Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “De vrouw van de boekbinder” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

De vrouw van de boekbinder

Belinda Starling,

Bonella van Beusekom (Translator)

3.59 · Rating details · 1,183 ratings · 166 reviews

Londen, 1859. Tegen de tijd dat Dora Damage erachter komt dat het niet goed gaat met haar echtgenoot is het al te laat. Zijn handen zijn inmiddels helemaal vergroeid door reumatische artritis, en daardoor dreigt zijn boekbindersbedrijf ten onder te gaan. Het komt zo ver dat zijn gezin bijna het armenhuis in moet.
Dora staat alleen voor een bijna onmogelijke taak. Ze moet al ...more

Get A Copy

Hardcover, 430 pages

Published November 13th 2007 by Uitgeverij Archipel (first published 2006)

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about De vrouw van de boekbinder, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about De vrouw van de boekbinder

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 3.59 ·

Rating details

· 1,183 ratings · 166 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of De vrouw van de boekbinder

Apr 28, 2008 Renee rated it liked it · review of another edition

Okay book. About a poor woman in 1860s London who takes over her husband's book-binding business when his health deteriorates. Wonderful setting and characters. Charming writing. Interesting and very unique plotline. I liked it up until a certain point between the middle and end, where the story went into an odd and rather absurd place for me. Because the beginning was all so realistic, with a large part dedicated to showing how Dora manages to make due with the little her family has, when it cr ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Sep 08, 2007 Andi M. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: bibliophiles

Shelves: review-books

The Journal of Dora Damage is a wonderful book about a woman who takes over her husband's book binding business and falls into a job binding pornography for a secret society of London's upper crust. Dora finds herself on an intellectual and sexual journey that awakes her senses and puts her entire family in danger. Starling has crafted a beautiful tale full of intrigue and atmosphere. Sadly, the author passed away shortly after completing this book. Definitely give this wonderful book a shot. ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 02, 2013 Ava Black rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This is a hard book for me to rate because I think it had a lot of potential but, as it often happens, it did not stand up to it.
When I pick up a novel I always look for:

1) a great, strong - headed and strong - willed heroine! A girl who is not a frail woman who need other people ( especially men ) to tell her what to do. At the same time, my ideal heroine has her own flaws and is sensitive.

2) A way with words. This is very simple, most of the books are written by people who, for me, shouldnt' This is a hard book for me to rate because I think it had a lot of potential but, as it often happens, it did not stand up to it.
When I pick up a novel I always look for:

1) a great, strong - headed and strong - willed heroine! A girl who is not a frail woman who need other people ( especially men ) to tell her what to do. At the same time, my ideal heroine has her own flaws and is sensitive.

2) A way with words. This is very simple, most of the books are written by people who, for me, shouldnt' even think to become writers, let alone publish something. I love words and I can't stand when the punctuation, spelling and grammar are incorrect. I can stand some errors, but a whole book written like a primary school pupil, just no.

3)If I pick up a historical novel I want historical information ( but not too much, I am not reading a historical sum of facts, but a story) and the setting. I want the feeling to actually be there.

4) A plot. It seems trivial, but there are some books that you read page after page waiting for them to start and you find out they are plotless.

So, that being said, this novel has the first 3 points, and that' an accomplishment. Anyway, I did not like this book. Yes, I loved Dora Damage, she is strong, she is young but she is already married and mother to a little girl who suffers from epilepsy, she helps her husband with his work because he is becoming an invalid ( they work as bookbinders and actually Dora is very good at it, since it was her family business). I loved the first part of the book, it was kinda slow but I still hoped it was the anticipation of something like, well, the plot! Anyway, the author did a great job describing London during Victorian era, not only the town but also people's way of thinking and behaving. We stroll around Victorian London with Dora, and I enjoyed those rides. Anyway, after a while Dora starts to receive erotic books to bind, this is not a surprise and the sex references ( even if many of them were quite rude, and not poetic at all ) did not bother me at all, I think this topic could have been used in a better way to make modern readers know how Victorian women were used to behave.
The characters are well described, they are not one dimensional and I loved how Dora had courage, spoke her own mind, she dealed with different kind of people including many men and, when her husband passes out, she take his job because she has always done her best to give to her daughter Lucinda something to eat and a secure, happy life. I thinks this is a great model because Dora has unconditional love to give, and love it what this book is about: because at the end I had the feeling Dora is a kinda sad person, forced to portrait the angel since she is a woman and she discoveres her own desires, which scares her a lot for most of the books. I liked the historical insight into the black people slavary in America, but I did not like Din, he was ambiguous and he has not enough charm to make Dora fall in love with him. At least, the writer writes about Dora and Din love, but I never felt it: it was lust, and curiosity because he was something forbidden for her and viceversa, but I don't think it was love.
Anyway, the last part of the book is awful: the first is very well done, the middle is something like " ehmn, you already told this, why don't you start the story?" and the last part is, maybe, the one in which the story starts or ends, but I think everything could have been portrait differently, at one point the attention should have been switched from erotic books and sex and pornography to center in slavery and the rights of people, being them American black people or Victorian women. The book lost all its appeal and it's such a shame. I know the author died when she was 34 years old and is so sad, plus I think she could have written more and maybe she would have improved something to create better books, with tough plot beside the strong and very nice characters.

Do I suggest it? Not really.

If you are a historical fiction fan...: there are many historical fictions out there, especially set in Victorian London. I'd try something else.

But if you love strong heroines, give this a try, since they are so hard to find! ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jan 29, 2012 Orsolya rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-on-books-language-libraries, wishlist, historical-fiction

You’re probably looking at the description for Belinda Starling’s “The Journal of Dora Damage and thinking, “Not yet ANOTHER Victorian-era novel based on sex, intrigue, murder, etc” while rolling your eyes. Well, stop being a Debbie Downer! “The Journal of Dora Damage doesn’t follow a traditional story arc, as one would expect.

“The Journal of Dora Damage” lacks a “usual” introduction to the narrator (clearly, Dora in first person perspective), and her family. However, this is the prime case stu You’re probably looking at the description for Belinda Starling’s “The Journal of Dora Damage and thinking, “Not yet ANOTHER Victorian-era novel based on sex, intrigue, murder, etc” while rolling your eyes. Well, stop being a Debbie Downer! “The Journal of Dora Damage doesn’t follow a traditional story arc, as one would expect.

“The Journal of Dora Damage” lacks a “usual” introduction to the narrator (clearly, Dora in first person perspective), and her family. However, this is the prime case study for when “unusual” works. The reader is immediately plunged into what feels like a story already in progress; a moving, breathing thing. In fact, the book seems to have a pulsating, poetic, and yet strikingly narrative beat. One would think that being thrown into such a frenzy would not only lead to the prevention of “getting to know” the characters and feeling like important events are missed, but conversely, the reader instead feels not only like he/she is living the events with the characters (and therefore becoming familiar with their personalities); but the reader tends to feel that he/she IS one of the characters.

The setting is also on-par, as Victorian England comes alive with beautiful, descriptive literary language which although intertwined with deeper thoughts and insight not only into the female psyche in the Victorian era but the female gender overall; is still manageable, easy to read, and flowing. As you read, you can hear the rain and feel the London filth stuck to your petticoats (and yet the grime is welcoming, alive, and attractive). Furthermore, the novel is ideal for bibliophiles as process of Victorian book-binding is explained using artistic technical jargon. This could prove to be tedious at times to the average reader unaware or uninterested in the book-creation world.

Some of the occurrences are over-dramatized (I guess this is a Victorian-based novel, after all!); however these help to gain insight into the challenges of Victorian womanhood. Dora is strong and independent, yet not stuffy and knows her flaws; while showing her desperation, weaknesses, and obvious initial fear of living without her husband.

Halfway through the already-compelling novel, the plot experiences several twists and turns which could arguably be described as “unbelievable”. However, Dora’s calm personality (mixed with her growth and confusion) results in the events to be understandable and convincing. Basically, the page-turner becomes even more so.

Despite some of the exaggerated aspects; Starling skillfully and passionately weaves a unique narrative plot with underlying themes of a female’s intellectual, sexual, economic/social, racial and worldly awakening during the Victorian era. This rise from oppression to independence is well demonstrated and yet not overwhelming or shoved down the reader’s throat.

The ending of “The Journal of Dora Damage” was slightly disjointed; feeling like it was dissected from the whole and was part of another book entirely. The writing style appears to change and be altered, while the plot loses some of its magic. At times, it becomes an annoying, standard Victorian romance while at others: just absurd. Simply put, the ending is weak in comparison to the enthralling aspects of book up until this point.

Despite these flaws, “The Diary of Dora Damage” is still rather compelling, interesting, and quite a good book; especially for an author’s first offering. It is a shame that Belinda Starling passed from this world shortly after finishing this book because it would have been interesting to see what else she could have produced. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 27, 2014 Janie Johnson rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014-challenge

It was probably not a good idea for me to struggle through a historical fiction and then pick up another historical fiction after that, but that was exactly what I did. I was reading this one for my 'J' in the A-Z challenge. I have to say though that this one was surprisingly good. It started a bit slow but gradually got better. The difference between this one and the one before is the fact that there was a story to be told in this one.

In this story we have our main character Dora Damage in the It was probably not a good idea for me to struggle through a historical fiction and then pick up another historical fiction after that, but that was exactly what I did. I was reading this one for my 'J' in the A-Z challenge. I have to say though that this one was surprisingly good. It started a bit slow but gradually got better. The difference between this one and the one before is the fact that there was a story to be told in this one.

In this story we have our main character Dora Damage in the midst of the 19th century when women's worth meant nothing and slavery was slowly being abolished yet not recognized by many. Her husband owned a bindery company. He had an arthritic problem and soon could no longer do the binding of books and they became pretty poor. Dora took over the business after having to prove to her loathsome husband that she may be a woman but she was still capable of doing the work along side his apprentice. She was approached by Sir Jocelyn Knightly to bind manuscripts for him. Dora agrees and soon discovers that she is binding pornographic material. We read about Dora and her struggles with life.

While reading this book I decided that I could never have survived the 19th century. I think the era was depicted very well by our Author in this story. Women were treated horribly as though they were worth a scrap of paper. It was appalling the way these women's husbands treated them as well. I know I would have never wanted to marry. Being an old maid would have been fine for me. Women were not really allowed any sexual urges, if they did they were considered whores by their own husbands and the rest of society as well. It was certainly a rough time to live. A lot of Self righteousness lived in the homes of the rich. There was no separation of Church and State in England at this time. So crimes of the sexual nature were prosecuted, often by hanging. Interracial anything was of course look down upon as well.

The characters I find were very well created but sadly I could only connect with one and that being Dora. I have a lot of respect for her and what she stood for. I loved the way she fought for what was right and did not just go with the flow of things. How she fought for the survival of both her and her daughter Lucinda. However there were times when she would just go along with the way her husband treated her. She cared for him and did whatever he needed of her to only receive degrading remarks from him. That was really annoying to me. I also liked Din's character as well. He, just released from slavery, was also a very strong character who would fight for what he believed in. He was a huge help to Dora throughout the book. There were also several horrific villains as well whose roles were wrote out perfectly. The perfect villains, that as readers, we all love to hate.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical fiction and maybe even to those who don't particularly like that genre. There were some descriptive 'erotica' parts that Dora read within the books that were being bound but it was not too over the top. Overall enjoyed this book a lot and give it 3.5 stars. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 14, 2008 Roberto rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Not many books finish with a note from another author (in this case, Boris Starling who happens to be Belinda´s brother telling us the unfortunate and untimely death of his sister immediately after she finished writing her debut novel - The Journal Of Dora Damage. It´s really sad that such a promising author had met such a ungrateful death especially when she shows in her first and only novel such talent. Sad, indeed,
As for the novel itself, there were times when I pondered to review this book w ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 05, 2017 Julie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Tragically, this was the only book the author wrote before she passed away at a young age.

I would classify this book as historical suspense. The author does an incredible job conveying the main character, Dora's, desperation, fright and lust. It's the first time in a long time that I "felt" the anxiety of the main character. I will say that if you are easily disturbed, this might not be for you, as it explores the early pornography trade, and the main characters discovery of herself as a sexual ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 09, 2011 Hazel rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Very promising first half. Starling has a nice touch with the prose, and is convincing on Dora's Victorian world. She's clearly done her research, and it was fascinating to learn about the craft of book-binding. I think in our age of mass-production, books have lost their uniqueness and individual worth. I love the idea of getting a bespoke binding for a favourite volume. I love the idea of the binder choosing materials to suit the book's content and the character of the reader. I want one. :-)

I ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 21, 2020 Steve Shilstone rated it liked it · review of another edition

Powerful start puts you right there in 1859 Lambeth with a lady book-binder. Second half goes for the melodrama. A very fine first historical fiction effort. A shame she died soon after completing it at age 34.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 14, 2018 Paging Snidget rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Awful. Starts out alright but then spirals into a vulgar soap opera. Has way too many storylines and deals with none of them properly.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 06, 2011 Sue rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Well, as the rating indicates, I really liked it. (And for those of you wondering why it took me so long to finish it, as it's been on my "currently reading" list forever, the answer is: it didn't take me that long, I just delayed updating my info as I wanted to write a thoughtful review, and life was in the way.)

If you like stories set in Victorian London, and/or if you like stories about strong female characters who are nevertheless hemmed in by cultural circumstances, then you will like this Well, as the rating indicates, I really liked it. (And for those of you wondering why it took me so long to finish it, as it's been on my "currently reading" list forever, the answer is: it didn't take me that long, I just delayed updating my info as I wanted to write a thoughtful review, and life was in the way.)

If you like stories set in Victorian London, and/or if you like stories about strong female characters who are nevertheless hemmed in by cultural circumstances, then you will like this book. Dora is hard-working, capable, and practical -- qualities that are entirely overlooked by her husband and recognized but exploited by his associates. When Dora's husband becomes too ill to work in his small book-binding business, she is forced to take over its operation just to stay solvent. (And in this case, interpret "solvent" in the Victorian sense, i.e., keeping food in your belly, a roof over your head, and your family out of debtor's prison.) Apparently, the fact that a WOMAN would dare to bind books was not only scandalizing, but illegal, since Dora was not a member of the trade union. Once the shadier element in the book-binding business gets wind of this information, Dora is reluctantly drawn into the lucrative but appalling business of binding volumes of lurid pornography for well-heeled, noble "collectors."

To tell you how she finally extricates herself from this situation would require me to invoke the spoiler alert, which I don't want to do. But I do recommend it as a good read with a satisfying conclusion that does not require Dora to ride off into the sunset with a handsome hero. (This is not a romance novel, though Dora does find love for a time, as well as some really satisfying sex. Though this is not one of the pornographic novels she is binding, either. (-:) Along the way, the reader learns about some of the lesser-known features of Victorian society and a whole lot about the amount of work it took to bind a book by hand. (No wonder only the wealthy could afford them!)

So, if the subject matter appeals to you, this book is worth your time. And, Karen, I am saving it for you!

...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 ReaderSP rated it liked it · review of another edition

This story follows Dora Damage as she takes over her ill husband's book binding business. A woman running a business is very frowned upon by her neighbours and customers but she needs to make a living to support her child. As money becomes harder to come by, she starts binding illegal pornographic books for her wealthier clients. As often happens in illegal business, she finds herself getting deeper and deeper into this new world of slavery, sex and money.
This book really brings you into the sig ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 25, 2018 Hmy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I very much enjoyed the beginning of this book and was interested in all the book binding info but as Dora sank further into the mire of pornography so the text became more and more explicit until I couldn't stand any more. I got about half way through the book (to the kidnapping) so perhaps I'd read the worst of it but I wasn't enjoying it any more and couldn't stomach the thought of any graphic details which might crop up in the rest of the book. Disappointing because it felt gratuitous and un ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 19, 2008 Emi Bevacqua rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: euro, fiction

The Journal of Dora Damage by Belinda Starling is a great book though the ending wasn't as fabulous as the first 90% of it... kind of like No Country For Old Men. But it was super original and absorbing, about a lady bookbinder in Victorian England who gets involved in a pornography ring, heh. Sadly it was the author's first and only book. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 16, 2010 Anna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Completely absorbing...loved it! A memorable array of beautifully described characters, and the descriptions of every day life in 1860's London for the 'lower-middle class' were gritty and believable. Best of all, the intriguing and sinister story at the core of the novel pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 09, 2019 Erika Schmid rated it really liked it · review of another edition

In Victorian London, bookbinding is still an art form completed by hand and engraved by artistic individuals. Seeped in both the eloquent and the depraved, this novel provides a look into the raunchy rise of unsavory books hidden under well bound covers.

Dora Damage's husband owns such a shop that binds books. While her father was a book binder too, Dora's husband refuses to let her help in the shop that is beginning to flounder as her husband finds that his arthritic hands are unable to keep up In Victorian London, bookbinding is still an art form completed by hand and engraved by artistic individuals. Seeped in both the eloquent and the depraved, this novel provides a look into the raunchy rise of unsavory books hidden under well bound covers.

Dora Damage's husband owns such a shop that binds books. While her father was a book binder too, Dora's husband refuses to let her help in the shop that is beginning to flounder as her husband finds that his arthritic hands are unable to keep up with production. As her husband's health spirals into opium remedies, Dora is faced with destitution or carrying on the work her husband doesn't allow her to do. The choice is simple for Dora and she begins to bind the books herself. Only, she finds that her latest proprietor is requesting the binding for books that provide the upper class with a bit of pornography. With little choice to keep her husband's medicine coming and food on the table for her daughter, Dora continues to bind these unsavory books in order to survive. I found this novel absolutely enlightening about an underground time during the Victorian age. More so than this, is the focus on women in this novel. From Dora to Sylvia, an upper class woman who falls on hard times, all of the women in this novel are simply fascinating women. They cry, they fight, they do all they can for their children, and even find love themselves. It was both empowering and frightening to read all that these women went through in order to survive and live the lives they knew they deserved. It was inspirational in a way, to have a main character who not only can read, but also reads Latin, alongside binding books with great skill and speed. All while keeping up with a house, a sick husband, and a child! This is what women do! This novel is a clear representation of all women are capable of and do every day.

Girl power and the underground life of pornography, that is the delightful elements of this novel and I greatly enjoyed all of it. Dora was a flawed women with many tears, screaming sessions, and love for those around her. She was real in many ways and it was appreciated to read of her life.

...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 22, 2018 Sephipiderwitch rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a very interesting book. The wife of a bookbinder takes up her husband's craft when his arthritis makes it hard for him to work and his use of opium becomes an issue. Some of the elite of the city begin to use her for binding ever more erotic texts. She becomes even better at intricate bookbinding than her husband ever hoped to. But, she is also drawing into dark areas with her choice of clientele.

Its a fascinating read. A little clumsy at times. I think she could have maybe added a bi ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 29, 2017 Renae rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Rachelle

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites, strong-females

Two words: Deliciously salacious.

With that said: I'm SO upset this was Starling's first and--having been published posthumously--ONLY novel. It's one of the best, most tightly-plotted, intimately-drawn tales I've read in a very long time.

I was lucky to stumble upon this gem, and I'm heartbroken there won't be any others.
...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 10, 2018 Ellen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a gripping brilliant book. I loved Dora Damage's character - she did what she could in spite of ridiculous social restrictions of the time including her husband's expectations of a wife, and she worked really hard for her family. The subject matter is rather shocking if you're at all prudish but Dora is wonderful. ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 14, 2019 Marilyn Saul rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: back-to-friends-of-library-sale

I very much enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book, though I wanted to knock Peter in the head. I especially liked the whole bookbinding experience. I was fine through the pornography, but when the threats to Lucinda and the horrible bind in which Dora found herself, I just couldn't stomach it any more. ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 16, 2018 Karen Hogan rated it it was ok · review of another edition

A woman takes over her husband's bookbinding business in Victorian England, and keeps the business afloat by publishing pornographic material for aristocrats. I read 100 pages, but wasn't compelled to read more, mainly because I detested her husband, who was a lout and a condescending bore. ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 13, 2019 Windy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Compelling story of a woman who has to take drastic action to save her life and family. A bit over-dramatic in places and, like they say on the telly, some readers might find some of the content disturbing. Keep your mind broad and you'll find an uplifting tale of pre-suffragette feminism. ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 27, 2020 Kirsty rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: on-bookshelf

First half of this was enjoyable and engaging; I loved Dora’s character and the premise of the novel. Half way in I lost interest and eventually gave up as too many storylines were being thrown in and it became a mess. Shame because it was a really promising start.

flag Like · see review

Oct 22, 2017 Neil rated it liked it · review of another edition

Don’t tattoo your bottom

flag Like · see review

Dec 14, 2017 Alan Pilkington rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Unconventional, atmospheric, chronicles a resourceful woman making her way in a man's world aided by a group of similarly downtrodden characters.u ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 29, 2018 Charlou rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, historical-fiction, booklove-july-2017

A bit of unexpected fun.

flag Like · see review

Jul 05, 2018 Kiirsten rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: dnf

I couldn’t get past 100 pages. It wasn’t for me.

flag Like · see review

Oct 15, 2019 Oda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, x2019

The second half sadly didn't live up to the first.
...more

flag Like · see review

May 22, 2020 Memma rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Very sad to hear of the authors passing. I would have loved to have read more from her, especially given the quality of her first novel.

flag Like · see review

Nov 05, 2020 Ana Salamanca López rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An enjoyable experience about Victorian times and the role of women in the binding industry related to the production of pornography.

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Historical > Historical Fiction

80 users

Fiction

36 users

Historical

24 users

Historical > Victorian

17 users

Writing > Books About Books

16 users

Romance

5 users

Literature > 19th Century

4 users

Unfinished

3 users

Romance > Historical Romance

3 users

Literary Fiction

3 users

See top shelves…

About Belinda Starling

Belinda Starling

9 followers

Belinda Starling was born in 1972 and died in 2006, aged 34, of complications following surgery. Her novel 'The Journal of Dora Damage' was published posthumously. ...more