Fingersmith

By: Sarah Waters

Narrated by: Juanita McMahon

Length: 23 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author of Affinity, Sarah Waters was named Author of the Year at the 2003 British Book Awards. Fingersmith was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the Booker Prize, and was chosen as book of the year 2002 by more organizations than any other novel. Orphaned as an infant, Susan Trinder was raised by Mrs. Sucksby, “mother” to a host of pickpockets and con artists. To pay her debt, she joins legendary thief Gentleman in swindling an innocent woman out of her inheritence. But the two women form an unanticipated bond and the events that follow will surprise every listener.

©2002 Sarah Waters (P)2002 Recorded Books

Huh? Plot twists? Drama? Intriguing.

I found this to be a very entertaining listen. I still can't quite pin down my feelings on the end but I can honestly say I did not expect the twists nor the amount of them. I am glad that I took the time to listen!.

Wish it Were Longer

Any additional comments?

If you like backdrops of tough, old timey England, and you like strong female characters with pluck, then read this book. You'll get all that and more with Fingersmith. This story pulled me in like a bedtime story for grown-ups. I felt I was on an magical ride with the heroine, caring about her ups and downs, and wishing it all lasted longer.

What a Story !

I loved this book ! Admittedly, there are a few over-long sections ( part 2 was a bit slow, but having a second perspective on the events in part 1 was intregel to the dynamic of the story ). The discriptions were almost cinematic, placing the reader in the scene. And, of course, the narrator ! Fantastic performance ! If you enjoy atmospheric stories set in Victorian England, similar to a Charles Dickons epic, this is for you.

Simply the best.

No one is better than Sarah Waters. Character development is incredible. Story is suburb. My only regret is that she writes so slowly. Having said that her books are always worth the wait. And I can always reread her work. It never gets old.

Fantastic

I cannot say how much I loved this book! The narration was fantastic. I ached every second to know sooner what happened next. What a great book!

Not what I expected

I had no idea what this book would be about. This is a really good story and kept me guessing. Interesting characters and very well done--but know that it has a mild same-sex romance.

This story is like a runaway train! You get on-board and there’s no stopping until the end! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

I looked at a good number of other reviews of this book AFTER reading it. What I discovered is that I was NOT alone in my opinion, even as I felt breathless and in awe of the story from beginning to end! They said things like “amazing plot twist”, “gripping story”, “life-affirming”, “incredible characters”, “powerful love story”, “Victorian era England comes to life with all the tastes, sights and sounds” and several “best book I’ve ever read” comments.

I want to add that the narrator brought the book to life and made it a fully immersive experience with voices so rich, unique and textured that I absolutely believed each of them was a completely different person! The historic detail and period-specific language feel authentic and engage one’s imagination. You will not find “Snow White” here but multi-facetted people who are brilliantly flawed, frail, strong, clever, villainous and heroic, The challenges they faced during this period make me grateful to be alive in a more modern era where life is easier. And YES, I have to say it- this IS one of the best books I have ever read!

Captivating

Narrator was phenomenal. Story is a favorite of mine and it is wonderful to see the characters done justice.

It's Endless

The Narrator Juanita McMahon is the best part of this endless novel. I almost gave up reading it twice. I plodded on, however, determined to get to the end of the story, even though I was pretty sure I knew how it would end. I was right.

Dragged a bit towards the end, but a great listen

loved the characters, narrator is fantastic, story becomes a bit predictable towards end as it lingers on past the final resolution. love how love among women is described and portrayed.