of the era and I'm glad I've read it.However...I'm also glad that I read Code Name Verity before reading this new story. For me, a major part of Verity was the unknown, the gradual piecing together of the jigsaw and the utterly compelling denouement. I'm not sure I would have been so moved if I'd already learned a little of Julie's history.That said, I'd recommended this book unreservedly. Don't let the YA target audience put you off - it's a well-written book that is suitable for adults too ☺️.

book looks off-putting!!!

If you're looking for something related to Code Name Verity, this is not what you need. I found it not as interesting as I thought.

A great precuel of our dear character Verity... The narrative is exceptional as always is with Elizabeth Wein and her pen-style writing! A must-to book!