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All the Money in the World
Fifteen-year-old Penny longs for something better. Better than a small, damp flat. Better than her bullying classmates and uninterested teachers. Better than misery and poverty day in day out.
An unlikely friendship and a huge sum of money promise a whole lot of new chances for Penny, and she realises that not only can she change her life, she can change herself.
But at what cost?
Perfect for readers of 10+.
An unlikely friendship and a huge sum of money promise a whole lot of new chances for Penny, and she realises that not only can she change her life, she can change herself.
But at what cost?
Perfect for readers of 10+.
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2021
6 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
15 books119 followersSarah Moore Fitzgerald is a novelist and professor. She's part of the creative writing team that delivers UL’s MA in Creative Writing, founder of UL’s Creative Writing Winter School for mid-career writers and the author of seven novels including The Apple Tart of Hope, All the Money in the World and The Shark and The Scar. Her work has been adapted for the stage, translated into over 20 different languages and shortlisted for several awards (including the Waterstones children's book Prize, Children's Books Ireland book of the year and the Irish Book Awards). She's a recent winner of the London Magazine's Prize for short fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 27, 2021
All the Money in the World by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald is my third book by this brilliant author. The Apple Tart of Hope was one of my favourite books a couple of years ago and I also enjoyed A Very Good Chance. So I was thrilled when I saw that i could request to read an ARC of Sarah's latest book on NetGalley!
This was a relatively short read, which was also why I wanted to pick it up because I felt like I was getting into a reading slump and wanted to read something quick to get me out of it. And it worked! It was very easy to get into this book and I finished it the next day.
I think what I love most about this book (and all of Sarah's books that I've read) is her gorgeous writing, and how she cleverly writes with emotion and heart. There were many highlight-worthy quotes in All the Money in the World, and personally, the main theme of this book (money/wealth/status) hits a bit too close to home for me at the moment and I felt like I was just meant to read this book right now. I really like the lesson that the main character learns by the end of the story, and the author's writing style perfectly captures it too.
I think my only criticism would be that the ending felt a little rushed and I wish that we got to explore her relationship with some of the characters a little bit more (like with Jane, who felt a little underdeveloped, and perhaps another scene with her childhood friends would have wrapped it up nicely). But it was still a lovely ending and I also really loved reading about the main character's struggle with her identity.
All in all I really enjoyed All the Money in the World. Its got some really lovely characters (I love Violet!) and it's a fun quick story with beautiful writing and wisdom. 4.25 stars. Oh, what I'd do if someone gave ME a million euros!🥲
Thank you to the publisher for letting me read this on NetGalley 🌷
This was a relatively short read, which was also why I wanted to pick it up because I felt like I was getting into a reading slump and wanted to read something quick to get me out of it. And it worked! It was very easy to get into this book and I finished it the next day.
I think what I love most about this book (and all of Sarah's books that I've read) is her gorgeous writing, and how she cleverly writes with emotion and heart. There were many highlight-worthy quotes in All the Money in the World, and personally, the main theme of this book (money/wealth/status) hits a bit too close to home for me at the moment and I felt like I was just meant to read this book right now. I really like the lesson that the main character learns by the end of the story, and the author's writing style perfectly captures it too.
I think my only criticism would be that the ending felt a little rushed and I wish that we got to explore her relationship with some of the characters a little bit more (like with Jane, who felt a little underdeveloped, and perhaps another scene with her childhood friends would have wrapped it up nicely). But it was still a lovely ending and I also really loved reading about the main character's struggle with her identity.
All in all I really enjoyed All the Money in the World. Its got some really lovely characters (I love Violet!) and it's a fun quick story with beautiful writing and wisdom. 4.25 stars. Oh, what I'd do if someone gave ME a million euros!🥲
Thank you to the publisher for letting me read this on NetGalley 🌷
May 31, 2024
By far the best book I have read in ages, it is not only great at showing the best and worst of both worlds it also shows that money is not everything. One of my favourite things about this book is the ending and how it all unfolded and I hope anyone reading this book has as good a time reading it as I did.
May 2, 2022
This was a fantastic book. Me and my 10 year old read it between us and we both loved it. My daughter was excited to go to bed earlier just so she could read it. The author created some really wonderful characters. The story line was just so good that you just wanted to read more of it. It swept you away on a fantastic roller coaster ride. Which had some brilliant twists and turns. This book will make any child 10+ just love thos book. Its a fantastic rags to riches story. This book also teaches your child about being responsible young adults, how to use money responsibly and for good reasons. It also shows that not telling the truth will always lead to problems even with the best intentions. This was definitely a fun book that's set in Ireland. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author as I just loved her style of writing. I really can't recommend this book enough.
Many thanks to the author and publishers for bringing us this fascinating and fun book.
Many thanks to the author and publishers for bringing us this fascinating and fun book.
July 4, 2021
I read this book in one sitting. It brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes as everything about Penny resonated with me. I can’t thank Sarah enough for bringing this book into the world and articulating these struggles so perfectly. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
May 31, 2021
it was an ok book.
I found the main character to be ungrateful and annoying.
I found the main character to be ungrateful and annoying.
July 1, 2021
In this timely, fascinating novel about friendship, identity, privilege, social background and “cold hard cash,” Fitzgerald explores the impact of poverty on the lives of young people and the possibility that everyone may not be what they seem. That maybe we should look a little deeper before deciding who a person is. Can money really buy you happiness? Does it change who you are? While it is certainly true that money makes a difference in someones’ life, the kind of difference it makes is down to the individual.
Penny is a wonderful character; a typical school girl; kind, intelligent, exhausted by the daily struggle, trying however she can to improve not only her situation, but that of those around her. Keeping secrets and telling little white lies puts her relationships with friends and neighbours, her mother and her new found friendship with Violet to the test in surprising ways, causing new struggles and some perfectly expressed confusion concerning what is real and what is important. Violet shines as a character! Elusive, filled with secrets of her own, she plays a wonderful foil and benefactor to Penny in so many ways. The changes that each affect in the other are quite remarkable, and beautifully expressed. The pair stand as polar opposites and yet, strikingly similar. Together, they dance around each other, creating a dialogue that moves the story to different levels of understanding. The reader will find themselves routing for both every step of the way.
The writing itself is glorious; fluid, expressive, clever and coming from the heart. The pace is steady, never faltering as it gives each characters view and emotion. As the story unfolds, each new scene and new secret is revealed with a subtle, purposeful hand. This gives us a story that is impossible to walk away from…you live it alongside the characters and join in with their struggles, adventures and hopes. As it comes to its’ conclusion and Penny learns the lesson she was meant to all along, the impact and atmosphere are perfectly reflected in the exquisite telling of the tale. Thoughtful, tender, heartfelt, exciting and simply wonderful!
Penny is a wonderful character; a typical school girl; kind, intelligent, exhausted by the daily struggle, trying however she can to improve not only her situation, but that of those around her. Keeping secrets and telling little white lies puts her relationships with friends and neighbours, her mother and her new found friendship with Violet to the test in surprising ways, causing new struggles and some perfectly expressed confusion concerning what is real and what is important. Violet shines as a character! Elusive, filled with secrets of her own, she plays a wonderful foil and benefactor to Penny in so many ways. The changes that each affect in the other are quite remarkable, and beautifully expressed. The pair stand as polar opposites and yet, strikingly similar. Together, they dance around each other, creating a dialogue that moves the story to different levels of understanding. The reader will find themselves routing for both every step of the way.
The writing itself is glorious; fluid, expressive, clever and coming from the heart. The pace is steady, never faltering as it gives each characters view and emotion. As the story unfolds, each new scene and new secret is revealed with a subtle, purposeful hand. This gives us a story that is impossible to walk away from…you live it alongside the characters and join in with their struggles, adventures and hopes. As it comes to its’ conclusion and Penny learns the lesson she was meant to all along, the impact and atmosphere are perfectly reflected in the exquisite telling of the tale. Thoughtful, tender, heartfelt, exciting and simply wonderful!
January 2, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
July 12, 2021
Penny lives in The Flats, a huge house which has been divided up into small, tatty, budget housing. Next door is Lavender House, a duplicate property which has been maintained in its original, grand state by its reclusive owner Violet. When Penny rescues Violet’s cat, an unlikely friendship develops between the pair, which Penny keeps secret from her friends and family. An unexpected financial gift from the old lady later affords Penny the opportunity to attend the school of her dreams, but she needs to keep her real identity a secret.
The first half of the book deals with the difficulties of living in poverty. The neighbours look out for each other but the challenge of little income, days of having no money to buy food and the constant smell caused by their damp and mouldy living conditions make Penny and her friends outcasts at school. The school does nothing to relieve their challenging circumstances, if anything, just reinforcing the message that people ‘like them’ should have low expectations.
In the second half of the book, Penny has to reinvent herself in order to fit in at her posh, exclusive boarding school. She finds this almost as hard as living in The Flats and is forever worried that someone will find out the truth about her.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book. The author describes both scenarios in detail and I could almost believe that I was living them alongside Penny. However I question the message behind the story. In the first half of the book it is clear that Penny has no hope if she remains where she is. The only way for her to get out is to come into money. The second half of the book shows us that money isn’t the answer to everything and that we need to learn to be ourselves, but I can’t help thinking that a young person, living in a similar situation to Penny, could be reading this and be left thinking that there is no way out for them. I am sure that was not the author’s intention, but it was the message I took away from the story.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book deals with the difficulties of living in poverty. The neighbours look out for each other but the challenge of little income, days of having no money to buy food and the constant smell caused by their damp and mouldy living conditions make Penny and her friends outcasts at school. The school does nothing to relieve their challenging circumstances, if anything, just reinforcing the message that people ‘like them’ should have low expectations.
In the second half of the book, Penny has to reinvent herself in order to fit in at her posh, exclusive boarding school. She finds this almost as hard as living in The Flats and is forever worried that someone will find out the truth about her.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book. The author describes both scenarios in detail and I could almost believe that I was living them alongside Penny. However I question the message behind the story. In the first half of the book it is clear that Penny has no hope if she remains where she is. The only way for her to get out is to come into money. The second half of the book shows us that money isn’t the answer to everything and that we need to learn to be ourselves, but I can’t help thinking that a young person, living in a similar situation to Penny, could be reading this and be left thinking that there is no way out for them. I am sure that was not the author’s intention, but it was the message I took away from the story.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2021
Penny lives in a tenement flat in what used to be a gorgeous old house. The landlord refuses to make repairs or change anything, even as damp is growing in all the rooms, even as people are getting sick and catching rats. Still, Penny loves her neighbours and her friends. They make the best of things together.
They've been afraid of the old woman next door for as long as they've lived there, but when an accident forces Penny next door for help, she realises the woman isn't mean at all; she's lovely, and lonely. A friendship begins that will end up changing Penny's life in ways she can't imagine - as long as she doesn't lose herself along the way.
Rags-to-riches is one of the most popular tropes around, and this book explores it beautifully. Penny is among the poorest of the poor, and - apart from one act of vengeance I can't blame her for - she uses the money she receives to do good things, to buy presents for her friends and repair their crumbling home. I can't be sure I'd be as generous in her place.
It's true that she loses her way a bit in the new school, but that's real life too; many of us, whether we want to admit it or not, lie or exaggerate to impress other people. Penny meant well and she tried to make reparations to the people she hurt; that says a lot about her.
I cried over the cat, and over a scene later on on the pier. Let's move on... (Highlight for spoiler: the cat does not die.I still cried.)
This is a lovely, tender, well written novel that I absolutely sped through (I may have been late back to work from my lunch because I was finishing it...) Really brilliant. I'll be recommending it whole heartedly.
They've been afraid of the old woman next door for as long as they've lived there, but when an accident forces Penny next door for help, she realises the woman isn't mean at all; she's lovely, and lonely. A friendship begins that will end up changing Penny's life in ways she can't imagine - as long as she doesn't lose herself along the way.
Rags-to-riches is one of the most popular tropes around, and this book explores it beautifully. Penny is among the poorest of the poor, and - apart from one act of vengeance I can't blame her for - she uses the money she receives to do good things, to buy presents for her friends and repair their crumbling home. I can't be sure I'd be as generous in her place.
It's true that she loses her way a bit in the new school, but that's real life too; many of us, whether we want to admit it or not, lie or exaggerate to impress other people. Penny meant well and she tried to make reparations to the people she hurt; that says a lot about her.
I cried over the cat, and over a scene later on on the pier. Let's move on... (Highlight for spoiler: the cat does not die.I still cried.)
This is a lovely, tender, well written novel that I absolutely sped through (I may have been late back to work from my lunch because I was finishing it...) Really brilliant. I'll be recommending it whole heartedly.
June 12, 2021
All The Money in the World is a really enjoyable read. I can imagine a lot of young people resonating with Penny’s hopes and dreams.
Starting from a poor, underprivileged background, Penny wishes for a better life. She and her group of friends are bullied at school because their clothes smell musty from the mould in the flats they live in. When Penny befriends a ‘scary’ old lady that lives in the big, posh house next door, her luck changes. She comes into a lot of money and the opportunity to go to an exclusive boarding school.
The story looks at wealth and status in relation to happiness, alongside bullying, lies/deceit, mental health, friendship, and kindness.
Penny is a likeable, and clearly a kind and generous main character. However, my favourite characters have to be Violet, Kitty, and Jane. No matter where Penny is, her status, or wealth, they love her. She can rely on them no matter what. Penny’s interactions with her mum, teachers, and other adults in the flats felt very genuine. Sometimes having to take the lead or the ‘adult role’ in order to get things done, and going against her teachers who had little faith in her.
The plot has you rooting for Penny, feeling her pain at the start, then moving through the emotions of hope, failure, and anguish but ultimately love and acceptance towards the end. It makes you think about what you would choose to do in her shoes. Some of the choices she makes and lies she tells to fit in aren’t good but she is always trying to help others, works hard, and has a kind heart.
This is an enjoyable, thoughtful book, beautifully written.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Orion Children’s Books for the e-arc.
Starting from a poor, underprivileged background, Penny wishes for a better life. She and her group of friends are bullied at school because their clothes smell musty from the mould in the flats they live in. When Penny befriends a ‘scary’ old lady that lives in the big, posh house next door, her luck changes. She comes into a lot of money and the opportunity to go to an exclusive boarding school.
The story looks at wealth and status in relation to happiness, alongside bullying, lies/deceit, mental health, friendship, and kindness.
Penny is a likeable, and clearly a kind and generous main character. However, my favourite characters have to be Violet, Kitty, and Jane. No matter where Penny is, her status, or wealth, they love her. She can rely on them no matter what. Penny’s interactions with her mum, teachers, and other adults in the flats felt very genuine. Sometimes having to take the lead or the ‘adult role’ in order to get things done, and going against her teachers who had little faith in her.
The plot has you rooting for Penny, feeling her pain at the start, then moving through the emotions of hope, failure, and anguish but ultimately love and acceptance towards the end. It makes you think about what you would choose to do in her shoes. Some of the choices she makes and lies she tells to fit in aren’t good but she is always trying to help others, works hard, and has a kind heart.
This is an enjoyable, thoughtful book, beautifully written.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Orion Children’s Books for the e-arc.
August 23, 2021
Can money buy happiness? This intimate look at young Penny's downtrodden life shows us how Penny deals with a dysfunctional home situation, close friends, school, scary neighbours and an altogether limited outlook on life. Until Violet enters the scene and Penny finds a new dream, one that can actually come true, she thinks. This is an emotional journey with a young girl who makes many right decisions & yet cannot rise above the fog of downright poverty. Or can she?
April 18, 2022
I think that Violet Fitzsimons was my favourite character but I think Penelope (or Lola) shouldn't have gone back to Pearlbourne Academy (for 'exceptional' girls)
The book was aWeSoMe and while reading some portions, I was on the verge of crying (but didn't).
This book deserves A TOTAL 10 OUT OF 5 STARS from me bc it was just SOOOO good. I def recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun and quick read. 😎
The book was aWeSoMe and while reading some portions, I was on the verge of crying (but didn't).
This book deserves A TOTAL 10 OUT OF 5 STARS from me bc it was just SOOOO good. I def recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun and quick read. 😎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
This was a beautiful heartwarming book that follows the life of Penelope/Penny/Lola and her life at the flats. It is a rundown cramped appartement that’s mold infested and crumbling. She befriends violet the mysterious woman next door and ends up attending a prestigious school.
It is a lovely book that is the ultimate comfort book.
4/5 ⭐️ would highly recommend
It is a lovely book that is the ultimate comfort book.
4/5 ⭐️ would highly recommend
July 30, 2021
Wonderful book with a wonderful story! I didn’t really like how Penny acted after she got into Pearlbourne, but in rest her character was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
A simple heartwarming story, 3.5 stars
May 8, 2022
DNF’d this book after reading 108 pages was a bit childish for me as someone in there twenties was my fault at the end of the day picked it up on a whim.
December 1, 2022
A fun story about being yourself
September 19, 2023
Some pleasant gentle reading with a positive ending
May 22, 2024
Amazing book, read it in one sitting!
My kind of book! Cannot recommend enough!
My kind of book! Cannot recommend enough!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews