by Sarah Waters
First published 1998
Nan King, an oyster girl from the coast, is captivated by music hall sensation Kitty Butler. When Kitty comes to London, Nan follows as her dresser and secret lover. Together they become a celebrated male impersonator act, but heartbreak awaits as Kitty's ambition tears them apart. Nan must reinvent herself, navigating London's queer demimonde in search of love and independence.
Genres: fiction, romance, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: England, Great Britain
Period: 19th century, Victoria, 1837-1901
472 pages · Hardcover · Riverhead Hardcover