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Loading... The Journal of Dora Damage (2006)by Belinda Starling
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. 1859 London and Dora has to take over the family bookbinding business when her husband's arthritic hands fail. She finds herself binding pornography as well as dealing with runaway slaves and dangerous people. A fresh and entertaining look at Victorian society and also a really good read, especially as a first novel. Unfortunately the author passed away shortly after completing this book. Sarà che ho letto così tanti libri che ormai è difficile che un racconto mi sorprenda: intuisco fin troppo facilmente gli sviluppi delle trame e così mi "guasto" la lettura. Così è stato per questo romanzo: alcuni episodi li ho trovati un po' scontati, ma devo dire che in altri punti sono stata piacevolmente sorpresa. La trama è avvincente, la caratterizzazione dei personaggi li rende quasi vivi, le atmosfere della Londra del XIX secolo sono perfette. Si legge di un fiato: è una meraviglia. A very nice read with unusual, but interesting and very real characters. It's such a shame Belinda Starling passed away so shortly after finishing this debut novel - I would have loved to read more of her stories. Because the story seemed to slack here and there, I don't think I'll be re-reading this book, but I won't easily forget it either as I enjoyed it thoroughly. The ending surprised me pleasantly as well. no reviews | add a review
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Lambeth, London, 1859. By the time Dora Damage discovers that there is something wrong with her husband, Peter, it is too late. His arthritic hands are crippled, putting his book-binding business into huge debt and his family in danger of entering the poorhouse. Summoning her courage, Dora proves that she is more than just a housewife and mother. Taking to the streets, she resolves to rescue her family at any price-and finds herself lured into illegally binding expensive volumes of pornography commissioned by aristocrats. Then, when a mysterious fugitive slave arrives at her door, Dora realises she's entangled in a web of sex, money, deceit and the law. Now the very family she fought so hard for is under threat from a host of new, more dangerous foes. Belinda Starling's debut novel is a startling vision of Victorian London, juxtaposing its filth and poverty with its affluence. In Dora Damagewe meet a daring young heroine, struggling in a very modern way against the constraints of the day, and whose resourcefulness and bravery has us rooting for her all the way. No library descriptions found.
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.92Literature English English fiction Modern Period 2000-LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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