The Crimson Petal and the White, by Michael Faber

This book completely took me by surprise. I watched it on TV first and the first 2 episodes I thought "Well it's OK" but by the end I was completely hooked and bought the book on the strength of it. it is a long book, about 800 pages, and I admit to usually skim reading, however no way with this book. I enjoyed every word.

It tells the story of Sugar, a prostitute, who hates men. She has a skin condition, she is writing a book; more of a diatribe against men. She is AMAZING!

She ends up as a kept woman, by a man who worships her, then by the time he begins to lose his infatuation for her, she has fallen for him.
There are amazing characters in this book, Agnes, Mrs Fox and many more.
Sugar is my role model. She is strong, independent and I would love her to be my friend.