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signemai's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
3.5
rogue_lurker's review against another edition
5.0
What can I say that hasn't already been said. A fantastic book. Waters draws you into the story from the first page and it's hard to put it down, with more "wow" moments than I can count. Waters weaves a complex plot, with deception, misdirection and out-and-out villainy - with compelling characters you just can't help but root for (or curse).
charlie_knots's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emmmmmnmma's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
garleighc's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
billymac1962's review against another edition
5.0
Outstanding.
A couple of months ago, Stephen King tweeted out some recommendations for great summer reading. In one of those tweets, he said, "Everything by Sarah Waters". Now that piqued my interest; I had only a passing knowledge of Waters, having only remembered when Fingersmith was
all over stores' bookshelves, but for some reason it seemed that this was in the romance genre and so, probably not for me.
Then I read some of the responses to this tweet: "Ingenious storytelling", "Lots of twists and turns", and so on...but ingenious storytelling? Now that's a rave you don't hear too often. So I slapped it on my list and decided to save it for my staycation by the pool.
I'm so glad I saved this for a time when I could really delve into it without the chinsy distractions of a working life. This is a 600 page work, and those pages densely packed with smallish print, so, lotsa lotsa words!
Fingersmith lives up to all of its accolades, I'm delighted to report. This is indeed ingenious storytelling, and even though the story itself doesn't seem to travel too quickly (and this only realized in retrospect), the journey is an absorbing visit to 1862 London, with characterization that is very well developed.
You're best to avoid any reviews that have plot synopses. Go in blindly and enjoy where Waters takes you. Know only that this a tale of thieves, and a caper, and it's 1862 London. It's terrific and made the first week of my vacation pretty much perfect.
Five stars for being everything that reading for enjoyment is supposed to be.
A couple of months ago, Stephen King tweeted out some recommendations for great summer reading. In one of those tweets, he said, "Everything by Sarah Waters". Now that piqued my interest; I had only a passing knowledge of Waters, having only remembered when Fingersmith was
all over stores' bookshelves, but for some reason it seemed that this was in the romance genre and so, probably not for me.
Then I read some of the responses to this tweet: "Ingenious storytelling", "Lots of twists and turns", and so on...but ingenious storytelling? Now that's a rave you don't hear too often. So I slapped it on my list and decided to save it for my staycation by the pool.
I'm so glad I saved this for a time when I could really delve into it without the chinsy distractions of a working life. This is a 600 page work, and those pages densely packed with smallish print, so, lotsa lotsa words!
Fingersmith lives up to all of its accolades, I'm delighted to report. This is indeed ingenious storytelling, and even though the story itself doesn't seem to travel too quickly (and this only realized in retrospect), the journey is an absorbing visit to 1862 London, with characterization that is very well developed.
You're best to avoid any reviews that have plot synopses. Go in blindly and enjoy where Waters takes you. Know only that this a tale of thieves, and a caper, and it's 1862 London. It's terrific and made the first week of my vacation pretty much perfect.
Five stars for being everything that reading for enjoyment is supposed to be.
glazedcoconut's review against another edition
4.0
I had seen The Handmaiden and was curious about this book now that I’m back into reading. I will say that it is a fun book! Lots of twists and turns. I have forgotten a bit of the movie by now so it was nice to kind of experience this story again for the first time.
I kinda wanted a happier ending like them being together but I guess it makes more sense for her to find the note then find Maud and leave it to the imagination of the reader.
I kinda wanted a happier ending like them being together but I guess it makes more sense for her to find the note then find Maud and leave it to the imagination of the reader.
sb27's review against another edition
Very like Oliver Twist. Just really struggled to get into it, abs didn't keep my attention.
yamxx's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
snotboy's review against another edition
5.0
absolutely captured by these sneaky little lesbians! swooned! this was so gripping and the pacing/ perspective switching was wonderful. i loved the details of the imagery and the motifs throughout, it was such a well done, well connected, and well wrapped up story. victorian lesbians in their silly outfits,,, they’re just like us! yearning!