The Mookse and the Gripes discussion

tk

This is the only Waters novel I have read - it was a group discussion over at 21st Century Literature and was better and more interesting than I expected. Some outrageous plot twists.

Hugh wrote: "This is the only Waters novel I have read - it was a group discussion over at 21st Century Literature and was better and more interesting than I expected. Some outrageous plot twists."

I have read nearly all of Waters book and I find this her best one. Totally unpredictable, interesting plot and great characters. In fact Korean director Park Chan Wook adapted it (and called it the handmaiden) and it's equally fantastic

Robert wrote: "Hugh wrote: "This is the only Waters novel I have read - it was a group discussion over at 21st Century Literature and was better and more interesting than I expected. Some outrageous plot twists."..."

Ah yes, I was going to mention that film version as well, it looks fantastic and crazy. It was shown here at the NZIFF and I regret not going to see it.
I can say having very recently read Waters first novel Tipping the Velvet that this one shows considerably more writing skill. It's a great rollicking ride of historical fiction, but even so in this company it is the lowest on my list.

*** possible spoiler **** I was so suprised by the plot turner that the second half of the book was anti-climatic. I enjoyed The Paying Guests more.

I read this several years ago and really enjoyed it. I still remember reading the book in the bleachers at a sports practice and looking all around me with my mouth wide open at the point of the plot twist desperately wanting someone to discuss it with! I know I will not forget this book, and that is saying a lot for me. I also saw the movie & that was also an outrageous crazy experience!

Having just finished Lucy Gault, however, makes me remember that what originally drew me to the Man Booker is the thought provoking lyrical prose. That is just my personal preference but I certainly enjoyed Fingersmith.

Trudie - I also heard others mention the Tipping the Velvet was beautifully written, so I will have to add that to my reading list!

I have read a few of Sarah Waters books and this was my favourite. I liked the almost Dickensian nature of it. The film is fantastic too, with an excellent ending.

I am about halfway through. One big twist so far, but what I also like are the teasers about what is coming.

Jill wrote: "I read this several years ago and really enjoyed it. I still remember reading the book in the bleachers at a sports practice and looking all around me with my mouth wide open at the point of the pl..."

Opps, I just reread my own comment and realised it might be confusing. What I meant to say is I thought Fingersmith showed considerably more skill in both plotting and writing. I didn't enjoy Tipping the Velvet anywhere near as much. The Paying Guests on the other hand is excellent.

All these endorsements for the film - I will need to track it down now.

I've finished this now and, for pure story-telling, it is up there with Life of Pi on the list. Life of Pi perhaps asks more questions about belief/faith etc., but Fingersmith is a beautifully told story with, as Hugh says, outrageous twists that are huge fun.

Totally engaging novel from start to finish. I was absorbed by every setting and every character. Fingersmith was a pleasure to read.

This tops the 2002 shortlist for me. When I got to the first twist, I knew there were going to be more and speedily read on to get to them. I have read a few other of her books but this is, so far, the best.

Wow, this was great fun! I really enjoyed the Gothic settings and the well-drawn characters. Like Jill's, my personal preference is still Lucy Gault, but Fingersmith is certainly fantastic writing. Here's my review.