Tipping The Velvet

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters is a captivating and evocative journey set against the backdrop of Victorian England, from the humble oyster huts of Whitstable to the bustling, vibrant music halls of London. This extraordinary debut novel by the much-celebrated author unveils a world filled with passion, drama, and discovery. Nan King, an oyster girl from a provincial seaside town, finds her life irrevocably transformed when she encounters Kitty Butler, a charming male impersonator performing in the local music hall. Entranced by Kitty’s allure, Nan follows her to London, where she embarks on an unexpected journey that leads her through the splendour and hardship of the metropolis. As Nan’s life unfolds, she evolves from a devoted admirer to a stage double, and eventually, she immerses herself in the daring and complex London underworld. From the heights of fame in the music halls to the gritty streets as a rent boy, Nan explores her sexuality and identity, navigating the pleasures and perils of the East End's queer community. Tipping the Velvet is not just a story of romance and desire; it is also a richly textured narrative that delves into themes of social class, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. "Piercing the shadows of the naked stage was a single shaft of rosy limelight, and in the centre of this was a girl: the most marvellous girl - I knew it at once! - that I had ever seen." Critics and readers alike have praised the novel for its bold storytelling and lush detail: "Erotic and absorbing... Written with startling power" - New York Times Book Review "An unstoppable read, a sexy and picaresque romp through the lesbian and queer demi-monde of the 'roaring Nineties'" - Independent on Sunday "Waters is an extremely confident writer, combining precise, sensuous descriptions with irony and wit" - Observer Tipping the Velvet is a multi-layered historical romance that illuminates the colourful and often hidden lives of women in the 19th century, offering a story brimming with sensuality, heartache, and triumph.