Fingersmith

Fingersmith is one of the most riveting books I've ever read. It's atmospheric as hell, absolutely seeping with yearning, and has multiple twists that left me absolutely shocked. From beginning to end, I was absolutely enthralled, and on those merits alone, it would be worth reading.

But Fingersmith is more than just an engaging book; Waters' explorations of women's sexuality and agency in a deeply patriarchal society are extremely effective. Some of the plot twists came off feeling slightly forced, but this wasn't enough to significantly impact my experience reading, and the twists that land absolutely land. Absolutely recommended.