Big Books of 2026
The Crimson Petal and the White

Questions About The Crimson Petal and the White

by Michel Faber

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Answered Questions (8)

I've tried reading this monstrous book twice now...I am not sure if I'm missing out on something better by reading this old prostitute saga...lol Should I quit?
Monica Hope you did give up. Pretentious boring useless book. Wasted my precious time, I could have spent reading masterpieces of the literature.
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this question is about the BBC miniseries portrayal of Sugar. What's up with her unhealthiness; the pasty skin, skin with red itchy patches, and esp the white lips. Did the novel say anything about it, perhaps she had TB?
Dianne Bartolotta The novel refers to it often. She had psoriasis and it bothered her constantly. Her lips were always peeling and she often pulled the skin off or worr…moreThe novel refers to it often. She had psoriasis and it bothered her constantly. Her lips were always peeling and she often pulled the skin off or worried the skin with her teeth. No illness, just a skin condition. Redheads often have skin sensitivities. William sold a face cream that she used when he would give it to her for the patches. I didn't know it was a miniseries and will have to try and find it in the US.(less)
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Are there characters, plot, anything LGBT in here?
Ari I believe towards the end, the women who take over Mrs. Castaway's house are lesbians. One is described as presenting in masculine clothing and style …moreI believe towards the end, the women who take over Mrs. Castaway's house are lesbians. One is described as presenting in masculine clothing and style and the word sapphic is used a few times. They only appear in two scenes.(less)
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Up to page 175 I am skipping a lot of paragraphs. Not keen on the authorial intrusion which seems fatuous and even a bit smug. What do you reckon?
Penny Burkhardt The author does indeed break the 4th wall, addressing the readers as he encourages them to follow certain characters. I found it a bit odd, but once I…moreThe author does indeed break the 4th wall, addressing the readers as he encourages them to follow certain characters. I found it a bit odd, but once I got into the body of the story it seemed to drop off, returning again at the conclusion of the story. The strong character development was the thing that kept me reading. After a while I was totally committed to certain characters. (less)
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Absolutely scandalous, darling! How can anyone not love it?
Jeannette I am on my second reading! I love it, too. Victorian London, prostitution, love, lust, madness, religious fanatics and all the rest. What's not to lov…moreI am on my second reading! I love it, too. Victorian London, prostitution, love, lust, madness, religious fanatics and all the rest. What's not to love? (less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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