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50 pages 1 hour read

Tipping the Velvet

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Sarah Waters

Tipping the Velvet

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

472

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1890s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters follows Nan King, whose journey of self-discovery begins in an oyster parlor in late-19th-century Britain. She falls in love with drag king Kitty Butler, and they move to London where Nan explores her gender and sexuality, experiencing love with multiple women and navigating the complexities of gender performance, societal class, and authentic living. The book contains depictions of sexual assault and discriminatory language.

Romantic

Mysterious

Emotional

Bittersweet

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.2

76,792 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters has garnered widespread acclaim for its immersive and evocative depiction of Victorian London, rich character development, and intricate exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. Critics praise its lush prose and historical accuracy. However, some note its pacing can be slow and its explicit scenes may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and engaging narrative voice.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tipping the Velvet?

A reader who would enjoy Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters is likely drawn to richly detailed historical fiction with strong LGBTQ+ themes. Fans of Emma Donoghue’s Fingersmith and E. M. Forster’s Maurice will appreciate the novel’s exploration of identity, romance, and societal norms in Victorian England.

4.2

76,792 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Nancy Astley (Nan King)

The protagonist and narrator, who transitions from working in her family's oyster parlor in Whitstable to performing as a male impersonator in London. Through her experiences, she explores her identity and desires.

A male impersonator who becomes Nan’s first real love interest and acts as a catalyst for Nan’s move to London. She is a singer and dancer who desires to be a star.

Nan's second love interest and a wealthy widow living in a luxurious London neighborhood. She introduces Nan to a lavish lifestyle while controlling her behavior.

Nan's third major love interest, who is characterized by her socialist beliefs and caring nature. She lives with her brother and partakes in charity and political activism.

A dynamic character and one of Diana’s servants, who briefly becomes involved with Nan. She becomes more self-assured after leaving Diana's household.

Florence’s brother, who is kind, supportive, and shares his sister's socialist ideals. He is known for his benevolent nature and acceptance of Nan.

Nan's sister, who initially appears close to Nan but struggles with her sister's identity and desires. She embodies a traditional perspective on relationships.

Kitty's agent who later becomes her husband, known for his involvement in securing stage performances. His relationship with Kitty reveals complexities in her personal life.

Book Details
Pages

472

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1890s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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