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Set in 1870s London, "The Crimson Petal and the White" follows the lives of various characters navigating the stark realities of both poverty and wealth during the Victorian era. The story revolves around Sugar, a prostitute striving to improve her circumstances, and William, a complex character whose actions disappoint and intrigue readers. Michel Faber's writing style immerses readers in the sights and sounds of London, offering a detailed portrayal of the time period.

If you liked The Crimson Petal and the White, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd - Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
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    'One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd' by Jim Fergus is a historical fiction novel set in the USA West in 1875. The story revolves around the character of May Dodd, who becomes part of a government program where white women are sent to marry Cheyenne Indians as a means of assimilation. The narrative is presented in the form of journals written by May Dodd, detailing her experiences and the challenges faced by the women involved in this social experiment. explores themes of cultural assimilation, complex characters, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier.


  2. #2

    Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue
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    Set in 18th century London, "Slammerkin" by Emma Donoghue follows the tragic tale of Mary Saunders, a young girl whose life takes a dark turn after a simple desire for a red ribbon leads her into a world of prostitution and despair. The novel delves into the harsh realities of poverty, gender limitations, and the impact of one's choices in a society divided by class and morality. Donoghue's writing style vividly portrays the struggles and desires of the characters, offering a compelling exploration of life in working-class London during that era.

    THE RIBBON had been bright scarlet when Mary Saunders first laid eyes on it, back in London. 1760: she was thirteen years old. The fat strip of satin was the exact colour of the poppies that grew in L...

  3. #3

    The Third Witch by Rebecca Reisert
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    'The Third Witch' by Rebecca Reisert is a retelling of the classic story of Macbeth from the perspective of a young girl named Gilly. Raised by two older women in the forest, Gilly harbors a burning need for revenge against Lord Macbeth, whom she sees as the source of all her suffering. As the narrative unfolds, Gilly's quest for vengeance leads her to disguise herself as a boy and involve herself in Macbeth's dark deeds, all while exploring themes of love, identity, and the treatment of women in society.

    Reisert's writing style weaves together elements of drama, suspense, and action, keeping readers engaged as they follow Gilly's journey of self-discovery and revenge. The novel offers a fresh take on the familiar tale of Macbeth, presenting a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotion and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

    Nettle kicks me again. I pull my tattered wolfskin closer about my shoulders and curl into a tighter ball, scooting across the packed dirt of the floor to move as near as I dare to the embers in the f...

  4. #4
    The Alienist
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    Book 1 in the series:Dr. Laszlo Kreizler

    The Alienist - Dr. Laszlo Kreizler by Caleb Carr
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    Set in late 19th century New York City, 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr follows a team of individuals, including the alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, crime reporter John Moore, and a few detectives, as they track down a serial killer targeting young boys and possibly young girls. The novel intertwines historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt with fictional characters to create a gripping psychological thriller. Through detailed historical research, the author recreates the atmosphere of the period, delving into the birth of American profiling and modern forensic science.

    The book is a complex blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction, providing a rich historical portrait of New York City while also delivering a suspenseful detective story utilizing early psychological profiling techniques. The narrative is filled with chilling details and vivid descriptions that bring the city to life, immersing readers in the gritty yet intriguing world of criminal investigation in the late 1800s.

    The words as I write them make as little sense as did the sight of his coffin descending into a patch of sandy soil near Sagamore Hill, the place he loved more than any other on earth. As I stood ther...

  5. #5

    Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles
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    Set during the American Civil War in Missouri, 'Enemy Women' by Paulette Jiles follows the story of Adair Colley, a young woman whose family is torn apart by accusations of being Confederate spies. Adair is arrested and thrown into a women's prison in St. Louis, where she faces unimaginable hardships. The novel portrays a grim yet poignant tale of survival, love, and resilience amidst the brutalities of war. Through Adair's journey to reunite with her family and reclaim her home, Jiles paints a vivid picture of the chaos and struggles faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of the Civil War.

    Jiles' writing style in 'Enemy Women' is described as crisp, evocative, and powerful. The novel seamlessly weaves historical facts and snippets of Civil War documents into a fictional narrative, grounding the story in a realistic setting. The lack of quotation marks for dialogue, though initially challenging for some readers, is seen as a unique stylistic choice that adds to the dreamy quality of the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

    Dear Wife and Children; I take my pen with trembling hand to inform you that I have to be shot between 2 & 4 o’clock this evening. I have but few hours to remain in this unfriendly world. There are 6 ...

  6. #6

    Sarah Canary by Karen Joy Fowler
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    'Sarah Canary' by Karen Joy Fowler is a mysterious and surreal novel set in the 1870s in the Pacific Northwest. The story follows a Chinese immigrant, Chin Ah Kin, who encounters a strange and mute woman named Sarah Canary. As they embark on a journey together, they come across various eccentric characters who are drawn to Sarah for different reasons. The book is filled with historical tidbits, real-life references, and quotes from Emily Dickinson that serve as clues to the storyline. The narrative is lyrical, engaging, and thought-provoking, exploring themes of otherness, perception, and the power of storytelling.

    The years after the American Civil War were characterized by excess, ornamented by cults and corruptions. Calamity Jane rode her horse through Indian country, standing on her head, her tangled hair lo...

  7. #7

    The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
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    Set in a grand English country house, 'The House at Riverton' follows the life of Grace Bradley, a former servant, as she reflects on the mysterious death of a young poet that occurred during a society party in 1924. Through Grace's reminiscences, readers are taken on a journey back to the early 20th century, exploring the intertwined lives of the aristocratic Hartford family and the secrets that have been kept hidden for decades. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loyalty, class distinctions, and the impact of past events on the present, creating a rich historical mystery that slowly unravels to reveal unexpected truths.

    The writing style of 'The House at Riverton' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with drama, tragedy, and intricate relationships. The novel skillfully blends elements of gothic fiction with historical accuracy, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the human experience, the societal norms of the Edwardian era, and the enduring power of secrets and memories.

    It was 1924 and I was at Riverton again. All the doors hung wide open, silk billowing in the summer breeze. An orchestra perched high on the hill beneath the ancient maple, violins lilting lazily in t...

  8. #8

    The Angel of Darkness - Dr. Laszlo Kreizler by Caleb Carr
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    'The Angel of Darkness' is a sequel to the novel 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. The story is set in late 19th-century New York City and follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and his team as they investigate a female serial killer targeting children. The narrative is rich in historical details, featuring real figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Clarence Darrow. The plot explores themes of forensic profiling, court trials, and the challenges of solving crimes in a corrupt society.

    is narrated from the perspective of Stovepipe Stevie, offering a unique insight into the characters and events. The writing style is described as well-researched and historically accurate, with a blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction elements. Despite some pacing issues and a few criticisms of certain plot developments, the book is praised for its depth, psychological aspects, and the gripping nature of the story.

    The first thing to do, along these plain lines, is to say why I’ve closed the shop up and come into the back office on a night when there’s still plenty of business that might be done. It’s a fine eve...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dr. Laszlo Kreizler )

  9. #9

    The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
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    A rich re-imagining of the lives and culture of biblical women, particularly Dinah, daughter of Jacob, and her experiences as a daughter, wife, mother, friend, and midwife. The narrative expands upon the brief mention of Dinah in the Book of Genesis, exploring the relationships and traditions of women in ancient Canaan and Egypt, showcasing their struggles and joys in a male-dominated world.

    The Red Tent tells the story of Dinah and the four wives of Jacob through the lens of women's experiences during biblical times. It delves into themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and the sacred rituals of the 'red tent', providing a rare insight into the lives of ancient women, their connections, and the challenges they faced in a patriarchal society.

    THEIR STORIES BEGAN with the day that my father appeared. Rachel came running into camp, knees flying, bellowing like a calf separated from its mother. But before anyone could scold her for acting lik...

  10. #10

    As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann
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    'As Meat Loves Salt' by Maria McCann is a historical fiction novel set during the English Civil War, following the life of Jacob Cullen, a troubled and violent man who goes from being a servant to a soldier in Cromwell's New Model Army. The book delves into Jacob's complex relationships, particularly with his fellow soldier Christopher Ferris, exploring themes of love, obsession, violence, and inner turmoil. The narrative is rich in historical detail, depicting the political, religious, and social upheaval of seventeenth century England, while also portraying the personal struggles and moral dilemmas of the characters.

    The writing style in 'As Meat Loves Salt' is described as gripping, atmospheric, and meticulously researched, with vivid descriptions of battlefields and life during the English Civil War. The protagonist, Jacob Cullen, is portrayed as a deeply flawed and complex character, whose descent into madness and obsession is both unsettling and compelling. The novel balances historical accuracy with the exploration of human emotions and relationships, making it a dark and intense read that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.

    On the morning we dragged the pond for Patience White, I bent so far down trying to see beneath the surface that my own face peered up at me, twisted and frowning. The three of us had churned up the w...

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