When I first picked up this book I thought there was no way I would make it through all 800 plus pages. The approach of the author is different from many novels in that he is leading the reader by the hand on a long distance view of the characters and the time they live in. I found this approach a little awkward in first few pages. I was unfamiliar with the author who lives in the Scottish highlands so I did not know what to expect.

The Crimson Petal and the White is the story of a well-read London prostitute named Sugar, who spends her free hours composing a violent, pornographic condemnation of men. She wants a better life and the opportunity comes when she is taken up by a wealthy man, the perfumer William Rackham. The horror of Sugar's life is nothing in comparison with the abuse William's wife and his sad little girl. Brilliantly constructed this book surrounds you and you slip into Victorian England because of how well it is written.

After a couple of chapters this book was impossible to put down. When it ended I wanted more as the author leaves you without know what happens to Sugar who runs away with William's little girl and if William's wife is really dead. It is obvious there will be a sequel and I cannot wait. I give this book a resounding four thistles.