The Eights is a book that will stay with you for a very long time. Set in the aftermath of WW1, this is so much more than the telling of women finally being allowed to study for a degree at Oxford University. It is about a country forever changed by loss and trauma. About the survivors, both male and female, of a devastaing war that was supposed to end all wars. Recognising the impact on the women of WW1 was an additonal dimension that added so much to tthe book. Jo0anna Miller's research was amazing - I was there in 1920, on the bridges, on the lawns and in the library. It almost goes without saying that I adored the four female students on Corridor Eight of St Hughs, an all female college. They are all so different, all so likeable, all so damaged but strong. I honestly couldn't pick a favourite. I love a book about female friendship, about a turning point in history, and about women suvceeding against the odds. The Eights had in all in spades. When I came to the last page I wanted to go back and read it all again. If you have a book club you MUST pick this book. There is so much to discuss. II promise that you will not regret it. (And you can thank me later.) Five massive fat stars from me. * * * * * (Wish I could give it six!)

I loved every page of this lovely book. I’ve only just finished and already miss Beatrice, Otto, Dora and Marianne (and am hoping for a continuation of their stories). They are four women who go up to St Hughes College, Oxford in 1921, the year that women are finally allowed to be awarded degrees, and are collectively known as the Eights, after the corridor they are allocated rooms on. Set shortly after women over 30 were granted the right to vote, the backdrop of disapproval from so many people plus the sense of loss and sadness from WW1 is brought vividly to life. The four women, all from totally different backgrounds form a strong, supportive bond. As we get to know them in 1921, each of them also has a chapter or two dealing with their previous lives and the secrets that each of them are hiding, and there are a couple of twists in there too. It is all so skilfully done and beautifully written and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone, but especially those who enjoy historical fiction.

This is a fabulous book about a group of women who are the first admitted to study at Oxford after the First World War. Each has their reasons for wanting to be there, to be pioneers in a new world, and we read their stories and get to know their secrets as they build strong relationships with each other. I loved learning about how these women paved the way for others, and about the restrictions placed on them as women in such a male environment. I loved the interweaving of real figures from history alongside the fictional heroines. I grew to love these brave women, particularly admiring Otto, who is feisty and fun. Great storytelling and really moving. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

A wonderful first novel that tells the story of four ordinary young women who attend Oxford University in 1920 - the first year women are allowed to attend as students. Absolutely loved this novel for it's historical references but also for the fictional characters of Dora, Otto, Beatrice and Marianne as the weave their way through life and studies in this momentous year. A pleasure to read . Looking forward to more from Joanna Miller

My favourite quote from this book "We live in a time of great change, in the shadow of a war many of us are still fighting" Following a quick introduction to each of the 4 woman Beatrice, Theodora, Marianne and Ottoline, we cycle straight to Oxford University, 1920 where it's freshers week. It's was a feat in itself that women were now able to study at Oxford. For that I guess they should be grateful (sarcasm fully intended). Though this is a breakthrough the women of the university both tutors and students are subject to severe restrictions, unlike their male counterparts. The Eights, incidentally refers to corridor eight in halls where the 4 girls stay. As its set in the aftermath of WW1, the girls and those around them still live with the vicarious trauma of the horrors of the killing fields of Flanders and the Somme. Each have their own reasons for being in this place, each have thier own secret scars. Poignant, moving, witty, intelligent and infuriating. This book takes your emotions all over the place. It's about friendship, determination and bravery. It's describes the losses and gains that a horrific war inflicted, what a strange world we live in where a library book must be protected but not so the life of a young man. It had won my heart by page 5. Suse Thank you penguin figtree and the very lovely Joanna Miller for this stunning advanced gifted copy. Due for publication April 25