What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fastest Girl on Earth
A breath taking and unputdownable WWI historical book club listen
FROM THE MULTI AWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF SWIM - THE ASTONISHING TALE OF LUCY MORTON
1922, London. Evelyn Bloom lies dying in her Mayfair flat.
A decade earlier, she had the world at her feet - a dazzling celebrity who socialised with royalty, ignited scandalous love affairs, and filled headlines with her daring exploits.
Now, surrounded by the faded mementoes of a brilliant life cut short, Evelyn is left to How did it all go so wrong? And why, when she had everything, has she been left to die alone?
A breath-taking and unputdownable WWI historical novel, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Natasha Lester, and Mandy Robotham.
FROM THE MULTI AWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF SWIM - THE ASTONISHING TALE OF LUCY MORTON
1922, London. Evelyn Bloom lies dying in her Mayfair flat.
A decade earlier, she had the world at her feet - a dazzling celebrity who socialised with royalty, ignited scandalous love affairs, and filled headlines with her daring exploits.
Now, surrounded by the faded mementoes of a brilliant life cut short, Evelyn is left to How did it all go so wrong? And why, when she had everything, has she been left to die alone?
A breath-taking and unputdownable WWI historical novel, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Natasha Lester, and Mandy Robotham.
306 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2025
2 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 15, 2025
In the 1900s Evelyn Bloom started her career in car racing. Now Evelyn looks back on her life and what an eventful one it was.
This was a brilliant read and I really enjoyed learning more about Evelyn and following her story. The storyline included adventure and espionage.
Evelyn was a brilliant character and she is one I took to straight away. What I really liked was following Evelyn’s journey because her journey was not only extraordinary but also fascinating.
At the start of the book when we meet Evelyn she is quite a mousy and quiet person. She’s about to start her role as a secretary for a car company. What she doesn’t realise is that it is a role that will change her life forever. Her boss doesn’t just want a secretary, he wants one that can drive. Not only does Evelyn learn to drive she learns everything about cars including how they work and how to fix them. When she enters the world of car racing everyone is taken aback and she quickly becomes the face of the car company. But Evelyn’s talents don’t stop there because she quickly progresses to boat racing, learns to fly and then becomes a spy. Evelyn’s character goes through a complete transformation and as her confidence grows the reader is introduced to a new confident, independent and sassy Evelyn. Evelyn pushes against societal constraints and norms to drive and encourages other women to do the same. The one difficulty that Evelyn faces is that although she's the one that's driving it her boss that he's getting all of the credit and to a certain extent he does control her life until she moves away from him and sets her own path. Instead of limiting herself just to driving Evelyn branches out which I thought was really interesting.
One aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was following Evelyn’s life as a spy. To a certain extent she's the perfect person to be a spy because she can act covertly without being noticed. To the outside world she is a socialite who likes fast cars but in reality she is gathering intelligence for the British government. That role really does push Evelyn and the reader is given an insight into some of Evelyn’s assignments which are not only complicated but also dangerous.
I was really surprised when I read that Evelyn is based on two real women and their experiences. This made me love the story even more.
A brilliant read.
This was a brilliant read and I really enjoyed learning more about Evelyn and following her story. The storyline included adventure and espionage.
Evelyn was a brilliant character and she is one I took to straight away. What I really liked was following Evelyn’s journey because her journey was not only extraordinary but also fascinating.
At the start of the book when we meet Evelyn she is quite a mousy and quiet person. She’s about to start her role as a secretary for a car company. What she doesn’t realise is that it is a role that will change her life forever. Her boss doesn’t just want a secretary, he wants one that can drive. Not only does Evelyn learn to drive she learns everything about cars including how they work and how to fix them. When she enters the world of car racing everyone is taken aback and she quickly becomes the face of the car company. But Evelyn’s talents don’t stop there because she quickly progresses to boat racing, learns to fly and then becomes a spy. Evelyn’s character goes through a complete transformation and as her confidence grows the reader is introduced to a new confident, independent and sassy Evelyn. Evelyn pushes against societal constraints and norms to drive and encourages other women to do the same. The one difficulty that Evelyn faces is that although she's the one that's driving it her boss that he's getting all of the credit and to a certain extent he does control her life until she moves away from him and sets her own path. Instead of limiting herself just to driving Evelyn branches out which I thought was really interesting.
One aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was following Evelyn’s life as a spy. To a certain extent she's the perfect person to be a spy because she can act covertly without being noticed. To the outside world she is a socialite who likes fast cars but in reality she is gathering intelligence for the British government. That role really does push Evelyn and the reader is given an insight into some of Evelyn’s assignments which are not only complicated but also dangerous.
I was really surprised when I read that Evelyn is based on two real women and their experiences. This made me love the story even more.
A brilliant read.
August 10, 2025
❤️ Blurb -
1922, London. Evelyn Bloom lies dying in her Mayfair flat.
A decade earlier, she had the world at her feet - a dazzling celebrity who socialised with royalty, ignited scandalous love affairs, and filled headlines with her daring exploits.
Now, surrounded by the faded mementoes of a brilliant life cut short, Evelyn is left to wonder: How did it all go so wrong? And why, when she had everything, has she been left to die alone?
💖 Review -
This was such a brilliant novel. Historical fiction fans will love it. The main character, Evelyn was likeable and I enjoyed following her journey through the book. I loved the historical setting in the story, the author has obviously her research for the novel. The author's writing is brilliant and had me reading until the end. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
1922, London. Evelyn Bloom lies dying in her Mayfair flat.
A decade earlier, she had the world at her feet - a dazzling celebrity who socialised with royalty, ignited scandalous love affairs, and filled headlines with her daring exploits.
Now, surrounded by the faded mementoes of a brilliant life cut short, Evelyn is left to wonder: How did it all go so wrong? And why, when she had everything, has she been left to die alone?
💖 Review -
This was such a brilliant novel. Historical fiction fans will love it. The main character, Evelyn was likeable and I enjoyed following her journey through the book. I loved the historical setting in the story, the author has obviously her research for the novel. The author's writing is brilliant and had me reading until the end. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
This wonderful book follows Evelyn Bloom as she navigates her journey from being a personal assistant at a prestigious motor company to being their successful and female driver / poster girl. I loved following her story as she explores the world of driving - something I adore myself - which leads her to so much more!
I loved the moment where Evelyn catches the 'driving bug' - as a MASSIVE car person myself, I could truly understand how she was feeling after her first driving lesson!
This has been a top read of the summer for me!
I loved the moment where Evelyn catches the 'driving bug' - as a MASSIVE car person myself, I could truly understand how she was feeling after her first driving lesson!
This has been a top read of the summer for me!
December 28, 2025
Here is my review for The Fastest Girl On Earth by Lisa Brace
I really enjoyed reading this historical WW1 story about Evelyn Bloom who was picked by Mr Sharp to be his personal assistant. He had wanted her to learn to drive which she loved and drove at every opportunity she could. Then she was sent to Paris to learn how to repair a car and find the fault when it goes wrong. She was a quick learner and managed to earn their respect by the time she left and they got her a watch as a leaving present. She was to be the first British racing woman and she wanted to win! But after the race around a field, she hadn’t won but she got recognition and was in the papers. Her next race was Glasgow to London in twenty-four hours and she memorised the route. She took her dog. Dodo, with her for company and wrapped up warm as it was four hundred and fifty miles to drive but she did her final checks before the start. Got heckled as usual as at that time men didn’t think women should drive but then she got wished ‘Godspeed’ by Jones and it made her feel better. She had a good journey with only having to pull over once due to a problem with a wheel. She sorted it quickly and got back on the road. When she was nearly home, she could feel a problem with the car but managed to limp to the finish line where Mr Sharp and some of her team mates met her and walked her over the finish line. She finished seventh! This was a terrific story about Evelyn Bloom and her life. It made for interesting reading as I personally had never heard of her but it appears she transformed motor racing all those years ago. The story was written well and very informative. It was very descriptive and everything was described in detail. I liked the author’s writing style and I found it very easy to read. The synopsis intrigued me enough to read this story and I really enjoyed it. Evelyn Bloom was an intriguing character and she seemed to pick things up quickly. She loved driving and going at speed.
Blurb :
1922, London. Evelyn Bloom lies dying in her Mayfair flat.
A decade earlier, she had the world at her feet - a dazzling celebrity who socialised with royalty, ignited scandalous love affairs, and filled headlines with her daring exploits.
Now, surrounded by the faded mementoes of a brilliant life cut short, Evelyn is left to wonder: How did it all go so wrong? And why, when she had everything, has she been left to die alone?
A breath-taking and unputdownable WWI historical novel, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Natasha Lester, and Mandy Robotham.
I really enjoyed reading this historical WW1 story about Evelyn Bloom who was picked by Mr Sharp to be his personal assistant. He had wanted her to learn to drive which she loved and drove at every opportunity she could. Then she was sent to Paris to learn how to repair a car and find the fault when it goes wrong. She was a quick learner and managed to earn their respect by the time she left and they got her a watch as a leaving present. She was to be the first British racing woman and she wanted to win! But after the race around a field, she hadn’t won but she got recognition and was in the papers. Her next race was Glasgow to London in twenty-four hours and she memorised the route. She took her dog. Dodo, with her for company and wrapped up warm as it was four hundred and fifty miles to drive but she did her final checks before the start. Got heckled as usual as at that time men didn’t think women should drive but then she got wished ‘Godspeed’ by Jones and it made her feel better. She had a good journey with only having to pull over once due to a problem with a wheel. She sorted it quickly and got back on the road. When she was nearly home, she could feel a problem with the car but managed to limp to the finish line where Mr Sharp and some of her team mates met her and walked her over the finish line. She finished seventh! This was a terrific story about Evelyn Bloom and her life. It made for interesting reading as I personally had never heard of her but it appears she transformed motor racing all those years ago. The story was written well and very informative. It was very descriptive and everything was described in detail. I liked the author’s writing style and I found it very easy to read. The synopsis intrigued me enough to read this story and I really enjoyed it. Evelyn Bloom was an intriguing character and she seemed to pick things up quickly. She loved driving and going at speed.
Blurb :
1922, London. Evelyn Bloom lies dying in her Mayfair flat.
A decade earlier, she had the world at her feet - a dazzling celebrity who socialised with royalty, ignited scandalous love affairs, and filled headlines with her daring exploits.
Now, surrounded by the faded mementoes of a brilliant life cut short, Evelyn is left to wonder: How did it all go so wrong? And why, when she had everything, has she been left to die alone?
A breath-taking and unputdownable WWI historical novel, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Natasha Lester, and Mandy Robotham.
August 11, 2025
"To Evenly, may she always do the impossible"
I was really intrigued about this when I picked it up, and while I was looking forward to reading it, I genuinely didn't think I would love it sooo much.
This is an exceptionally well crafted historical fiction celebrating those incredible women who pushed the bounds of their stereotypes and challenged expectations of what the roles of women should be.
Based upon the groundbreaking racing achievements of Dorothy Levitt, we follow Evelyn on her journey from P.A. to racing cars, boats and eventually gaining a pilots licence. While celebrating women pushing the boundaries, there is also a nod to the fact that, to those benefitting from her achievements she is a P.R tool, something which sadly, women still have to contend with even now. We then follow Evelyn through the WW1 years.
I absolutely love the fact that during this time there are no records of Dorothy so the author has used her knowledge of this remarkable woman and her creative licence to come up with a genuinely insightful and entirely plausible to what this exceptional woman could have been up to.
Packed with emotion and inspiration. This is one of my favourite reads of the year. I will definitely be picking up "Swim" and anything else I can get my hands on from Lisa! Love love love
I was really intrigued about this when I picked it up, and while I was looking forward to reading it, I genuinely didn't think I would love it sooo much.
This is an exceptionally well crafted historical fiction celebrating those incredible women who pushed the bounds of their stereotypes and challenged expectations of what the roles of women should be.
Based upon the groundbreaking racing achievements of Dorothy Levitt, we follow Evelyn on her journey from P.A. to racing cars, boats and eventually gaining a pilots licence. While celebrating women pushing the boundaries, there is also a nod to the fact that, to those benefitting from her achievements she is a P.R tool, something which sadly, women still have to contend with even now. We then follow Evelyn through the WW1 years.
I absolutely love the fact that during this time there are no records of Dorothy so the author has used her knowledge of this remarkable woman and her creative licence to come up with a genuinely insightful and entirely plausible to what this exceptional woman could have been up to.
Packed with emotion and inspiration. This is one of my favourite reads of the year. I will definitely be picking up "Swim" and anything else I can get my hands on from Lisa! Love love love
August 6, 2025
I adore this book. I loved the story. The concept was so strong. It made me laugh and it made me cry a lot. It was such an emotional rollercoaster.
The cover for this book is gorgeous. The old car is beautiful. The artwork is exquisite and the attention to detail is excellent. The colours are great and they pop for me!
The book is beautifully written and flows perfectly. The history with this is so rich and you can tell Lisa has put a lot of hard work and dedication into the period featured.
I liked the different places we visited and I loved that Glasgow was included!
I loved the characters and how they all fit into the story. Evelyn was wonderful character. I love how she overcame adversity as a female driver. Shaking the misogynistic men to their core!!!
I really, really recommend this and I am definitely going to check out Lisa's other novels!
The cover for this book is gorgeous. The old car is beautiful. The artwork is exquisite and the attention to detail is excellent. The colours are great and they pop for me!
The book is beautifully written and flows perfectly. The history with this is so rich and you can tell Lisa has put a lot of hard work and dedication into the period featured.
I liked the different places we visited and I loved that Glasgow was included!
I loved the characters and how they all fit into the story. Evelyn was wonderful character. I love how she overcame adversity as a female driver. Shaking the misogynistic men to their core!!!
I really, really recommend this and I am definitely going to check out Lisa's other novels!
August 3, 2025
Set in the early 1900’s, Evelyn Bloom goes from a PA at Napier and Sons motor car company to their poster girl and successful female driver. As if that wasn’t enough she becomes, in time, so much more. I loved her ambition, independence and determination to succeed despite the misogyny of the period. She was in the driving seat but not the one in control in many ways. Spanning London, Paris, Monte Carlo, Madeira and Berlin she lived hard and fast. What a wonderful book, which I found to be well researched and well written. I always enjoy this genre of book, a work of fiction but with elements of real life events and people. The book has a line “beautiful and witty and, really rather extraordinary.” For me, this sums up Evelyn and the book itself perfectly. I loved it.
November 18, 2025
В 1901 році молода дівчина з заможної сімʼї вирішила, що вона не хоче заміж, а хоче працювати.
Евелін Блум була першою жінкою, яка приймала участь в автогонках, придумала дзеркало заднього виду і була названа «самою швидкою дівчиною в світі».
Цей характер авторка книги написала з реальної англійської дівчини Дороті Левітт. Перша половина книги по суті основана на її біографії.
А ось друга половина - вже авторська видумка, бо ніяких біографічних даних про Дороті з 1912 по 1922 роки немає.
Було дуже цікаво.
Жанр історичного фікшену, як виявилось, мені дуже подобається.
Евелін Блум була першою жінкою, яка приймала участь в автогонках, придумала дзеркало заднього виду і була названа «самою швидкою дівчиною в світі».
Цей характер авторка книги написала з реальної англійської дівчини Дороті Левітт. Перша половина книги по суті основана на її біографії.
А ось друга половина - вже авторська видумка, бо ніяких біографічних даних про Дороті з 1912 по 1922 роки немає.
Було дуже цікаво.
Жанр історичного фікшену, як виявилось, мені дуже подобається.
August 7, 2025
A wonderful story of a young woman who is trying to find her place in a man's world! What I loved about this one is that it is nothing like anything I've read before! This time period is about building war tensions and suffragettes- which are hinted at throughout this book but I loved how this story followed Evelyn who becomes the first female race car driver to then racing on boats, flying planes and then becoming a spy! This book has it all- glitz, suspense and History 😍😍🤌🏽
July 31, 2025
A Brilliant Story by a Brilliant Writer
I absolutely loved this story about a girl racer in the early part of the last century and was completely involved in the highs and lows of her fascinating career, then her work as a spy in WW1. An unputdownable book written with panache and mastery of detail. Highly recommended.
I absolutely loved this story about a girl racer in the early part of the last century and was completely involved in the highs and lows of her fascinating career, then her work as a spy in WW1. An unputdownable book written with panache and mastery of detail. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2025
I loved this book! The characters are so well rounded and utterly believable. It kept me hooked from the beginning. The elegance of the 1920s leapt off the page.
It is well written and well researched.
If you like historical fiction that is exciting and emotional then this is for you.
It is well written and well researched.
If you like historical fiction that is exciting and emotional then this is for you.
August 20, 2025
Devoured this book! So propulsive, it hooked me from the first page. What a brilliant character Evelyn is, with plot twists I didn’t see coming. An easy 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 13, 2026
I loved this book, read it because it was a suggestion from the lovely Cassie Steward. I had me gripped from beginning to end and took me on a journey I didn’t expect to be on or love.
February 25, 2026
Loved this book and the narration by Alice Sockett was so good!!! An interesting story of a woman in the early 1900’s doing things that women generally didn’t do! What an adventure she had
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews