This work is set in Lambeth, London, in the year 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 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 Damage" we meet a daring young heroine, struggling in a very modern way against the constraints of the day, and whose resourcefulness and bravery have us rooting for her all the way.

I won this in the bookswap game at Salcey Forest today, after stealing it off Willowfae (Who I will pass it on to after I've read it). Thank you!

I was sucked into the slums and degradation of Victorian London straight away, so much so that I could smell the stench and smoke as I read. Having set the scene, an extraordinary tale of the feminist Dora emerges. We soon see firsthand the stark contrast to the high moral Society that Victorians believe they upheld, as Dora does what she needs to to survive.
This is a very enlightening novel that blurs the boundaries between classes, and focuses strongly on racism, in particular black slavery. I liked the interesting scientific experimentation that was a strong part of the Victorian times. However, I was apalled by the end of the novel at how far they went! (Not for the feint hearted!)
Overall, a good book. I would recommend it, but at the same time it is not a patch on 'The Crimson Petal and the White' by Michel Faber, although there are similarities with the strong feminist heroine at the centre of each novel.

I am passing this on to Korky who also showed an interest in this book, who will then pass it on to Willowfae.

Thanks for passing this on Retromonkey, hope it doesn't linger on the 'shelves of shame' too long.

A good story with a convincing view of a slice of 1860's Victorian London.
KORKY'S DAD

Well it did indeed linger for a long time and I still haven't read it. However another copy has come into my hands so this one can move on.

Left in Great Linford Manor Park on the Doric Seat