Fingersmith

By Sarah Waters

Back in my college days, my best friend read Sarah Waters' debut novel Tipping the Velvet, and told me I had to read it. I never got around to reading that particular Sarah Waters novel, but I did just finish Fingersmith, and I'm happy to report I wasn't lead astray. Waters is a fantastic novelist, with a gift for bringing to life a particular time and place while building an enjoyable suspense novel. 

The novel takes place in Victorian England, and contains multiple Dickensian motifs: orphans, prisons, insane asylums, pickpockets, handsome villains and stolen fortunes. It seems to be the straightforward story of Sue Trinder, a small-time thief who is recruited by a family friend to help him seduce and marry the wealthy orphan of his employer. However, once Sue takes on the role of the young woman's maid her alliance begins to shift. Once the deed seems to be done the story takes a highly unexpected turn. 

Waters has an eye for detail, vividly bringing to life the slums of Victorian London, as well as the decaying country homes inhabited by the wealthy who spend their time in idle pursuits. Her intricate narrative mapping makes Fingersmith a gripping read right until the end of Sue's journey.

Mad Men in Books

  The fourth season of Mad Men ended last week, and while I'm sad to see it go, I've recently discovered some fun Mad Men inspired books to keep me going until next season. And with the holidays right around the corner these books make fantastic gifts for any Mad Men fanatics. 


The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men
By Janie Bryant

Janie Bryant is the immensely talented costume designer for Mad Men and she just released The Fashion File this past month. The book works more like a how-to reference for dressing yourself. She also gives behind the scenes peeks into the Mad Men world, as well as her process for creating the costumes. 

Mad Men: The Illustrated World

By Dyna Moe

Dyna Moe became famous when she began posting illustrated depictions of Mad Men on her Flickr stream (check it out here). AMC then used her considerable skill to create their Mad Men Yourself machine. The book isn't just illustrations, it includes a Sally Draper drink menu, Joan paper dolls, and instructions on how to create the perfect bouffant.