Ambitious social climber Becky Sharp is determined to gain wealth and worldly success – whatever the cost. Witty, charming and ruthless, orphaned as a child and “a woman since she was eight years old”, she is well-equipped for the fight. And while her sentimental companion Amelia falls victim to the caddish soldier George Osborne, brilliant, conniving, gold-digging Becky is busy clawing her way to the top….

          As the two women make their way through the glamour of Regency society, battles – military and domestic – are fought, fortunes made and lost.