Sarah Waters' Fingersmith is praised for its intricate plotting, rich historical detail, and strong character development. Reviewers commend the suspenseful narrative and clever twists, though some find its pacing slow in parts. The atmospheric Victorian setting enhances the dark, gothic tone, making it a compelling read despite occasional structural criticisms.

Readers who enjoy historical novels with intricate plots, strong female characters, and themes of deception and loyalty will love Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. Fans of The Night Circus and The Crimson Petal and the White will appreciate its Victorian setting, gothic undertones, and unexpected twists.

A thrilling tale of thievery, betrayal, and mistaken identity, Fingersmith, by Welsh author Sarah Waters, tells the story of two women from two very different stations of life whose fates are inextricably linked. Set in the 1860s, Fingersmith is narrated alternately by Sue Smith (also known as Sue Trinder) and Maud Lilly. One is a young “fingersmith”—slang for a thief—lovingly protected from the worst of her world by Mrs. Sucksby; the other is an aristocratic lady, secretary to her debauched uncle. Both think they are orphans, and in the course of the novel, their intertwined history is exposed, along with the conspiracy to wed Maud to Gentleman—who is anything but—to steal away her fortune. Sue is to act as her maid, an accomplice to the plot, but in the course of their interactions, the two women slowly fall in love, only to realize they have been working against each other all along. The novel contains depictions of abuse, manipulation, and institutionalization in psychiatric facilities.

Sarah Waters

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Part 1, Chapters 1-6

Fingersmith Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

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Part 2, Chapters 11-13

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Part 3, Chapters 14-17

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