Fans of 'Crimson Petal and the White' - recommendations please

[DevoutlyInsane]

I adore Michel Faber's 'Crimson Petal and the White' : sumptuously dark poetic detail and wry wit. He paints Victorian London like no-one else.

I'm looking for recommendations in this historical genre, with the plot focus on sexuality/double-standards: intelligently written.

I read 'Gentlemen's Club' recently - by Emmanuelle de Maupassant - and also enjoyed that (more explicit than Faber but a similar feel to the writing).

I'm finding it difficult to locate other works of the same quality (rather than 'romantic fluff').

I'd definitely give "Tipping the Velvet" and "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters a try, if you enjoyed the sexuality and double standards aspects of Crimson Petal. They are similarly sumptuous in tone, and I fall straight into the setting when I read them.

Oooh I think you'd like The Glass of Time by Michael Cox, the the sequel, The Meaning of Night (or poss the other way round?)

Also, have you read Faber's Under The Skin? VERY different to TCPatW but very creepy and brilliant.

If you haven't read the Woman in White, it's an absolute page turner and actually of the time.

I like the Crimson Petal and the White and this is what it reminded me of (less risqué, but still concerned with sexuality and double standards)

I think you would also enjoy Jonathat Strange & Mr Norrell.

What similar tastes we have: I've read everything by Sarah Waters and Wilkie Collins, and I adored Suskind's 'Perfume'. All superb.

I'll look out for the Michael Cox book, and 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell'.

I actually watched the film of 'Under the Skin' last week and would love to read the book.

Thank you everyone. Keep the suggestions coming.
xx

I have had The Quincunx on my shelf for ages, had good recommendations for it but haven't actually read it yet so not sure how well it fits your criteria but it's a Victorian-set mystery pastiche, might be worth a look.

Also French Lieutenant's Woman, and Possession for postmodern approaches to the period and style, if you haven't already read them. I didn't like Possession myself I found it a dull read despite it ticking a lot of boxes in theory, I am suggesting it though as you may be one of the many people who love it

Similarly I didn't enjoy Strange and Norrell, had to haul myself through it which was disappointing as had thought it was right up my street.

Have you read "The Apple"? Its a collection of short stories by Michael Faber about the same characters that are in the crimson petal.

Oh, these are all great .

'Fingersmith' is one of my comfort books. Trying to get through 'The Pleasures of Men' which I thought was the same type of thing, but don't like it at all so far.

I love Jane Harris too - 'The Observations' and 'Gillespie and I' are just brilliant, has anyone read those?

Emma donoghue's hist fic are fab...slammerkin, and the sealed letter. Don't bother with life mask.

Also any of Maria mccann's stuff. Especially ace, king, knave although all her books are wonderful

'The Apple' is on my reading list.

Thank you for all these superb suggestions... I'm on the case :)

Anything by Maria mccann

I'll second Slammerkin, I thought it waa fabulous.

And based around a true story I think.

Yy to Jane Harris; I loved Gillespie and I, yet to read The Observations.

Recent one The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton set in 17th century Amsterdam.

Trying and failing to think of many others not yet mentioned as am not a huge reader of historical fiction. Crimson Petal is one of my favourite books but it's not typical of my reading.

Isn't Jane Harris just great Hmm? She's working on a new one apparently, so can't wait for that.

Alias Grace by Margaret Attwood should fit the bill too, and was based on a true story.

What did I miss?

Great thread OP, and great suggestions from all

Just to add I absolutely adored Possession, would recommend.

Right off to get samples of Jonathan Strange and Under the Skin !

(Jonathan Strange sounds like it might have things in common with an odd novel I read years ago called Little Big - does anyone remember it? Might have a look on Kindle for it)

I'm ordering Slammerkin - that looks great - and Maria MaCann's As Meat Loves Salt
xx
Thank you for so many fab suggestions.
I've also been delving around Goodreads.