Based on the incredible true story of The Great Stork Derby Prize Women is the profoundly
moving novel that sheds light on a scandalous moment in history just as relevant today
'Gorgeous. Prize Women took my breath away. I haven't stopped thinking about it' JENNIFER SAINT
'Wonderfully evocative and intelligent. Sheds light on a scandalous moment in history I knew
nothing about told with great sensitivity and grace. I was entranced' EMMA STONEX 'This
heartbreaking story explores friendship strength and the fight to survive' WOMAN'S WEEKLY
___________ Toronto 1926. A childless millionaire leaves behind an astonishing will: the
recipient of his fortune will be decided in a contest known as 'The Great Stork Derby'. His
money will go to the winner: the woman who bears the most children in the ten years after his
death. Lily di Marco is young pregnant and terrified of her husband. Fleeing to Toronto she
arrives on the doorstep of glamorous free spirit Mae Thebault. At a time when men hold all the
power Lily and Mae look out for each other. But as their friendship grows Lily wonders if
there's more to Mae - and her past - than she has been told . . . And as the Great Depression
bites the Stork Derby contest - with its alluring prize - proves too good to ignore for Lily
and Mae each living hand to mouth. These best friends are now fierce rivals. But if only one
woman can win what will the contest cost the other? ___________ 'A profoundly moving and
absolutely gripping novel about the choices women face - and the choices they are denied. I
cannot recommend it highly enough' ELODIE HARPER 'This tale of two women resonates with what is
happening in the world today. I was gripped by Lily and Mae's story the desperate choices that
women still face' LOUISE HARE 'Fascinating historical fiction with a feminist slant' GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING 'A serious thoughtful and epic journey into the trials of motherhood . . . With
her contrasting female characters Lea interrogates the fight for female agency across class
divides a struggle that continues to this day. A fascinating snapshot of another time perhaps
not as far removed from our own as we might hope' JANICE HALLET 'Wonderfully researched and
full of evocative historical detail' CULTUREFLY 'Masterful. Caroline Lea is a superb
storyteller and Prize Women deserves a huge readership. So good I had to pull myself away'
ELIZABETH MACNEAL
