“Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters
4/5 stars
I picked up this book almost entirely due to the slew of plot twists that Waters’ fans have raved on and on about. I expected to be shocked, taken by surprise, and wholly unable to see where the story would take me.
Well, that didn’t happen.
The only twist that I did not expect was at the end of Part One. From there on out, I found the plot to be very formulaic and conventional. While I turned each page with the desire to suddenly gasp out loud at the new startling events, I found that all of my expectations and guesses came true. It took much of the thrill out of this book.
However, that is not to say that I didn’t enjoy it. Waters is a thoroughly lovely writer who has managed to create a set of captivating and likable characters. Her use of differing perspectives was delicate and very effective: not many authors could have pulled that off without making the story repetitive. She somehow made it feel natural. It organically presented the reader with new information that allowed us to both question and appreciate the authenticity of both Maud and Sue. Without that small question mark, the end would never have been as satisfying.
This is a love story that has managed to move so far beyond the realm of romance. I almost wish that I had a dozen copies so that I could lend them out to friends.
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