Joan

by Joan Hannington
Joan cover
Good Books rating 4.2
True Crime
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2749
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781529913156
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-09-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Joan Hannington, known as 'The Godmother,' was a striking figure in London's criminal underworld during the 1980s. With her stunning looks and glamorous style, she was often underestimated, allowing her to orchestrate high-stakes jewellery heists undetected. Her journey from a violent, loveless childhood to a life of crime was driven by her desire to provide a better life for her daughter./n/nJoan's story is one of resilience and cunning, as she transformed herself into various characters to pull off millions of pounds in diamond thefts. Her meteoric rise from petty offender to mastermind is a testament to her determination and ability to navigate a world where the odds were stacked against her.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-16
inspirational 4.10

The book is praised for its unique perspective and the protagonist's journey from petty offender to accomplished diamond thief.

Goodreads reviewers have highlighted the unique perspective offered by Joan, particularly the protagonist's journey from a petty offender to one of Britain's most accomplished diamond thieves. They appreciated the book's exploration of success and resilience, regardless of one's background. The raw and honest narrative style was noted as a standout feature, making the story both compelling and thought-provoking. The book's ability to captivate readers with its authentic and unfiltered account of a criminal's life is highly praised.

Quick quotes

    Joan is the true story of her meteoric rise from petty offender to one of Britain's most accomplished diamond thieves.

    Making a success of life by not playing by the rules.

    The moral of the story is, whatever life throws at you, whatever your background, class, race or religion, if you want to succeed, you can.

Mum of Three World · 2025-02-28
inspiring 4.00

The book is engaging but can be tough to read at times. The raw, unfiltered voice of the author adds authenticity and makes the story compelling.

The reviewer found Joan to be a gripping read, though it was challenging at times due to its raw and unfiltered narrative. They appreciated the authenticity that comes from the author's unique voice and perspective. The story's rawness and honesty make it stand out, but it's not an easy read. The reviewer admired the resilience and determination shown by the protagonist, making it a memorable and thought-provoking book.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed Joan, even though it was a tough read at times.

    The book is written exactly as you would expect a book written by a criminal.

    Her story is one of resilience and determination, making it a compelling read.

The Guardian · 2024-09-30
captivating 4.50

The story is wild and captivating, with a glamorous portrayal of the protagonist. It's a tale of rags to riches that keeps the reader engaged.

The Guardian's review highlights the wild and captivating nature of Joan's story, emphasizing the glamorous portrayal of the protagonist. They found the rags-to-riches narrative to be particularly engaging, with Sophie Turner's performance adding to the allure. The reviewer appreciated the vivid details and the fast-paced storytelling, making it a thrilling read. The book's exploration of the criminal underworld and the protagonist's rise to success is both fascinating and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    The former Game of Thrones star is so glam in this tale of the 80s criminal known as the Godmother that she wears more furs than even Sansa Stark.

    This wild true story of a rags-to-riches jewel thief is a gripping tale.

    Sophie Turner sparkles in this vivid and captivating portrayal.

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