Tipping the Velvet - Sarah Waters

'Tipping the Velvet', set in the 1880's during Victorian England, tells the coming of age story of 18 year old Nancy Astley, who is from a working class family that own an oyster restaurant. We join Nancy on her journey of self discovery, love and heartbreak as she embarks on a relationship with a woman who performs as a male impersonator. Nancy ends up leaving her family in Whitstable even though they disagree with her decision to join Kitty in London as her dresser. Life in London is not as perfect as Nancy thought it would be, especially when her relationship with Kitty breaks down and she is left to fend for herself, too ashamed to go back to her family. ...  Read the complete review

I have bought every book that Sarah Waters ever published based on my experience of her exquisitely detailed book “Affinity”, in which her written style was clear, and detail amazingly real. This book is more well known since it has been televised, although having just read it, I can only assume that the program could never actually be true to the book, unless it is on at an adult only time, since it's attention to detail is such that it proved a disturbing read. The book tells the story of Nan King, who works in her family Oyster restaurant in Whitstable at the turn of the 19th Century to 20th Century. She is a likeable character at first, and has acquired ...  Read the complete review

With lesbian escapades galore, Victorian ideals, a fish shop and even the highs and lows of theatre, ‘Tipping the Velvet’ appears to be a bit of an eclectic read. Most of you will know that author Sarah Waters territory lies firmly in the ‘I write bizarrely set lesbian tales’ category. When I began reading ‘Tipping the Velvet’, I was quite unaware of this, which made for a surprising read indeed. In the end, I can’t quite comprehend this novel. The only thing I can say for sure is that it is certainly unique. Set in the late 19th century to early 20th , ‘Tipping the Velvet’ follows the lives of Nan and Kitty, two young ladies who happen upon each other, fall ...  Read the complete review

Written by Sarah Waters this is her first novel and it details lesbianism in Victorian England. First published in 1998. 18 year old Nancy, a Kentish oyster maid visits the local music halls and sees Kitty Butler, a masher act (a woman dressed as a man). She is hooked from the very first time and goes back time and time again to see the performance. Eventually she is asked to visit Kitty in the dressing rooms and their friendship develops. From here we are taken through a whirlwind of her developing romance with Kitty. Betrayal, prostituion, slavery and the ultimate happy ending. Waters creates a vivid, convincing world that is ...  Read the complete review