The Crimson Petal and the White - half-way through, should I continue?

[Pruners]

Message withdrawn

The ending is rather flat and disappointing given the amount of time you need to invest in such a long book.

If you are not enjoying it half way through then I would give up on it

Gosh, surprised you don't like it - I bloody love it. (That's no help, I know.)

If you don't like it by now, you're probably not going to - it doesn't change hugely.

Message withdrawn

I wouldn't bother either , you have had more patience than I had for it . I think I got a quarter of the way through and gave up .

I thought one of the things that was rather marvellous about it was how it describes sex quite graphically, over and over, until you stop being titillated/squeamish and just become bored. Which, I guess, is the effect it had on Sugar.

Isn't Sugar likeable? It's a while since I read it but I remember rooting for her quite strongly.

Anyway, yes, giving up probably advisable.

Message withdrawn

I gave up about 100 pages in. It just wasn't worth the struggle, there are so many other books that I could be enjoying.

I gave up about 100 pages in. It just wasn't worth the struggle, there are so many other books that I could be enjoying.

I loved it from page 1 but if you're halfway through and not enjoying it then give up. It does take a new tack later but the guy continues to be a dick, if it's him bothering you!

I too absolutely loved this book, Faber is a fantastic author. However, like the others have said if you are not enjoying it then put it down. I have a hundred page rule normally and if it hasn't captured me by this point I give up. Although couldn't put this one down! Enjoy your next choice

I think it's one of the best books I've ever read. But the first 100 or so pages were an effort - it didn't really grab me until after that point (it was a book club choice, otherwise I wouldn't have persisted). But beyond that point it became impossible to put down - I stayed up FAR too late many nights in a row and getting really ratty in the day time because I was so hooked on the characters and plot. I was really rooting for Sugar!

Anyone else who loved it may want to know Faber threw out some pointers about what happened next in a collection of short stories called, IIRC, the Apple Bough or something along those lines.

Ooh yes Edam, I keep meaning to buy that. 'Under the Skin' is also very good, although completely different and really fecking spooky.

I found the short stories very satisfying. Was good to know how it worked out and it was along the right lines IMO. Don't want to say much more to avoid spoiling it!

Passed the original book onto a friend who said Sugar is the kind of character who stays with you a loooong time and that she felt bereft when it ended.