By the pricking of my thumbs, something mischievious this way comes... (Fingersmith - Sarah Waters)

Member Name: sparkymarky1973

Product:	Fingersmith - Sarah Waters
Date:	29/12/06 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gripping tale of Dickensian London

Disadvantages: None-a most enjoyable read

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 scam. She will go to a mansion house, out in the country, pose as a Lady's maid and help Gentleman to seduce a young girl under the care of her eccentric uncle with the intention of marrying her and stealing from the Lady her inheritance- a portion of which he will give to Sue and Mrs.Suckesby for their part in his nefarious schemes.

Of course things do not, as they are wont not to do, go as planned and Sue finds herself falling deeply and emotionally for the Lady she is supposed to be serving. Gentleman is determined not to see his plans come to naught and starts to show his more vicious and mean-spirited side and then, at the plans cultimation, events occur which throw everything on its head.

If you have seen the BBC adaptation, you pretty much know what to expect though the novel of course gos into far much more depth. If you haven't seen the BBC version, as I hadn't, then get ready for plenty of shocks and twists as the story enfolds. There is a small touch of lesbanism but, far from gratuitous, the matter is subtly handled and is more erotic and sensual than in any way pornographic.

I went into this not really knowing quite what to expect but am happy to say this is one of the best reads I have read all year. I would certainly go out of my way to read one of her books again and in point of fact actually have another of her novels, AFFINITY ( probably her next best known book after TIPPING THE VELVET ), on my to-be read pile at the moment and look forward to indulging in the new year.

If you're a fan of the classics, this book will fit right in on your bookshelves next to Dickens' A tale of Two cities or A christmas Carol or mayhaps between Dafoe's Robinson Crusoe or Dumas' Three Musketeers; it certainly is a modern classic set in times long past and something I would well reccommend.

The only slight I had was how the novel retold the story in the second part from a diffrent perspective, thus breaking the flow of the plot a little, but, on completion, you can kind of see how this was nessecary in order for the book's premise to work.

All in all- this is a most enjoyable read with strong, believable characterisation and a deeply gripping plot and certainly deserves to take pride of place on my shelves at the moment.

Summary: A tale of mis-placed orphans, riches and devious plans with many a twist and turn