The Radium Girls

by Kate Moore
The Radium Girls cover
Good Books rating 4.58
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11587
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781471153891
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-06-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

During World War I, young American women were hired to paint watch dials with a luminous radium substance, unaware of its deadly effects. Initially glamorous and well-paid, the job turned tragic as the women began to suffer from mysterious illnesses caused by radium poisoning. Their employers denied responsibility, but these courageous women refused to accept their fate quietly and fought for justice./n/nDrawing on previously unpublished diaries, letters, and interviews, The Radium Girls is an intimate narrative of an unforgettable true story. It is the powerful tale of a group of ordinary women from the Roaring Twenties who learned how to roar in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · 2026-03-10
shocking 4.25

The book is informative, well-written, and shocking, pulling at the heartstrings. It is a compelling read that sheds light on a dark chapter in history.

This review highlights the book's informative and well-written nature, describing it as shocking and emotionally resonant. The reviewer praises the book's ability to pull at the heartstrings and shed light on a dark chapter in history. They appreciate the vivid storytelling and the emotional impact of the story, making it a compelling read. The book is described as a powerful and important historical account.

Quick quotes

    "The Radium Girls" is informative, well written, shocking and pulls at the heart strings.

    It feels a bit crass to say this as its about a serious topic, but it's a page turner.

    The Radium Girls is a must-read for anyone interested in history and social justice.

Samsara Parchment · 2023-02-23
heartbreaking 5.00

The book is a heartbreaking yet awe-inspiring account of the young women exposed to radium. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in history or inspiring stories of resilience.

This review highlights the emotional impact of the book, describing it as a heartbreaking yet awe-inspiring read. The reviewer emphasizes the bravery and resilience of the young women involved, making it a compelling and important historical account. They highly recommend it to anyone interested in history or stories of courage. The book's vivid storytelling and emotional depth are praised, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This is a five star read, easy.

    I very much recommend this, to anyone who is interested in history or just really heartbreaking, awe inspiring stories.

    The Radium Girls is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical non-fiction that is both informative and emotionally resonant.

Saturday Night Reader · 2018-10-27
powerful 4.50

The book is a powerful account of one of America's biggest scandals and a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights. It brings to life the brave women who fought for justice.

This review emphasizes the book's powerful narrative and its focus on the brave women who fought for justice. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to bring to life a significant historical scandal and its impact on workers' rights. They praise the vivid prose and the emotional depth of the story, making it a compelling read. The book is described as a masterful blend of historical account and heartfelt tribute.

Quick quotes

    The brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America's early 20th century.

    Moore's vivid prose brings these forgotten heroines back to life.

    The Radium Girls is a masterful blend of historical account and heartfelt tribute.

Appears in Lists