Tipping the Velvet

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Summary: Kudos to Sarah Waters
Review: This is a wonderful 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 Nan. Your heart will soar and break with hers. As another reader has written, I felt as if I was in the book myself; right alongside Nan. In the four days it took me to read this novel, nothing else in the world seemed to matter. It is so touching and compelling. Oh, and lest I forget, it's quite erotic as well. I hope for a sequel (are you reading this Ms. Waters?). Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Enjoy.

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Summary: The title is as beautiful and engrossing as the book.
Review: Cleverly disgusing the title as much as the women did with their identity in the late 1800's, Waters will be the author more widely read by audiences without bending down to reach them. An extra amount of detail for characters, a true to story speed of events, allows for easy suspension of disbelief. Rather, the historic detail mixes into plausible invention. Whatever isn't true in the book has undoubtedly occurred outside of it, and if not it is hoped for so hardheartedly by the reader, truth is of little relevance. The only grief for the reader is awaiting the next story. Waters undoubtedly whispered "presto" upon competion as the reader yells "bravo."

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Summary: Pull out your throw pillows and sit down with tea
Review: TIPPING THE VELVET is one of the best novels I've read this year. Nancy's story pulls you in until you feel what she feels. There's beauty and angst and all kinds of emotions. Sarah Waters's first novel is impressive without pretention. I was sad when I realized the book was over, but I wasn't sad with the ending. For me, it was part Henry Fielding (of TOM JONES fame), part female Oscar Wilde and part pure romance. Definitely a five star book! I hope Sarah Waters has plans for more books.

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Summary: A well written,funny,passionate love story
Review: This is one of the very best lesbian focused books i have ever read! I was thrilled to find all of the twists and turns around every corner. I felt as if i knew these characters and did not want to say goodbye! absolutley loved it!!!!

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Summary: Too much and not enough
Review: while i did enjoy tipping the velvet and it was a quick read, i had a hard time staying with it. about halfway through part two i was tempted to put it down because i was quite frustrated. Sarah waters is a fine new writer and the book is well written, but it didn't leave me wanting more.

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Summary: great
Review: one of the best evee

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Summary: As if i were there
Review: Sometimes reading certain parts, i wish i could have jumped right into the book...i read it rather quickly, skimming few areas that had too intricate of detail, still not being able to put the book down. as i read, i visualized the people she met, the costumes they wore, the outlandish consequences that ensued. i always wondered what it was like to live in the victorian era, guess i had lived vicariously through nan. i loved it.

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Summary: an intelligent, witty, lesbian bodice-ripper!
Review: With Tipping The Velvet, Sarah Waters has refreshed and revived the flagging ship that is known as lesbian fiction. Taking into account this is her first novel, it is truly outstanding. Her historical research is very accurate, her prose is descriptively Dickensian (in the best sense!) and was my favourite book I read last year. Fans should keep a look out for Affinity, her new novel just published in the UK. Much more dark and sinister than Tipping The Velvet, and with a wicked twist at the end. Not to be missed!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read
Review: I must admit I only picked this book up as I read a review in the Independent when first published, and saw the book was set in Whitstable, but what a great story! I can even make a good guess at where Nancy's parents might live - the oyster house is still there. Very imaginative, and I felt quite dizzy when the novel had ended.

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Summary: Not my 'scene', but interesting nonetheless
Review: I picked this book up out of curiosity more than anything else. And to be honest it didn't really make me desperate to read any more of this author's work or genre. It is a fascinating story with more ups and downs than a music hall curtain, but perhaps it is the author's style that makes even the most saucy and intimate moments seem almost detached. Everything is described in almost clinical detail, and thus we are given an insight into a world we maybe never knew existed. But somehow I finished Tipping the Velvet with an unsatisfied feeling. The ending was just too 'pat' after all of Nancy's adventures. I couldn't find her, Kitty, Diana or Florence in the least attractive. I would recommend it, but just not with as much enthusiasm as I would have wished.