Fingersmith Paperback

Fingersmith follows the story of two women, Sue Trinder and Maud Lilly, who become entwined in a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and love. Set in Victorian England, the novel explores themes of class, gender, and identity, as well as the power dynamics between men and women.

Sue Trinder, an orphan raised by a group of thieves known as fingersmiths, is taken under the wing of Mrs Sucksby, who becomes like a mother to her. Despite her criminal upbringing, Sue is intelligent and resourceful, with a sharp wit and a talent for pickpocketing.

Meanwhile, Maud Lilly is an orphan living in a gloomy mansion with her uncle Mr Liley, a wealthy gentleman who has taken her in after the death of her parents. Maud is quiet and reserved, with a mysterious past that she keeps hidden from those around her.

Their paths cross when Sue is hired to be Maud's maid by a con artist named Richard Rivers, who plans to swindle Maud out of her inheritance. As the two women become closer, they begin to question their own identities and the motives of those around them.

Fingersmith is a gripping tale of deception and intrigue, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Sarah Waters' masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and psychological thrillers.