50 pages • 1 hour read
Tipping the Velvet
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Book Brief
472
Novel • Fiction
London • 1890s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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
76,792 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
76,792 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
472
Novel • Fiction
London • 1890s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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