This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Fingersmith

   

   The novel is a gripping tale set in Victorian England, revolving around two young women, a petty thief and a rich heiress, whose lives intertwine in unforeseen ways. The thief is part of a con to defraud the heiress of her fortune, but as the plot thickens, the lines between deception and truth, loyalty and betrayal, love and manipulation get blurred. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and class, and keeps the readers on the edge till the end.

   The 1007th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Tipping The Velvet

   

   This novel is a vivid portrayal of a young woman's sexual and personal awakening in the late 19th century England. The protagonist, a seaside oyster girl, is captivated by a male impersonator and follows her to London, where she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through a series of transformative experiences in the underbelly of Victorian society, she explores the complexities of love and identity, navigating through various roles and relationships that challenge the era's norms and her own understanding of desire. The narrative is a rich tapestry of music halls, drag culture, and the hidden queer subcultures of the time, offering a poignant exploration of gender and sexuality.

   The 2980th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Affinity

   

   In "Affinity" by Sarah Waters, a young woman named Margaret Prior becomes a visitor at Millbank Prison in Victorian London, where she becomes intrigued by a spiritualist named Selina Dawes. As their relationship deepens, Margaret is drawn into a web of secrets and deception, leading to unexpected consequences for both women. This atmospheric and suspenseful novel explores themes of desire, obsession, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion.

   The 3108th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Little Stranger

   

   "The Little Stranger" is a gothic novel set in post-World War II Britain, where a country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family living in a crumbling mansion. The doctor becomes increasingly entangled with the family as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a malevolent presence that seems to be causing accidents and illness. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the haunting may be more psychological than supernatural, reflecting the decline of the British class system and the trauma of war.

   The 6688th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Night Watch

   

   Set in 1940s London during and after World War II, this novel unfolds in reverse chronological order, revealing the lives, loves, and losses of its characters in a deeply immersive narrative. Through the experiences of a diverse group of Londoners, including an ambulance driver, a conscientious objector, and a couple navigating the complexities of a lesbian relationship in a time of pervasive social conservatism, the story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the secrets we keep. The backdrop of the war-torn city serves as a poignant counterpoint to the personal battles and intimate connections that define the characters' lives, offering a unique perspective on the impact of war on everyday existence and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

   The 7882nd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Paying Guests

   

   Set in 1922 London, this gripping tale unfolds in a post-war society where Frances Wray and her mother, struggling with financial difficulties, decide to take in lodgers to make ends meet. The arrival of the young and lively couple, Leonard and Lilian Barber, brings unexpected tension and intrigue into the Wray household. As Frances and Lilian develop a clandestine relationship, their lives become entangled in a web of passion, deceit, and ultimately, a shocking crime that threatens to unravel everything they hold dear. The narrative explores themes of love, class, and the societal constraints of the era, weaving a suspenseful story that keeps readers on edge.

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7. 7. 房客

   

   Set in post-World War I London, the story revolves around a young woman named Frances Wray and her widowed mother who are struggling to maintain their genteel lifestyle in a crumbling mansion. To make ends meet, they decide to take in lodgers, a young couple named Lilian and Leonard Barber. As the Barbers settle in, the household dynamics shift dramatically, leading to unexpected alliances and tensions. The narrative explores themes of class, sexuality, and societal expectations, culminating in a gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and the quest for personal freedom.

8. 8. 灵契

   

   Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian England, this gripping tale follows the intertwined lives of two women, one a spiritualist medium and the other a rational scientist. As they navigate the societal constraints and personal struggles of their time, their paths cross in unexpected ways, leading to a complex relationship that challenges their beliefs and desires. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the supernatural, weaving a rich tapestry of mystery and emotion that captivates the reader from start to finish.