Tipping the Velvet: A Novel by Sarah Waters
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Book Reviews of Tipping the Velvet: A Novel
Book Review: Damn sexy
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I go into my thoughts on Tipping... I noticed a reviewer who suspects Sarah Waters of really being a man. In case anyone else is curious, I can confirm that she is female! I've twice worked at author events of hers, and she is most definately a woman (and a lesbian as if you needed telling!) Anyway. I really enjoyed this book. Apart from having a wonderfully readable prose style. Waters is a master of structure and plot - the story mixes erotica, sentimentality, darkness, humour and growth perfctly, and never repeats its own ideas.
The characters are like all Waters' characters in that they risk being dislikable, but always end up winning you over. Nan as the narrator is a wonderful character to take the reader through the sexual underworlds of Victorian London.
However, if you find you like this book don't expect Waters' other two to be similar! Affinity and Fingermith are involved, moody, dark and complicated, both employing elements of mystery (with big ol' twists). HAving said that - give Fingersmith a try: I loved it even more than Tipping.
Book Review: Good god, what a triumph!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I heard about this book, I thought, "Victorian-era erotica? I don't think so!" But in the end, it turns out that my thirst for totally engrossing, wonderfully entertaining, and incredibly well-written lesbian fiction has at last been quenched. Nearly 500 pages was barely enough of Waters' evocative tale of Nancy Astley, aka Nan King, and her life and times as a newly out "tom" (surely the 19th-century English equivalent of "dyke"), a male-impersonating prostitute, a kept "boy," and finally a self-realizing adult. The sights, smells, sounds, tastes of turn-of-the-century England were so brilliantly captured that I couldn't wait to take the subway somewhere, anywhere, so that I could sit down and read without anyone bothering me! The novel is an erotic and emotional triumph. I can't wait to read Affinity, Waters' next...it's already sitting on my desk. If I haven't raved enough about this book, take my word that it's highly recommended.Book Review: "Tipping the velvet" was never so much fun!
Summary: 5 Stars
This novel was a glorious, stomach flipping journey into the life and career of a girl with a personality and passion like no other. From her days as a small-town hero-worshipper to her partnership with a musician, we follow Nat like we never want to lose her. This book appealed to my humanness as well as my sexuality. I felt every life-altering turn that Nat took as if I was living through it. my heart beat furiously from the beginning of the book to its comforting conclusion. I felt every decision she made and wanted to take her hand and tell her to come and live with me. I actually found myself wanting to jump into the book and join her on stage, and with Diana, and with Florence. This book is so beautifully crafted, I found it impossible to part with. Susan Waters has created such a masterpiece, that I found myself craving for life in the Gay 90s. Please, Miss Waters, keep them coming! A must-read for everyone, no matter what orientation!Book Review: An amazing book for anyone - regardless of your sexual pref!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm most decidedly straight, but this book was so remarkably wonderful, I had to put in my $0.02 to say that even though it's often categorized as "lesbian fiction", I think that's an injustice! It's a fantastically written book, descriptive, with a very intimate view of real life in Victorian England, including several well written love stories, and very strong, memorable and likeable characters! I picked up the book based on the cover and my interest in the Victorian Era. Not only was I very impressed with the novel itself, I was completely drawn in and couldn't put it down! Certainly it's an excellent piece of Lesbian Fiction, but I think it's so much more than that alone - it's a wonderful piece of literature and a great example of fine writing!I think Affinity was very good as well, but it didn't have exactly the same kind of pull that Tipping the Velvet did. What a wonderful book!
Book Review: A true pleasure to read.
Summary: 5 Stars
Tipping the Velvet is an easily read book that, like Graham Greene's End of the Affair, captures well the feelings that people have that had before seemed beyond description. Waters does a fantastic job of being truthful to the heroine's feelings by showing Nancy's conflicting emotions. We've all had them! The story is a good read for many reasons - simply, the plot is interesting, it doesn't stagnate. Waters moves the story along and while it is clear that she's paid attention to history, I never felt bogged down in the details of it or felt like I needed a history lesson. This is because the book is ultimately, timeless because it is more about emotions and human nature than anything else. It is a well written book that reads easily.