The Crimson Petal and the White is a 2002 novel by Michel Faber set in Victorian England. The title is from an 1847 poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson entitled "Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal", the opening line of which is "Now sleeps the crimson petal, now the white."
I rarely read a book and then purchase it, there is simply no need when I have access to the library. I special ordered this book. I really enjoy stories where the characters are completely unconnected and slowly woven together. Plus, who doesn't love a little historical fiction? Well, maybe not that many people but I certainly do.
This book was 41 hours long in audio, and it was filled with such unhappy people that complained a lot! When I got to the end, I was like "Seriously? I read this book for that ending?"It wasn't happy at all, just in case anyone was wondering. Also, no one really did anything to change their situations. I really don't see why people gave this book such a high review. ,a
Aside from some narrative quirks that may be over my head, the characters in this 1870's London tale won me over entirely. Their values have a sharp foreign tinge of history, enough in common to tempt a modern heart, and surprising turns that feel authentic. The dedication to historical grit makes the setting sink in viscerally.
This exquisitely written novel contrasts the life of intellectual and ambitious Sugar, a prostitute and most of all, extraordinary heroine with that of her patron's wife Agatha, respected Victorian wife with a brain tumor.
It shows the traumatic interpersonal consequences of misogyny and injustice, and I was in turn wrought with anger and overcome with sadness and a overwhelming pity for the women who came before the women's movement. The intense empathy I felt for the characters was one that only a truly gifted and exceptional writer can solicit.
Rich in historical detail, with amazing characters whose sufferings and triumphs caused a physical reaction and left an imprint that stayed with me long after I finished the book. In short, the Crimson Petal and the White is damn beautiful from page one all the way to its unsatisfying but honest (did he run out of breath?) ending.
