50 pages • 1 hour read
Sarah WatersTipping the Velvet
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters follows Nan King, whose journey of self-discovery begins in an oyster parlor in late-19th-century Britain. She falls in love with drag king Kitty Butler, and they move to London where Nan explores her gender and sexuality, experiencing love with multiple women and navigating the complexities of gender performance, societal class, and authentic living. The book contains depictions of sexual assault and discriminatory language.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters has garnered widespread acclaim for its immersive and evocative depiction of Victorian London, rich character development, and intricate exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. Critics praise its lush prose and historical accuracy. However, some note its pacing can be slow and its explicit scenes may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and engaging narrative voice.
Who Should Read Tipping the Velvet?
A reader who would enjoy Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters is likely drawn to richly detailed historical fiction with strong LGBTQ+ themes. Fans of Emma Donoghue’s Fingersmith and E. M. Forster’s Maurice will appreciate the novel’s exploration of identity, romance, and societal norms in Victorian England.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
History: World
LGBTQ
Victorian Literature / Period
Victorian Period
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Romance
Identity: Sexuality
Identity: Gender
Emotions/Behavior: Love