This is a review of the 2002 book "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters. This author is well known for her books "Tipping the Velvet" and I also read and enjoyed "Affinity" a few years back. The books tend to explore Victorian lesbian relationships so perhaps are not for everyone but I do like to read a wide variety of books and would probably put this in my top 10 of most enjoyable reads. I note that the previous 10 reviews have an average score of 5/5 stars, and I can't disagree with this. A little about The book begins set in the house of thieves, a place reminiscent of Fagin's place in Oliver Twist. It's lovely how the author ...  Read the complete review

Tempted by my first experience of the written work of Sarah Waters, and her book “Affinity” (Published in 2005 and therefore later than this work), I bought this book with high expectations and upon recommendation. The story is set in London, the year 1862. We are introduced to the characters that are to form the foundation of the book fairly early on, and the reader is taken from the lowly “Borough” area of London where Susan Trinder's formative years are spent in the care of a Mrs. Sucksby who takes in infants, and Mr. Ibbett, who looks after the local Locksmith shop. The characters that build up the texture of the story are colourful and very believeable, ...  Read the complete review

The first of Sarah Waters books that I have both read and enjoyed, Fingersmith is a brilliant Dickensian tale of orphans, the seedy criminal underworld of 19th century London and mis-placed identity that has much in common with Oliver Twist to which there are many crafty nods throughout the course of the novel. Sue Trinder has been brought up an orphan in the house of Mrs.Suckesby surrounded by ne'er-do-well types, screaming babies and the popular fence of stolen goods Mr.Ibbs after her mother was hanged for murder within sight of her bedroom window. A regular caller, known only as Gentleman, pays a visit one evening with Sue in mind for a devious ...  Read the complete review

If I may I'd like to preface this review with a caveat or three. First of all, I'm a huge Sarah Waters fan, simply finding her to be one of the most exciting young writers working today. Secondly, I'm new to DooYoo, and delighted to be here. As far as I can find there are no restrictions about posting a comment elsewhere after it has been posted here, which is what I'd like to do with this. When I'm truly excited about something I tend to want to tell the world, and I hope that none of my new colleages find that objectionable. Nonetheless, I'm still feeling my way and appreciate very much your guidance and time spent in reading ...  Read the complete review

Fingersmith is a story of family, love, passion, and betrayal. In reviewing this I will have to avoid divulging too much of the story as it will ruin it for the reader. The story begins in London, in the home of Susan Trinder, a young "fingersmith" living with a woman named Mrs Sucksby who runs a baby farm, whilst all the lodgers bring their income by other illegal means. The first part of the story is told from Sue's perspective. "Gentleman" calls on the household one evening with a proposition which will make them all a great deal of money - he wants Sue's help to swindle a young heiress to a fortune. His plan is that Sue ...  Read the complete review