The Disappearance of Lydia Harvey cover art

The Disappearance of Lydia Harvey

A True Story of Sex, Crime and the Meaning of Justice

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The Disappearance of Lydia Harvey

By: Julia Laite
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

WINNER OF THE CWA ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION

1910, Wellington, New Zealand. Lydia Harvey is sixteen, working long hours for low pay, when a glamorous couple invite her to Buenos Aires. She accepts—and disappears.

1910, London, England. Amid a global panic about sex trafficking, detectives are tracking a ring of international criminals when they find a young woman on the streets of Soho who might be the key to cracking the whole case.

As more people are drawn into Lydia's life and the trial at the Old Bailey, the world is being reshaped into a new, global era. Choices are being made—about who gets to cross borders, whose stories matter and what justice looks like—that will shape the next century. In this immersive account, historian Julia Laite traces Lydia Harvey through the fragments she left behind to build an extraordinary story of aspiration, exploitation and survival—and one woman trying to build a life among the forces of history.

©2021 Julia Laite (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK True Crime England Latin American

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All stars
Most relevant  
So well researched, It would be my dream to do research history work like this. It must have taken such a long time, Its an amazing, quite sad story especially for Lydia. I so appreciated learning from this book, so sad that this is still happening today, everyday, I work in safeguarding & used to work for Childline & would love to help somehow. Well done & narrative & accents brilliant. Thank you.

Absolutely Amazingly sad story

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Such research! And to 'hear' their voices from court records. Amazing. Lydia Harvey seems so strong to have stood up to her traffickers.

fascinating and moving

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A truly excellent and fascinating book, the people are brought to life vividly and the issues of the time explained in detail. very thought-provoking.

fascinating

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A story told in 6 biographies that is sadly still relevant now. The topic was challenging but well presented. Good narration.

A tough, thought-provoking story.

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A beautiful written page turning book about the sad struggles of exploration, lost dreams and the hardships of sex workers. Have your tissues ready!

Excellently well researched and written

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This book reminded me of The Five. It’s very interesting, although quite detail heavy. The narration is good.

Interesting

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