Crimson Petal and the White - Faber

Has anyone else read this book? If you like historical novels, 1870s London, this is your book. Engrossing.

 I havent read it,but someone  in one of my reading groups did recommend Slammerkin,which is alot like Crimson according to Amazon.

That's exactly the sort of book it is, a real doorstopper, esp if you've got the hardcover version. It's very engrossing, the sort that gets you thinking in it's style of writing. Very Dickens, Bronte.

I absolutely *loved* this book.  Just as you said, Stella- it's engrossing and fascinating almost from the start. Funny, too- I almost didn't pick it up. A coworker at the bookshop encouraged me to buy it as one of my 3 for 2 hehe

Whats the story about? I'm always interested in a good read.

Where to begin? I had no idea what it was about (didn't even read the jacket - it was a gift) when I started it. Short version, it's the story of a prostitute in 1870's London, and the family of one of her lovers. It's full of detail and subplots that interweave. It's really, really good. Once you start it, you can't put it down.

I read this book a couple of months ago and highly recommend- it took me several days of non-stop reading to plow through it, but it was worth it in the end.  The first chapter was totally engrossing (especially the first paragraph) and completely hooked me.  It's not usually my sort of book (though I do enjoy historical novels) but I did like it a lot.

I read the first few chapters and could not get past them.  I was really upset, I usually love this genre!!!  Historical Fiction is my thing too!  I think I will wait and start again on a beach holiday.

Hmmm.  I loved the first few chapters and did find the book engrossing...but ultimately it left me cold.  I have never read a book so dull that I couldn't stop reading, if that makes any sense!