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Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

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Original poster

"Fingersmith" - the discussion

25 replies

Freddiecat · 26/04/2004 14:33

Open for discussion!

I don't have a great deal to add yet as I am only a few pages in. I think the dialogue is great though.

I think we should wait a couple of weeks for the live discussion - give people a chance to get on with it. How about if I suggest Monday 10th May at 9pm for now and we can shift it around nearer the date if people can't make it.

In the mean time - discuss all you like here!

OP posts:

rsv1000r · 26/04/2004 17:32

I couldn't put it down, ds and dd had gone to France with grandparents for a week over easter so I made the most of some me time and sat in the garden in the spring sunshine and read the whole thing!

charlieplus3 · 26/04/2004 17:41

On third chapter, wouldnt put it down if it wasnt for the kids needing looking after. Pains!

BoxofFrogs · 26/04/2004 19:51

I loved it, and finished it really quickly. I thought that the writing style was fantastic, and descriptive without being too involved so as to be dreary. My only 'complaint' is that I guessed alot of the surprise twists in the story.

suzywong · 26/04/2004 19:56

can I join in, I read it a while ago, bit I thought it was fantastic.

glitterfairy · 27/04/2004 21:15

Havent finished it yet as am trying to read too many books at once! Really enjoying it though although I do not like any of the characters too much at the moment which makes it a bit off putting. Will keep going though as I think maud may be interesting.

Original poster

Freddiecat · 28/04/2004 12:05

I have just reached the end of part 1 so being v slow this month.

Did not see that plot twist coming!

Funny how both this book and the last had central characters called Maud (entirely irrelevant to discussion I know!)

OP posts:

sassy · 28/04/2004 19:37

I've finished it!
Enjoyed it so much more than Possession; even though I did n't like anyone in it (like you, glitterfairy!) I still thought it was a rattling good yarn. Quality fiction without being too worthy. Thought the first twist was very unexpected, but began to anticipate later ones - you kind of get on the writer's wavelength after a while.

charlieplus3 · 28/04/2004 19:43

Think ive worked out what is going to happen, but we will see!

Julietclaire · 30/04/2004 01:33

I read it very quickly, it was a compelling read, but I agree, the problem was that I didn't like any of the characters. I felt no empathy with them - they were all liars and cheats (except maybe poor Charlie). The end was an anticlimax. I didn't care whether they found each other or not. I do like to be inspired by a book and although it was a clever read and well researched, I don't want to try to get hold of her other books.

Tex111 · 30/04/2004 09:01

It took me a while to get into it but I'm enjoying it now. It's a bit soap opera-y for me but entertaining. I'm reading the second bit now where it's all from Maud's point of view and I keep flicking back to re-read Sue's view of the different situations. Interesting but I won't rush out to read more of her novels.

charlieplus3 · 30/04/2004 09:23

Well ive just got to chapter 7 and i cant believe the twist in the story. Was totally not expecting that. Cant wait for kids to have afternoon nap so i can read some more

glitterfairy · 30/04/2004 20:44

Nope dont like maud either but is a good read whihc surprises me as usually if I dont like the characters I cant read the book.

Original poster

Freddiecat · 30/04/2004 22:59

I've just finished it! Really enjoyed it. Agree that the characters are not all that likable - although I found myself rooting for them which was odd. I am so thick I didn't anticipate a single plot twist (reading crap thrillers and detective stories is great for me as I am constantly surprised).

I keep finding myself comparing it to Possession - is this normal in book clubs?

OP posts:

charlieplus3 · 04/05/2004 20:01

Finished it and i loved it, i didnt see any of the twists coming either. Was a bit dissapointed when finished, would have liked a bit more of what happened next.

Tex111 · 06/05/2004 08:03

Finished it last night. Didn't really enjoy it in the end though. Can't wait for the discussion to really get going!

Original poster

Freddiecat · 06/05/2004 14:26

Still up for live discussion on Monday at 9pm (UK time)?

OP posts:

Tex111 · 07/05/2004 22:27

Definitely up for it.

Tex111 · 08/05/2004 20:14

Just realised that the discussion is booked for the same time as the live C-section on channel 5.

Original poster

Freddiecat · 10/05/2004 14:42

Am I guessing that this is not going to be a good time then?

How about we rechedule for Wednesday at 9? Will not be watching live C-section myself I don't think!

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Original poster

Freddiecat · 12/05/2004 21:03

Anyone here?

OP posts:

popsycal · 12/05/2004 21:04

I am freddie - but not to discuss books!!lol

marsup · 12/05/2004 21:06

I nearly missed a connecting flight because of this novel... it should come with a warning.

Original poster

Freddiecat · 13/05/2004 14:01

I missed these last night! The active discussions must have been moving quicker than I thought. I really enjoyed it too marsup.

OP posts:

motherinferior · 13/05/2004 14:16

Read it ages ago, it's totally wonderful and also a very interesting take on several 'real' 1860s gothic novels (they were a whole genre in themselves) notably Wilkie Collins' The Woman In White.

scoobysnax · 18/05/2004 12:54

What's the definition / characteristics of a "gothic" novel - can anyone enlighten me?!!

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