The Armstrong Girl

“A real pleasure to read. A wonderfully honest retelling of a story that involves politics, law, intrigue, sex, scandal, and media coverage as well as a cast of compelling characters motivated by faith to change their world. The gripping story not only brings history to life but makes it impossible not to recognize parallels with our own society.” -- Lt Colonel Eirwen Pallant, The Salvation Army “Over a century later and the Eliza Armstrong Case is still relevant today. A story of what happens when individuals get a `fire in their bellies’ and as a result, the world is changed. As the author points out, there are still millions of `Elizas’ around the world and the fight still goes on. Thanks Cathy for relighting the fire in my head and soul again.” -- Estelle Blake, Anti-Human Trafficking Co-ordinator, The Salvation Army Italy “My role in anti human trafficking in The Salvation Army means that I have told the story of The Maiden Tribute many time and know it well - or at least I thought I did until I read this book. The author’s attention to detail, use of primary sources, and careful compilation of the facts gives the account real authenticity and the reader new insight into the horror of the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable girls and women in what might have been termed “very proper” Victorian England. In much the same way that Stead’s nineteenth century account of women and girls being bought and sold into the sex trade kept the Gazette’s readers impatient for the next day’s instalment, I found myself propelled from chapter to chapter in anticipation of some new revelation. The question that must be asked is why is it that this account of lust, greed, and exploitation resulting in the brutalisation of innocent girls and women resonates so profoundly with the experience of those of us working with victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery today? My hope is that this compelling account of an extraordinary campaign will encourage many to once again join the battle to end this heinous crime against humanity once and for all.” -- Anne Read, Anti Trafficking Response Co-ordinator, The Salvation Army “This is more than a piece of social history or a compelling cautionary tale. It has a grim resonance with the experience today of those who work with the child victims of human trafficking. As in Victorian Britain, modern slavery in the UK is connected with extreme poverty and the power of transnational organised crime. Le Feuvre’s gripping account is a sober reminder that this is no time for complacency.” * Reform Magazine *