Books on Alternative Sexuality - Tipping the Velvet

[emma47]

Hi,

I felt it really important to write as I have just finished the book Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters. I am really disappointed that this is now finished and feel so pleased that a book can truly represent not only the joys of being free with your sexuality but the sorrow and confusion that can come with this for some many women in society.
The book although at times made me blush was very true to it's cause and represented lesbianism in a romantic and realistic way, despite the date in history!
Very good read, would recommend as apposed to magazines for women who not only represent a small minority of lesbians, certainly do not do it with such truth and admiability.

[Fran]

Hi,

I felt it really important to write as I have just finished the book Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters. I am really disappointed that this is now finished and feel so pleased that a book can truly represent not only the joys of being free with your sexuality but the sorrow and confusion that can come with this for some many women in society.
The book although at times made me blush was very true to it's cause and represented lesbianism in a romantic and realistic way, despite the date in history!
Very good read, would recommend as apposed to magazines for women who not only represent a small minority of lesbians, certainly do not do it with such truth and admiability.

I'm afraid I have to disagree ... for me it all seemed just rather seedy and sad. I much preferred 'The Night Watch', which also has lesbian content, but is a much more satisfying read in my opinion.

[emma47]

Hi Fran,

yes some of it seedy and a little extravagant. However I will read the book you have recommended and compare maybe post a comment following. Thanks for your comment.

[Fran]

Yea .. I'll look forward to reading your comments on 'The Night Watch'.
Have you read 'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eugenides ... if not I'd strongly recommend it and again would love to read your thoughts on it.
Happy Reading

[Carla Hurst]

Have read Tipping the Velvet and Nightwatch...try Waters "Fingersmith"...much better read with nice twist...

C

[MrWright]

Another good novel about lesbianism is Oranges Aren't the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson, about the author's own childhood growing up gay.

[U3Agraham]

I can understand why people could be drawn to "Fingersmith" but the frisson of lesbianism is overlaid by the cerebral plot development that simply swamps the characterisation of the the 'ladies' participating.

I thought Sarah Waters was channeling John Fowles in the arcane plot twists and turns but in this case they were so labored that i was unable to use the process of suspending disbelief. The scenes in the asylum were risible.

There must be better ways of making lesbian exchanges natural.

[Carla Hurst]

"That's Mr. ****** to You" by Micheal Ford. The guy is amazing.

[Perrywinkle47]

Another good novel about lesbianism is Oranges Aren't the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson, about the author's own childhood growing up gay.

I have always wanted to read about it.. Would start with Oranges aren't the only fruit, good title!