Rating: 4 1/2
Read for: TBR Challenge 2008
In this hefty tome, Faber introduces us to the seedy, rich and melancholy world of prostitution in Victorian England with his intriguing characters, delicious prose and evocative descriptions of London. Leading us from one character to another, Faber takes his time introducing his protagonist, Sugar, an unusual, intelligent yet fragile prostitute who finds herself a wealthy "benefactor". We follow Sugar as she is torn from the world she knows and thrust into a world of money, order and propriety. Faber gives us tantalising glimpses of the hidden underbelly of Victorian prostitutes and allows us to enjoy Sugar's discovery of her new home, full of sumptuous delights, and dark secrets.
One is never sure quite what to make of Sugar. What is it that makes her so enticing? Does she love the man who has given her everything? Or despise him for being so much in his debt, or for the price that comes with her "rescue"? My heart broke for the utterly bewildered and misunderstood Agnes, and I was moved by the innocent and well-meaning Henry, battling between his desire to join the Church, and his love for a dear friend.
Faber has a knack for getting you to care for the most unexpected characters, only to cruelly and swiftly steal them away. Almost as if we, the reader, did not deserve them, their fate lay elsewhere. He manages to leave the reader wanting more, and his story ended where it began, coming full circle yet leaving so many lives irrevocably changed.
Long this book may be, and worthy of the word "tome", but an excellent read nonetheless, one that draws you into its dark and often tragic world, harbouring both the cruel and the innocent, to tell us their story. I for one look forward to reading Faber's The Apple, to learn more about his characters past and future.
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Crimson Petal and the White - Michel Faber
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I loved the narrative voice the author used throughout this book, the descriptions and the story itself. It has been a while since I read it, but it's one of those books that lingers with you long after you read it. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it too!
I would like to read The Apple too. I recently came across a short story collection by the author and am looking forward to reading that.
sounds really engaging, and I never heard of this author!
btw, I've tagged you for a meme!: http://valentinasroom.blogspot.com/2008/05/meme.html
Sounds interesting definitely. It makes a change to have the main characters stolen away and not all make it to the end. By the way I am writing this on my new PC which I managed to get working yay!
I hadn't heard of this author before either. It does sound like a great book. I am always drawn to books set in Victorian times, especially ones that explore aspects of the period that are often left unmentioned.
I've had this sitting on the shelf for a few years now but still haven't read it. The size of it keeps putting me off even though I've heard nothing but good reviews of it, like yours. One of these days..
Post a Comment