Scan barcode
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Loved Fingersmith so decided to try Waters' first.
It's also very good. The sense of period is excellent, narrative voice sympathetic and story intriguing and titillating.
Nancy Astley is an oyster girl in a seaside town and chances to see a male impersonator, Kitty Butler, at the theatre. Attracted to her, they meet, become friends, and travel together to London where Kitty is to perform. Their friendship becomes a deeper and more intimate affair, and Nan's confidence and own theatrical abilities start to shine through.
It's a story of a hidden and very intriguing world, though with some rather crude language and scenes, it won't be for everyone.
I've now watched most of the BBC adaptation and found it a good one, though brief ad changed in places the spirit of the book shines through and it makes a good companion piece.
This is an excellent book, a very assured debut and a real insight into the world of the Victorian lesbian.
It's also very good. The sense of period is excellent, narrative voice sympathetic and story intriguing and titillating.
Nancy Astley is an oyster girl in a seaside town and chances to see a male impersonator, Kitty Butler, at the theatre. Attracted to her, they meet, become friends, and travel together to London where Kitty is to perform. Their friendship becomes a deeper and more intimate affair, and Nan's confidence and own theatrical abilities start to shine through.
It's a story of a hidden and very intriguing world, though with some rather crude language and scenes, it won't be for everyone.
I've now watched most of the BBC adaptation and found it a good one, though brief ad changed in places the spirit of the book shines through and it makes a good companion piece.
This is an excellent book, a very assured debut and a real insight into the world of the Victorian lesbian.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes I get the urge to revisit Nancy and Florence. Every re-read is the same: I dread the middle portion of the book but enjoy the first part and love the final part enough to keep going. I don't know why I can't just give myself permission to skip to the parts I want, but I can't.
The end makes it all worthwhile.
The end makes it all worthwhile.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
4.0
Doing a re-listen.
I still very much enjoy this book. Even though Nancy is mostly super selfish and naive through nearly all of it. Florence makes up for it all.
I still very much enjoy this book. Even though Nancy is mostly super selfish and naive through nearly all of it. Florence makes up for it all.
interreads's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aviabraham's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
razialise's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dahyol's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
kieraisreading's review against another edition
4.0
A steamy, historical, sapphic romance! I really enjoyed this book, it had been on my tbr for a while, and I'm so glad I finally got to it. I am watching the show as well, I think it is a pretty accurate adaptation, and would highly recommend it.
sersi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse