by Paula Gail Benson
Each spring, as the time comes for the Met Gala (first
Monday in May), I like to watch Ocean’s 8 again. Similar to the televised
annual running of the Kentucky Derby, the movie provides a glimpse of what might
happen at one of the most sought-after party invitations of the year. In
addition, it gives viewers the chance to root for a gang of women operating
with precision and control to pull off an elaborate and valuable caper.
A Screen Rant article by Ben Protheroe, published
October 26, 2023, Ranking 15 Best
Heist Movies of All Time laments that, “The heist genre is disproportionately
skewed in favor of male stories,” and compliments Viola Davis in Widows,
hopeful that film would set a new trend for gender equalization.
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| Beezy Marsh |
I began searching for books that might offer such plots and found two
series that I’ve added to my “to-be-read” list.
The first is by Beezy Marsh, British international bestselling author
and former award-winning investigative journalist, whose Queen of Thieves
and Queen of Clubs take place in London in the 1950s and deal with the
rivalries between female gangs.
The second is American best-selling author Ally Carter’s young adult novels, Heist
Society, Uncommon Criminals, and Perfect Scoundrels, whose
protagonist, Kat Bishop, comes from a long line of criminal masterminds. I’ve
already ordered Carter’s Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book? that has
been described as the teen-aged version of Stephen King’s On Writing.
Ally Carter
What are your favorite heist stories/plays/movies? Do any feature women organizing the job?
Although I don’t have a favorite, thank you for opening my eyes to some new authors and movies.
ReplyDeletePaula, you've already mentioned my all-time favorite: Sneakers. I have the DVD, have watched it a gazillion times, and now want to watch it again!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed all of the Ocean movies.
ReplyDeleteI love Don Westlake's Dortmunder heist novels, some of which have been made into movies. I'm afraid he uses an overwhelmingly male cast, but Murch's mom is a strong, important character, although she's never quite dignified with a name, as far as I can remember.
ReplyDeleteI am embarrassed to admit I can’t think of one! I need to get out more. In the meantime, I'll check these out and claim them for my own :)
ReplyDeleteI loved listening to "Heist with Michael Cane" (a podcast) where he detailed all these different real-life heists and the movies they inspired. There have been some pretty insane ones out there!
ReplyDeleteI love heist stories, Paula, and you've given me new titles to look for. Thanks! The Great Greene Heist, by Varian Johnson, is a fun heist novel for middle grade readers with a diverse set of characters. Highly recommended for anyone with kids or grandkids - get them hooked early!
ReplyDeleteMovies: "Oceans 8" and "The Italian Job"
ReplyDelete