The Crimson Petal and The White by Michael Faber
Rating : A
Genre: Victorian, Historical Fiction
Quick Summary: This is the story of a smart, young prostitute in Victorian England who uses her wits and her wiles to rise from brothel to mistress to a very tenuous position of respectability.
I am kind of late to the party on this one. This book was much buzzed about a few years ago, was a bestseller and on the list of reading for many book clubs. I have eyed it multiple times in the bookstore, but I was a little mixed on if I wanted to pick it up. I was it described as 'Dickensian' which attracted me. But I also saw that the content centered around a 19 year old prostitute and I thought it might be seedy and dreary.
I came across a used copy in a bookstore and decided to give it a shot. All I can say is that all my concerns that the novel would be dreary or depressing were totally wrong. There is plenty of Victorian seediness in here - but it is utterly fascinating. I was completely rapt as I read this book and I did not come up for air for days.
The novel definitely does have a touch of Dickens in it. The writing captures the tone of a 19th century novel perfectly. The author gives us some of the unique characters that you see in Dickens - such as Bodley and Ashwell - two rakish gentlemen that pop in and out for comic effect. Or old Colonel Leek whose distinctive character trait is quoting newspaper articles on mayhem and disaster. However, the main character, Sugar is unlike anything you will ever see in a Dickens novel. Sugar is a prostitute of renown in the seedy brothels of London. She uses her clever mind as well as her feminine wiles in her profession.
She soon attracts the attention of a wealthy man who elevates her to his mistress. As Sugar begins to get a taste of a better life - she realizes she can never go back to the gutter. This is where most of the tension of the novel comes from - her constant struggle to maintain her new position. Watching her use her wits to try and avoid that fate kept me turning the pages.
The interplay of men and women in the Victorian era is one of the most interesting things in this novel. You have the prostitutes, you have repressed men, wives that do not understand the basic facts of the birds and the bees, strong independent women regarded as social pariahs. There is a wealth of material to explore.
The novel has a really unexpected ending - perhaps raising more questions then it answers. But for me it was utterly fitting. I have heard the author has a book of short stories called 'The Apple' that sheds some light on what happens to some of the characters in the future. That is going on my TBR list for sure.
I really loved this book, although I am not sure it is for everyone. For those who are intrigued by the Victorian era or those who enjoy thick novels with lots of character study, I would highly recommend it. It was an incredibly compelling read.
It is good for us to sharing our experience when we write blog, tell something what we know to the society.
Posted by: Nike Shox R4 | 07/08/2010 at 02:24 AM
Your English is damn good!
Posted by: Supra Shoes | 11/15/2010 at 07:54 PM
I am an avid reader who has NEVER stopped reading a book prior to finishing it. This book was the exception. I had to seriously work to get through the first 182 pages before I finally gave up. The sexually explicit graphic nature of this text was offensive and not entirely necessary. In addition, it was difficult to read due to the excessive descriptions of every little detail.
http://www.squidoo.com/ergobaby_performance
Posted by: Mouthwash Dispenser | 02/26/2011 at 06:21 AM
This website is AMAZING. How do you make it look this good! GLAD TO KONW THE KINDLY FRIEND LIKE YOU.
Posted by: Nike Shox | 04/08/2011 at 07:44 PM
Every man is his own worst enemy
Posted by: outlet moncler | 12/02/2011 at 05:36 PM
Actions speak louder than words
Posted by: moncler outlet | 12/02/2011 at 05:59 PM