Reviews

I feel like a bit of a miser giving Fingersmith such a low rating. It's kind of difficult, because on one level it's perfectly enjoyable, and even quite difficult to put down at some points. But on another, it's what my mum would quite nicely describe as "a bit of fluff." It touches very lightly on some of the heavier issues of the times it's set in (late 1800s), but scuttles away before making too much of a statement about anything. The plot is full of intrigue that's quite easy to predict but still enjoyable even when it reaches the inevitable. Men are dastardly devils and women are capable of worse, nothing is at it seems, and though the inevitable unravelling at the end is a little disappointing, Fingersmith is well written for such a novel (Dan Brown could definitely take notes), but I'm not too sure why it merited a place on the list. If you're looking for slightly more upmarket holiday reading, this fits the bill perfectly!

coughdrops's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

kirstenrose22's review against another edition

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4.0

Better than Tipping the Velvet - in that this actually had *plot* and *characterization*. I enjoyed it - it was rather gripping, in fact, and I read it in a frantic tear all day - but I didn't like the ending (about the last 4-5 pages): too pat, too convenient, and totally unbelievable. Still well worth it.

ropey's review against another edition

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mysterious tense slow-paced

4.75

al_cln's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

saprat's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious

4.25

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