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Book Review of The Crimson Petal and the White

The Crimson Petal and the White
reviewed on
Helpful Score: 2


Michel Faber writes impressively vivid, evocative prose; fully plausible human (push-pull) characterizations; and engrossing plots. This book, which introduced me to him, was given to me by a friend with some hesitation and qualifications. I'm so glad it was.

I don't usually write reviews, but I'm so pleased to encourage you to read what seems to me a contemporary cross between Dickens (for ambition and scope), James (or Austen? for astute characterization), Hardy (for poetry) and who? I can't think of a comparable classic plotter. Our taste in plots has changed; hasn't it? Faber's very contemporary in this despite his genres - so perversely unpopular the genres he chooses: as though he wishes to escape notice while still making beautiful work.

I've just been sent (I think, hope) a book of stories I've not read. (Under the Skin is another bizarrely brilliant novel.) How wonderful to sink into something large and whole and know you'll be buoyed there by a full vision and talent.