Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
by Jenners • 05/05/2010 • 4.5 Stars, F Titles, Fiction, Historical, Mystery/Thriller, W Authors • 33 Comments
FingersmithRiverhead Trade, 2002
ISBN: 978-1573229722
582 pages
Genre: Fiction
My rating: 4.5 stars
If you read a lot of book blogs, I’m sure you’ve come across a few reviews of Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. And I bet they all have one thing in common: the reviewer laments the fact that they can’t really tell you any more than the bare bones of the plot because then it would spoil the book for you. Then they go on to praise the book and tell you “Just read it. Trust me. It is that good.”
So who am I to attempt to do the impossible? You truly cannot write too much about Fingersmith without spoiling everything that makes Fingersmith such a dizzying, delightful read. I saw a comment by Nymeth from Things Means A Lot (who wrote one of the best reviews of this book I’ve come across — you should probably just read that instead of my ramblings here, in fact) on another blogger’s review of Fingersmith that said:
The first rule of Fingersmith is that you don’t talk about Fingersmith.
Of course, this is a reference to Fight Club (of which I’ve only seen the movie and not read the book), but, when I thought about it, there are definite parallels between Fight Club and Fingersmith (aside from the need to be close-mouthed about plot points). And so I felt I must respect the code and not talk too much about this book. But here is what I can tell you.
- Reading this book is like looking into a kaleidoscope. You see things fitting together in an intricate pattern but then you turn it and all the pieces align in a new pattern. And then you turn it again …
- Reading this book is like boarding those Wild Mouse rides you see at amusement parks where you get whipped around on these crazy sharp turns that make your head spin.
- Reading this book is like watching Mission Impossible where the … WAIT … I can’t continue with that one. It might give too much away.
Let’s just say that if Fingersmith was a food, it would be a pretzel. (Because of the twists). I think the true brilliance and fun of Fingersmith is the plot twists that leave you feeling dizzy, invigorated, duped, nodding, shaking, and wanting to leap ahead to find out where Waters is going to take you next. (But don’t think the plot twists are all the book has going for it. It is also amazingly well-written; provides a brilliant sense of atmosphere; and creates memorable, indelible characters that will stay with you.)
So, what else can I tell you?
- The book is set in Victorian England. Now usually this is a turn-off for me. I associate “Victorian” with “dead boring.” (Unfairly, I suppose, as I haven’t read all that much of it.) I always think books set in the Victorian era will focus too much on virtue and being good and social niceties and the big scandal would be if someone used the wrong spoon to stir their tea. (I’m totally speaking out of my ass here, by the way. I don’t know ANYTHING about Victorian novels … just a vague sense of what I think Victorian novels are or would be like. I’m sure many of you will try to convert me now.) So, if you have an unfair prejudice against books from the Victorian era like I did, discard them. This book is ANYTHING but boring and stuffy.
- Fingersmith is a term that means “petty thief,” which is how one of the main characters, Sue Trinder, earns her living in London. Fingersmith might also refer to someone who has mastered a skill involving the use of his or her fingers. It could also have another connotation that makes more sense after you read the book but I’m not going to tell you about it. OK … I will … let’s just say the book has been called “lesbian Victoriana.” So now you figure it out yourself. (And that is your only “warning” that this book deals with the Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name.)
- The book is 582 pages but once you hit the end of the first part, you will want to read the book at every available opportunity so make sure you have the time available. Once you board the crazy ride that is Fingersmith, you won’t want to get off!
- You will never look at a pair of white gloves in quite the same way.
Oh … enough already. Just read it!!! Trust me!!!! You’ll love it!! (Unless you really don’t care for suspenseful, twist-filled, well-written, unforgettable, kick-ass, Gothic, big themed, psychologically thrilling, heart-in-your-mouth historical fiction. If that isn’t your type of book, then by all means skip it.)
I hereby award Fingersmith 4.5 stars and pretty much guarantee it is going to be one of my Top 10 reads of the year.
The Whys and Wheres: Well, after reading so many mysterious reviews on book blogs about this book, I pretty much HAD to read it and I did … on my Kindle (which, sadly, means no giveaway).
To find out what other bloggers are saying about the book discussed in this post, visit the Book Blogs Search Engine.
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I have two of her other books, Tipping the Velvet and The Night Watch, neither of which I've read yet. After reading your review, I want to read this book NOW!
Well, I do believe you have put into words exactly what Fingersmith is and was to me when I read it.
I read it before I started blogging and LOVED IT!
I'm sort of crushing on Sarah Waters as an author. She is simply marvelous.
The Fingersmith is one of my favourite books. I am really pleased that you enjoyed it – it is wonderful!
Would ~I~ like it?
i feel the SAME way about Victorian novels! they must be stuffy and dusty and boring but goodness gracious if this book made a convert out of you I've got to add it to my tbr list!
The only Waters book I have read is Tipping the Velvet and I loved it! I bought Fingersmith a few months ago so I hope to read it soon.
I love, love, love the way you reviewed this one. I haven't read it yet but you've really made me want to run out a get it. Right this moment. Like ditch work and go.
I have not read this book or her other one. I'm a bit slow with popular books. I always worry that they won't live up to the hype. However, when I do get to them I always kick myself in the head over waiting so long to read 'em.
Okay — since no one can talk about it I guess I just have to join. LOL.
so you liked it, right?
I really must get it out of the pile here.
I love pretzels, so I guess I'd better read it!
Oh good grief! All right already…I will move this book to the number one spot for summer reading (although I think The Shadow of the Wind will have to take a close second). I simply cannot stand the suspense any longer
Brilliant review! If I hadn't just read the book myself I would be rushing out to get it based on what you've written. It is indeed a pretzel and a wild mouse ride!
I don't have time to read this any time soon, but it's on my list.
I don't have time to read this any time soon, but it's on my list.
I love the fact that "Fingersmith club" is catching on
Welcome aboard 
And thank you for the kind words about my review! I think you did a *great* job yourself.
Can't wait to read it – I actually have had it checked out from the library and already renewed once, because I kept moving it to the bottom of the pile… just went in yesterday to get an extended renewal, and look, today I read this awesome post which inspires me to GET TO IT! : )
It's one of my 140 books sitting here that I haven't read … I swear I'll get to it soon!
Okay, okay Jenners. I'm hooked. I'm reading it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
Okay, you and Nymeth are now tied for The Best Review of Fingersmith Ever. Awesome job!
Yes what Fizzy Jill said…a chocolate covered pretzel! This book about made my head explode. I mean, I went into the read (on my Kindle too, so I can keep it to my selfish self) loving Waters from Night Watch and The Little Stranger. This book brought me to a whole new level. Glad you have joined the club!
Yours is the first blog that I have visited that has a review of this book but if its as good as you say I'm sure we'l be seeing many more.
I love your comparisons, the use of pretzels is brilliant.
A historical novel fan and English as well I'll be sure to add this to my wish list.
I am so glad you liked this book! I loved it, too, and I agree with your assessments; the pace was breathtaking, but in the best possible way.
Great review, as always!
Rats! I'm sorry this won't be a giveaway. From what you've shared here it sounds great!
How about a chocolate covered pretzel? So then it would be a delicious twist!
sold to the lady who trusts jenners!
Sounds GREAT! I'm going to put it on hold on my library account right now. I need a good fiction read like that! (I just got a notice that "My Life in France" is in, so I'll have to tell you what I think of it.)
Love this review, as usual.
I guess I have to read this now. I just put it on hold at the library.
I said roller coaster in my review but I admit Wild Mouse is better! But can I tell you in secret that I didn't know that other definition of fingersmith?!!
This was my first Sarah Waters book and the plot as you said is so good that I have been recommending to all left right and center
And yes , you can't talk about it because then you ll spoil it all for the next reader !
I didn't read your review, I'm just picking up my book at the library and know everyone has recommended this so highly, I want to be surpriesed.
After all these great reviews, I feel like I have to read this! It's on my wish list.
LOL that was my husband who started the "first rule of Fingersmith" bit with Ana.
He read it right after her review and decided we needed to have a Fingersmith club.