Main content

Sarah Waters: Tipping the Velvet

Harriett Gilbert talks to British writer Sarah Waters about her chart-topping novel, Tipping the Velvet.

This month World Book Club talks to British writer Sarah Waters about her chart-topping novel, Tipping the Velvet.

Celebrating twenty years since its first publication Tipping the Velvet is a bawdy, historical, lesbian romance, following the startling career of Nan King, oyster girl from Whitstable turned music-hall star turned rent boy. Star-struck and infatuated with actress Kitty Butler Nan starts up a double act with her idol both on and off the stage. But when Kitty, hankering after a more conventional life, spurns Nan in favour of marriage to her manager, a devastated Nan is propelled into a series of ever more erotic excursions and ultimately a struggle for survival. (Photo credit: Charlie Hopkinson.)

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Wed 9 May 2018 23:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sun 6 May 2018 03:06GMT
  • Sun 6 May 2018 13:06GMT
  • Wed 9 May 2018 08:06GMT
  • Wed 9 May 2018 17:06GMT
  • Wed 9 May 2018 23:06GMT

Ten Amazing Interviews

Favourite episodes of World Book Club, featuring Maya Angelou and Henning Mankell.

Crime Fiction

Henning Mankel, Patrica Cornwell, Jo Nesbo: stars of the genre discuss their craft.

Tales from History

From the tulip fields of 17th Century Amsterdam to the trenches of World War One.

Podcast