Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Renee at It’s Book Talk. Throwback Thursday is an awesome opportunity to share old favorites as well as older books in our TBR. I love this idea as I only started blogging about a year and a half ago. Therefore, I have lots of old favorites to talk about. While I may not remember all of the details needed to write a complete review, I’m happy to share the thoughts and impressions that have remained with me long after I finished the book.
My pick of the the week is:
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber.
The Blurb:
My thoughts:
In almost every case, when I have read a book of this length, (835-922 pages depending the edition), I have concluded that the book could have been pared down; that it dragged on. Not so with The Crimson Petal and the White. It was a very fast read for me.
When I began the book, I was concerned that it was going to turn into another Victorian Era romance novel. Romance novels are not my thing. When I read passages that begin with words such as “He gently touched the tender curve of my ample bosoms…”, I want to vomit. I needn’t have worried. Though this book is about love and relationships, it goes way beyond the superficiality of romance and wanton lust.
Michel Faber set the scenes so skillfully I felt like I was there. The characters are incredibly unique and well-developed. I found myself truly invested in Sugar. But what I remember most about this book is how angry it made me. I was disgusted at the way all of the women in this book were treated; their lives controlled by the egotistical and self-serving William Rackham. Wife, mistress, and daughter were all equally disregarded.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction set in Victorian Era England as well as those who love books about women’s issues. The BBC produced a series based on this book. I binged watched it in one day. I thought it was very well done but I’d suggest reading the book first if you can.
So glad you jumped on the Throwback Thursday wagon this week:) This is an interesting pick and one I’ve never heard of…that’s what I love about sharing our old reads!!
I didn’t heard about it until 2013 or 14. It was highly recommended to me by a woman in my book club and then I stumbled upon a copy for sale at my library’s used book area. I love TBT because I’m sharing only book that I’m really excited about! 🙂 And I love reading everyone’s posts each week.
1870s London AND whores?!? I’m in! lol
835-922 pages and fast-paced read… there’s a pairing you don’t typically see. I must admit, LONG novels really intimidate me. I have a commitment issue lol
Yes! Throw in a little Jack the Ripper and it would’ve been a perfect read for me. I feel the same about long books. I implemented a rule for book club after having spent a week of my life reading Outlander: No more books over six hundred pages may be selected without prior authorization!
What an excellent rule 😂
I’m endlessly enthralled by the Victorian era, and this sounds like it offers a fascinating (and often maddening) perspective. I’ve heard the title but not known much about it, so thanks for giving me some more incentive to look into it.