Anyone interested in a buddy read for Faber's The Crimson Petal & the White?

[Colleen]

I'm a bit late in posting about Part 4 - while this part was shorter than Part 3, I felt it moved much slower and that much less happened in this section. It took me longer to get through than I expected.

(view spoiler)[Like Amanda mentioned, I think Sugar is falling in love with William. This whole thing is turning from bad to worse. I feel terrible for Agnes, especially now that she's run away. I think William is going to take another mistress soon, if he hasn't already - and we just don't know about it.

I also really liked what Amanda said about William having an escape from things with Sugar when she was at the brothel or in those rooms he got for her. He has no escape now that she's in the house and can spend even less time with her since the risk of getting caught would be so much higher with all the servants in the house. Sugar has hardly helped him with the business at all, which seems to be overwhelming him AND she's been totally unable to be that confidant about his home life that she previously was.

Also, what is the deal with Emmeline and the hoarding? I have a very uneasy feeling about that storyline. I'll be interested to see how it all comes together because right now, there seems to be no reason for her story to continue to be told. My guess is that she encounters Agnes now that she's a "fallen woman." (hide spoiler)]

On to Part 5!

[Colleen]

Nathalie wrote: "I like the story, but it is a little bit slow. It reminds me to "the secret history" by Donna Tart."

I haven't read The Secret History yet but it's on my shelf. Maybe that'll be my next read as I'm really enjoying this.

I agree that this can be a bit slow. I'm finding some chapters zoom by whereas others seem to go on forever. I think a slightly heavier editing hand could have been useful but I've noticed that all the chapters seem to be about the same length, which made me wonder if that was meant to be a throwback to the time when novels were published in serial form?

[Colleen]

Well, I finished Part 5 today - it went much faster for me than Part 4!

(view spoiler)[Like Amanda, I didn't enjoy the ambiguous ending. I didn't see William firing Sugar coming at all but I had my suspicions in Part 4 that Lady Bridgelow would become the new Mrs. Rackham. I really didn't see Sophie's abduction coming. I'm torn between hoping they made it safely somewhere and wanting Sophie to be returned to William. Regardless of what happened with Sophie, I think William's downward spiral was just starting. I don't imagine he ever got back to "normal." (hide spoiler)]

Thanks for joining me on this, ladies. I hope everyone enjoyed the book and good luck with your climbing challenges!

[RachelvlehcaR]

Amanda wrote: "I've finished the book. I thought I'm going to try to finish it by the end of February. What a great book! I gave it 4 stars.

Spoiler for part 4 [spoilers removed]"

Amanda, this is how I see the relationship of William and Sugar. (view spoiler)[ William felt that she was very intelligent and she self educated herself. She is a very strong female but has to play the role that society has given her. She can't stand it but she has to manipulate the situation and that is why she has so many men like her. She will do as they like but also keep up in conversation with them.

She wants to move up in the world and that is why she is kind of stalking Agnes and keep walking by the house.

William wants Sugar, a possession. This is how men were during that time period. Women were seen as a possession and property of men. When she was locked up in the place William got her, she was like a prisoner. He didn't want another man to have her and enter into her. So, this was his way of stopping that. By having her this way, he kind of doesn't have to keep track of her anymore or pursue her. She is now his. I feel horrible for her.

Next, once in the household it gets even worst because he has all his women locked up in his house and to do what he says. He has the upper hand since this is going on. Things do change and I love how they do. I think he gets what he deserves--nothing! (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Amanda wrote: "Part 5 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I found this book so disturbing. How women and children were treated just boils my blood. I don't think Sugar would have ever been elevated, as a equal to William. He would be too afraid of one of his friends finding that out. He is such a jerk in letting Sugar go that way he did. It just is upsetting to me. He is just casting her out after all she did for him. Creep! So I'm glad she took off with Sophie. I like to think that Agnes made it and is living a better life. I also like to think that Sugar and Sophie got away from William and are living well. It's a good thing she has save so all her money. I like to think that William is in his study just sulking about how horrible his life is and turns to drinking and can't move past it because that is what he deserves. He needs live his life alone and is despair for all he has done. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Amanda wrote: "Thanks so much for reading the book with me. I've just caught up on the spoilers and it's great to read everyone's views. I would love to read a sequel but I don't think there will ever be one. I c..."

I've already read it. It's a great story. Long but great.

[Nathalie]

Because other books has to go first I take a little break for this one. I hope I can go one with it next month