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Summary: The best so-called lesbian novel since Forbes' ALMA ROSE
Review: This is a beautiful work of art and deserving of the widest possible reading audience -- which, of course, it won't get, having been dismissed by book marketeers as a "lesbian" novel. But the emotion of love is universal; so, surely, anyone can empathize with protagonist Nan as she moves from fantasy to hope to reality to betrayal to despair and decadence to recovery and renewal.In my amazon.com review of Edith Forbes' ALMA ROSE, another beautifully wrought "lesbian" novel, I noted that it's too bad that genre fiction is never considered for major book awards. Otherwise, TIPPING THE VELVET would be eligible for any number of awards in Great Britain, including best first novel. Critics have labeled the novel as picaresque, and that is decidedly the peg author Waters has tossed her topper onto. But, then, THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN is a picaresque novel. Does that make it any less worthy of praise? Her first novel is rich in language, Victorian research, character development, and plot. I look forward to her next effort.
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Summary: An all-nighter or two!
Review: Beautifully written, exceptional storyline with character upon character layering the evolving personalit(ies) of Nan King, an oyster-girl turned masher turned East-end tom. I was most impressed with the language and depicted historical accuracy of the Victorian lesbian underworld of the gay 90's. The sensuous descriptions of each encounter were captivating, ranging from romantic to seductive to raw. Get it now... Bookstores are having trouble keeping the shelves stocked. The most talked about book in Toronto.
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Summary: Excellent!!
Review: Wonderful book. I learned so much!!! I felt so much!!! I want more!!! Every page was great.
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Summary: Fantastic - My all time favorite Lesbian novel.
Review: Great Book. The characters are real and unlike anything else I have ever read. I might warn you - Don't buy this book if you have things that you must get done because I bet the plans go by the way side and you will be cuddle up with this book until the last page is turned. Truly a Great Lesbian novel worth reading!! Can't wait for her next book.
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Summary: This is an exceptional novel that transcends lesbian genre.
Review: The writing is nearly flawless with voice and style corresponding perfectly to content. The characters are well drawn and pull the reader irresistably into the story. And what a story! What fun to be vicariously a part of the hidden, erotic world of Victorian Saphism. I agree with the others--bring on the movie! How about Natasha Richardson as the lovely Nan?
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Summary: A very enjoyable book....
Review: Tipping the Velvet has it all. It's sexy, poignant, emotional, and interesting. Waters does an excellent job with her characters. In the end, she ties up all the loose ends. The ending is perhaps a little too pat. I didn't really mind, though. The book is so well written and nicely paced that I couldn't put it down!
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Summary: It's about time for a WELL WRITTEN lesbian novel!!!
Review: Thank you Ms. Waters for a well written, literate novel that focuses on a lesbian character(s)!!! I was totally engrossed in the book, but made the error of reading a large portion of it while on a lunch break at my office. I lost track of time, and when I stopped reading I was disoriented as to time and goings on around me. Definitely a book to be read in the privacy of one's own space. Rarely have I found a novel, with a lesbian orientation that has captivated me so. If the movie rights are sold, I can only wish that the producer will do it justice. I look forward to Ms. Waters' next endeavor.
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Summary: BRAVO! When do we get see the movie?!
Review: TIPPING THE VELVET traveled with me to the beach this summer and I hold this book responsible for my sunburn :) . I could not put this book down! It is rich with sensuality, textuality, and sexuality. I hope that her agent negotiated a movie deal. I would love to see this story actualized on the Sapphic screen. Sumptuous and saucy!
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Summary: Wow! This one is fantastic!
Review: I have never read a book quite like TIPPING THE VELVET. Like the back cover suggests, it is absolutely gorgeous. The writing is virtually flawless, somewhat poetic, and the story has a wonderful mixture of happy, sad, twists and turns. Reading this book, after a character was introduced and played a bit, then forgotton when the story moved on, I was afraid I would never find out what happened to them. But Ms. Waters saved the best for last and tied up everything in the end. Even if you don't have anything in "common" with the characters, you will delight in this book.
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Summary: Kudos to Sarah Waters
Review: This is a excellent book. I couldn't put it down, and when I did have to, I couldn't wait to get back to it. It is an excellent view into Victorian England with great attention to detail. I felt such sympathy for Nancy Astley. Your heart will soar and break with hers. In the few days it took me to read this novel, nothing in my world seemed to matter but Nan. It is so touching, compelling and wonderfully erotic. I only hope there will be a sequel (hopefully you read this, Ms. Waters). Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Enjoy.
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