BOOK BRIEF

The Pearl Thief

Elizabeth Wein
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The Pearl Thief

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

Book Brief

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Elizabeth Wein

The Pearl Thief

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Scotland • 1930s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

860L

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Super Short Summary

In The Pearl Thief, a young person named Julie returns to her family's estate in Scotland to find unexpected mysteries and dangers. Set before the events of Code Name Verity, the story explores themes of identity, friendship, and resilience, as Julie navigates local traditions and uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of the past.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

3.9

8,232 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein is praised for its evocative prose and rich historical setting. Readers appreciate the strong, nuanced characters and intricate plot. Some find the pacing slow and the mystery element underwhelming. However, the novel's portrayal of identity and cultural themes is widely admired, making it a compelling prequel to Code Name Verity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Pearl Thief?

A reader who enjoys The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein would likely appreciate historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists. Fans of Code Name Verity or A Northern Light may find this pre-WWII Scottish mystery, rich in cultural detail and intrigue, particularly engaging.

3.9

8,232 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Pearl Thief is a prequel to Elizabeth Wein's acclaimed novel Code Name Verity, and it explores the earlier adventures of the beloved character Julie Beaufort-Stuart.

The novel deftly incorporates elements of Scottish culture and history, reflective of the author's own Scottish roots and extensive research into the setting and era.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Elizabeth Wein is known for her intricate narratives involving aviation history, but The Pearl Thief showcases her versatility by focusing on a more ground-based mystery and coming-of-age story.

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Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Scotland • 1930s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

860L

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