I have tried to read this book for several years. I would start it and then put it down. This happened multiple times, but finally, on my vacation, I decided I was going to finish this book. I read and read, one the beach, on the balcony, in bed, but finally, I finished the book. It was a strange book, a book about a prostitute and a physician who harvested dead bodies, all in the midst of a cholera outbreak. The book reminded me of
The French Lieutenant's Woman. I didn't enjoy that book very much, but I was able to see the enjoyment of
The Dress Lodger. It was an emotional book, and it seemed to allow the reader to be omnipotent and observant. I saw all these hidden elements, repeated thematic symbols, the rat, the eye, the blue, all of which put me back in graduate school and inspired me. I was ready to write a paper about what I read, though I don't think I really will. I think this book is one that should be read, but pace yourself. It takes a while.
