acoffeeandagoodbook's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
What a ride this book is! The narrative style, addressing the reader directly at times, is such a fun device, echoing popular novels from the time the book is set, and of course, the literary attempts of the main characters.
Faber interweaves the lives of his cast of characters until even the seemingly side parts become incredibly important. From the protagonist, Sugar, to the Rackham's housemaid, each character is carefully crafted and fully fleshed out.
The sheer length of this book could be daunting for some, but the richly-drawn characters hold your attention all the way through. The story moves between Sugar and her benefactor, William Rackham, to other members of the Rackham family, including William's troubled wife and brother, and back again. This helps to keep things moving and prevents burnout, which can happen with such a tome.
The ending is not universally loved. If you need an ending that neatly ties everything into a bow, you'll be disappointed. Instead, after a series of surprise twists and turns, the reader is left with plenty of questions about what really happened. This isn't for everyone, but I loved it. Life isn't neat and doesn't give all the answers we might want, and neither does this book!
Faber interweaves the lives of his cast of characters until even the seemingly side parts become incredibly important. From the protagonist, Sugar, to the Rackham's housemaid, each character is carefully crafted and fully fleshed out.
The sheer length of this book could be daunting for some, but the richly-drawn characters hold your attention all the way through. The story moves between Sugar and her benefactor, William Rackham, to other members of the Rackham family, including William's troubled wife and brother, and back again. This helps to keep things moving and prevents burnout, which can happen with such a tome.
The ending is not universally loved. If you need an ending that neatly ties everything into a bow, you'll be disappointed. Instead, after a series of surprise twists and turns, the reader is left with plenty of questions about what really happened. This isn't for everyone, but I loved it. Life isn't neat and doesn't give all the answers we might want, and neither does this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Child abuse, Abortion, Death, and Rape
Minor: Trafficking and Pedophilia
eclyan's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
OMG this ending. The Crimson Petal and the White was really slow at the beginning and i though it was not for me. The second half is just marvelous. Feminine condition, prostitution, dark times in rich houses, are some subjects absolutely well written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Dementia, and Misogyny
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Child abuse and Trafficking
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