From the Publisher
At the Heart of this panoramic, multidimensional narrative is the compelling struggle of a young woman to lift her body and soul out of the gutter. Michel Faber leads us back to 1870s London, where Sugar, a nineteen-year-old whore in the brothel of the terrifying Mrs. Castaway, yearns for escape into a better life. Her ascent through the strata of Victorian society offers us intimacy with a host of lovable, maddening, unforgettable characters.
They begin with William Rackham, an egotistical perfume magnate whose ambition is fueled by his lust for Sugar, and whose patronage of her brings her into proximity to his extended family and milieu: his unhinged, child-like wife, Agnes; his mysteriously hidden-away daughter, Sophie; and his pious brother Henry, foiled in his devotional calling by a persistently less-than-chaste love for the Widow Fox, whose efforts on behalf of The Rescue Society lead Henry into ever-more disturbing confrontations with flesh. All this is overseen by assorted preening socialites, drunken journalists, untrustworthy servants, vile guttersnipes, and whores of all stripes and persuasions.

On it's way to CA. Thanks for the trade!

I haven't read anything by this author before but have heard good things. I'm looking forward to reading this book soon. Thanks for the trade, Noumena12.

Great book. I loved the characters. The pace was a little slow in the middle and I wasn't thrilled with the ending. Other than that, excellent writing. I'm very glad I read this book and would like to read more by this author.

Sending to Sgscarcliff in San Francisco from her wishlist.

I received notice that this book was at the PO (because it would not fit in my mail box) and was able to pick it up last night, but my computer would not connect to internet, so I am finally journalling today.

Thanks for the book. I look forward to reading it and will pass it on its way.

I was given a second copy of this book, so I am going to pass this on to another bookcrosser.

thanks Noumena12 for sending it.

I picked this up at the post office. I had NO idea it was a hardback, so I cannot thank sgscarcliff enough for having sent it all the way to Portugal. I was wondering what the heck was in such a big, heavy envelope and now I know. I've been so curious about this book and I jumped at it when I saw it on the relays. Thank you so much for sending it. I hope to read it soon!