The book is notable for its eroticism and depiction of pornography. Reviewers have praised Waters' negotiation of sexual themes; a review from The Guardian describes it as "erotic and unnerving",[2] while The New York Times praises its "illicit undertow".[3]
Literary critics have also focused on the novel's sexual themes, and identified its engagement with debates surrounding feminism and pornography. In Fingersmith, Waters uses her depiction of lesbian love between Maud and Sue to challenge a variety of hetero-patriarchal norms, and respond to different feminist arguments about pornography.[4] Outside of discussions about sexuality, the struggles that Maud and Sue both face as women in Victorian society, and their often exploitative relationships with men are also of interest to feminist critics.[5][6]
The novel's title is likely intended to reflect the erotic themes of the novel. Fingersmith is an archaic term for a petty thief, but given the content of the novel, it can also be assumed to have intentionally sexual connotations.
Waters is known for writing lesbian fiction, and is a lesbian herself.[7]
