A review by laviskrg
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
5.0
An amazingly evocative read, a great cast of imperfect, broken, utterly HUMAN characters. Realism and naturalism combined in order to paint a most decayed and infectious Victorian England. A long book that felt like a few pages of pure genius, an immensely rapid read (it did take some time to update my status since I am currently on holiday, which is also the reason why this review will be very short).
Sugar is one of the best female characters I have ever encountered, and so unique to me since I am used to Isabel Allende's magical realism heroines and my favourite MacKayla Lane of the "Fever" series is a different creature entirely. But Sugar is a startling combination of strong, damaged, progressive, and burdened by the chains that women were burdened by in those days. While I am discussing said chains, I would like to mention my joy in reading an accurate book, and not a silly, syrup-covered collection of historical inaccuracies. Women were not swept off their feet by gentlemen, carried away to a romantic palace. Usually, they were married either for interest, or, even if they married for love, they risked living a life of solitary, consuming madness, of shame and silent despair. This was brilliantly painted by the character of Agnes, whose delusions and sufferings were painful to read, but oh so enchantingly written. Also, I adored the realistic description of the prostitutes' plights, the horrific conditions in which they existed, the way they "fell", or were brought down by society's cruelty.
I will end this very short review (because I am on holiday and entitled to be a lazy good for nothing) by stating that this book is an important read. It is a harsh picture of a reality many do not know or choose to fantasize about without paying any attention to historical facts. It is a violent, sad novel, one which I enjoyed from the very first word, from the very first sentence, from the first time the fourth wall was shattered and the author (or perhaps the book itself) addressed me, the reader. It is truly a journey, and one all should embark on with care. Fully recommended to mature readers.
Sugar is one of the best female characters I have ever encountered, and so unique to me since I am used to Isabel Allende's magical realism heroines and my favourite MacKayla Lane of the "Fever" series is a different creature entirely. But Sugar is a startling combination of strong, damaged, progressive, and burdened by the chains that women were burdened by in those days. While I am discussing said chains, I would like to mention my joy in reading an accurate book, and not a silly, syrup-covered collection of historical inaccuracies. Women were not swept off their feet by gentlemen, carried away to a romantic palace. Usually, they were married either for interest, or, even if they married for love, they risked living a life of solitary, consuming madness, of shame and silent despair. This was brilliantly painted by the character of Agnes, whose delusions and sufferings were painful to read, but oh so enchantingly written. Also, I adored the realistic description of the prostitutes' plights, the horrific conditions in which they existed, the way they "fell", or were brought down by society's cruelty.
I will end this very short review (because I am on holiday and entitled to be a lazy good for nothing) by stating that this book is an important read. It is a harsh picture of a reality many do not know or choose to fantasize about without paying any attention to historical facts. It is a violent, sad novel, one which I enjoyed from the very first word, from the very first sentence, from the first time the fourth wall was shattered and the author (or perhaps the book itself) addressed me, the reader. It is truly a journey, and one all should embark on with care. Fully recommended to mature readers.