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cstary's review against another edition
5.0
I read this as a teen and rated it 4 stars. I don't know what was wrong with me a decade ago but this is so a 5 star book. It's actually improved upon a second and third reading as you see all the plot points coming together.
Spoilers below:
At first Maud seems eye-rollingly innocent and meek, which bugged me at first. Then the plot twist comes and it's awesome. You realize the character you've come to know is actually a lie and you get a hundred pages to re-meet Maud from her perspective. Despite their simultaneous scheming, Maud and Sue remain sympathetic throughout the novel and I kept rooting for the couple even as they tried to trick each other. I love that your expectations of the characters change--Sue starts out as a devious thief, and by the ending you realize what a doll she is. Maud is the meek innocent, and you realize she is anything but.
This book, to me, has the perfect combination of romance and plot. I'd describe it as a romance with a strong plot. This is probably my favorite lesbian novel yet, although I have a few more on my bookshelf.
Side note, the BBC series is worth a watch, as well as The Handmaiden adaptation. The BBC version is a faithful adaptation. The Handmaiden is a bit ridiculous at times (the sex scenes) but barring that, I enjoyed the alternate ending and setting.
Spoilers below:
At first Maud seems eye-rollingly innocent and meek, which bugged me at first. Then the plot twist comes and it's awesome. You realize the character you've come to know is actually a lie and you get a hundred pages to re-meet Maud from her perspective. Despite their simultaneous scheming, Maud and Sue remain sympathetic throughout the novel and I kept rooting for the couple even as they tried to trick each other. I love that your expectations of the characters change--Sue starts out as a devious thief, and by the ending you realize what a doll she is. Maud is the meek innocent, and you realize she is anything but.
This book, to me, has the perfect combination of romance and plot. I'd describe it as a romance with a strong plot. This is probably my favorite lesbian novel yet, although I have a few more on my bookshelf.
Side note, the BBC series is worth a watch, as well as The Handmaiden adaptation. The BBC version is a faithful adaptation. The Handmaiden is a bit ridiculous at times (the sex scenes) but barring that, I enjoyed the alternate ending and setting.
odeocowboys's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bites_of_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If you know me, you'll know that I love dark and complex storytelling and Fingersmith fits both to a T!
We follow Sue and Maud, one grew up with a group of thieves in the heart of London and the other was raised by a book obsessed man. There is plotting and scheming, there's questionable morals, a lot of tension, and slow burning passion.
If you like complex stories where there isn't clear good and bad characters, full of original ideas and an impecable storytelling style, this is for you!
We follow Sue and Maud, one grew up with a group of thieves in the heart of London and the other was raised by a book obsessed man. There is plotting and scheming, there's questionable morals, a lot of tension, and slow burning passion.
If you like complex stories where there isn't clear good and bad characters, full of original ideas and an impecable storytelling style, this is for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Classism
thursdayleroux's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ridalikesreading's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mielenmaisemia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
vincentkonrad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Everything you could hope for from a gothic novel, with plenty of horrible revelations
sandsing7's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Death of parent
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Abandonment