Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Historical LGBTQ+ Romance
Available On: Amazon
Sarah Waters’ Tipping The Velvet is a compelling dive into the world of Victorian England, following the life of Nan King as she navigates her identity, desires, and a tumultuous world that often challenges both.
Set predominantly in London’s theatre district, Waters paints a vivid tableau of 19th-century life. Nan’s journey from her humble oyster parlour beginnings to the bustling stages of London is not just a physical one, but also a profound exploration of self. Throughout her adventures, Nan encounters love, heartbreak, and the complexities of her own sexuality.
Central to the story is the theme of performance. Not just in the theatrical sense, but the roles society forces individuals to play. Nan’s evolution, her relationships, especially with the enigmatic Kitty, mirror the broader societal shifts of the time. Waters delves deep into the intricacies of gender roles, identity, and the masks people wear, both on and off stage.
Romance is intricately woven into the narrative. The love story between Nan and Kitty is as passionate as it is fraught with complications. Waters does an exceptional job of capturing the euphoria of first love and the devastating blows of betrayal. Their dynamic reflects the broader societal attitudes of the time, highlighting the taboos and prejudices surrounding same-sex relationships.
If there’s a criticism to be had, it’s perhaps in the pacing of the latter part of the novel. Nan’s journey takes several turns, and while each is crucial in her growth, some sections could have been more concise without losing their impact.
Tipping The Velvet is more than just a romance. It’s an odyssey of identity, set against a vividly realised historical backdrop. Waters deftly marries fact with fiction, crafting a tale that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with their true self amidst societal expectations.
How Sarah Waters Captures the Complexity of Victorian Romance
The Victorian era, with its strict societal norms and rigid gender roles, might seem an unlikely setting for a passionate lesbian romance. Yet, in Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters not only brings such a love story to life but does so with a depth and authenticity that’s nothing short of remarkable.
At its core, the novel is a coming-of-age story. Nan’s journey from Whitstable to London is interspersed with her evolving understanding of her own sexuality. In Kitty, she finds both love and a glimpse into a world she never knew existed—one where she can be her true self, albeit behind the curtains of a theatre.
However, Waters doesn’t shy away from the challenges such a relationship would face in Victorian society. Their love, while intense, is clandestine. It’s a reflection of the times, where such affections were not just frowned upon but actively persecuted.
Yet, it’s in this very adversity that Waters finds the strength of her characters. Nan and Kitty’s relationship is not just about passion; it’s about resilience, understanding, and the lengths one would go to for love. The societal backdrop, far from being a mere setting, plays an active role in shaping their story, making it all the more poignant.
What Genre Is Tipping the Velvet?
Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters is primarily classified under Historical Fiction. However, its rich narrative incorporates elements of romance, drama, and LGBTQ+ literature. The novel’s exploration of Victorian England’s theatre scene, combined with its deep dive into gender roles, sexuality, and societal norms, creates a multi-faceted reading experience, making it an essential read for those interested in queer literature set against a meticulously detailed historical backdrop.
How Spicy Is The Novel?
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sarah Waters doesn’t hold back when it comes to portraying the romantic and intimate aspects of Nan’s relationships. While the novel maintains a certain level of decorum consistent with its historical setting, Waters ensures that the emotional and physical connections between characters are palpably felt. The novel’s spiciness is more in its emotional intensity and the exploration of desires in a repressed society than explicit scenes, making it moderately spicy for readers.
What Romance Tropes Are in The Book?
Trope Count: 💚💚💚💚
Tipping the Velvet delves into several romantic tropes, intricately woven into its narrative:
Forbidden Love – Given the time period, Nan’s relationships, particularly with Kitty, fall into the forbidden territory. Their love is not just socially unacceptable but dangerous.
First Love – Nan’s relationship with Kitty represents the heady, all-consuming nature of first love, with all its joys and heartbreaks.
Self-Discovery – As much as it’s a romance, the novel is also Nan’s journey of self-discovery, understanding her identity, and coming to terms with her desires.
Run Away To The Circus With Me – The theatre setting adds another layer to the story, with characters often playing roles both on and off stage, reflecting the duality of their lives.
These tropes, combined with the novel’s historical setting and Waters’ adept storytelling, create a rich and immersive romantic experience for readers.
