Just finished reading the book “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters, and I must say I was impressed. I hadn’t known what to expect with the story. I knew ahead of time that Sarah Waters tends to write Victorian books, and that several of her stories contain lesbians, so, I supposed it goes without saying that that is what this book was about.
But, oh, it was so much more than that. I have not often been so impressed with a story, especially set in this time period, that was an…engaging as this one.
The plotline, at first, seemed incredibly simple. A young thief, named Susan, is hired by a rather wicked man who calls himself Gentleman. It is his plot to steal the fortune of a young innocent named Maud.
Simple. And yet, almost immediately, the plot grows so thick and complicated I was left in shock more than once.
The relationship between Sue and Maud is believable, and very refreshing. By the time the two of them do finally begin to realise they have feelings for one another, the plot to ruin has grown too thick and the struggle the two women have from there on—both to survive and to reach each other—becomes something the readers wish for just as hard.
Not many books set in this time period really focus on women and sex (that I am aware) that aren’t those paperback romance novels with dukes who seduce women. This one was a relief in the fact that it truly did focus on sexual freedom for women and empowerment. The characters are comfortable with who they are, and (without giving away the plot) are not afraid to do things that others in the time would frown on. It is a breath of fresh air and gives readers, especially women my age, a look into what life would have been like for women who are just like us, who may not have the same conventional views. It connects us to the time in a very…intimate way, showing that our views have not changed so drastically. They have simply been more hidden in the past.
I will certainly be reading more of Sarah Water’s books in the future, starting with “Tipping the Velvet” which, in the film, has Benedict Cumberbatch. Sold.
