marilynsaul's review against another edition
3.0
I very much enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book, though I wanted to knock Peter in the head. I especially liked the whole bookbinding experience. I was fine through the pornography, but when the threats to Lucinda and the horrible bind in which Dora found herself, I just couldn't stomach it any more.
sabrina_d_arcy's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
audrey01's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Dora was a bad birch from start to finish and I was here for it!!!!!!!
sephipiderwitch's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very interesting book. The wife of a bookbinder takes up her husband's craft when his arthritis makes it hard for him to work and his use of opium becomes an issue. Some of the elite of the city begin to use her for binding ever more erotic texts. She becomes even better at intricate bookbinding than her husband ever hoped to. But, she is also drawing into dark areas with her choice of clientele.
Its a fascinating read. A little clumsy at times. I think she could have maybe added a bit more drama to the "dramatic scenes" in the book. But, all in all, it was well worth the time to read.
Its a fascinating read. A little clumsy at times. I think she could have maybe added a bit more drama to the "dramatic scenes" in the book. But, all in all, it was well worth the time to read.
paging_snidget's review against another edition
1.0
Awful. Starts out alright but then spirals into a vulgar soap opera. Has way too many storylines and deals with none of them properly.
dabieyo's review against another edition
4.0
"But like Lady Macbeth, was I leading my lord into an evil trap? Was I unsexing myself, or worse, him?"
regalexander's review against another edition
4.0
A very nice read with unusual, but interesting and very real characters. It's such a shame Belinda Starling passed away so shortly after finishing this debut novel - I would have loved to read more of her stories. Because the story seemed to slack here and there, I don't think I'll be re-reading this book, but I won't easily forget it either as I enjoyed it thoroughly. The ending surprised me pleasantly as well.
katrina26's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty good book, though the topic (Victorian pornography) may not be to everyone's taste. I found some areas to be a little too squeamish for me.
Set in Victorian London, Dora is the poor wife of a bookbinder living hand to mouth in Lambeth. Her husband can no longer work, so when she is paid handsomely to bind some unusual works, she does so but gets in deeper and deeper with some odd fellows...
The focus in the latter part of the book is less on Dora's job, but the importance of love, friends and family. Thankfully the ending wasn't cliched. The writing was descriptive and easy to read after a long day at work, but the subject was thought provoking. A good book.
Set in Victorian London, Dora is the poor wife of a bookbinder living hand to mouth in Lambeth. Her husband can no longer work, so when she is paid handsomely to bind some unusual works, she does so but gets in deeper and deeper with some odd fellows...
The focus in the latter part of the book is less on Dora's job, but the importance of love, friends and family. Thankfully the ending wasn't cliched. The writing was descriptive and easy to read after a long day at work, but the subject was thought provoking. A good book.