I only heard about Fingersmith when i was flipping through 'The L word' websites. I had never read any of Sarah Waters' novels, or watched Tipping the Velvet. I hope Rachael Stirling was watching: that's how you play a Sarah Waters character! The love, the passion, the realisation of the acts of betrayal both would have to perform, were written on their faces. Sally Hawkins acting her heart out as Sue Trinder, and Elaine Cassidy, a slow burner, who by the end of the story was incandescent as Maud Lilley. It had the look and feel of a BBC classic costume drama and i kept having to remind myself that this is a contemporary book. The adaptation was excellent, very little cut out, and went along at a cracking pace (although I did wonder whether if you hadn't read the book, would you miss things?).

Fingersmith is a very tightly plotted novel with breath taking twists and turns and I wondered if this could be done justice to in just 3 hours.

I love Sarah Waters's Fingersmith, and was worried about the TV adaptation as I'd been disappointed by the BBC's version of Tipping the Velvet (which although beautiful to look at was let down by Keeley Hawes not being able to sing, and Rachael Stirling not being able to act). In conclusion, a brilliant adaptation where all involved gave 100% and making this one of the best BBC dramas i've seen. He illuminated the main revelations at a steady pace whilst giving us plenty of back-story and character development at the same time. To turn a 600 page book where every line is of the highest quality into a three hour extravaganza is a huge feat. However as much praise must be given to Ransley the script writer. Even the direction from the fairly unknown Aisling Walsh used contrasting yet beautiful shades of blue for Briar and brown for London. Of course Imelda Staunton was amazing as usual, she is unmistakably a national treasure and the supporting cast were all of a high standard. The two of them acting together, combining these talents made this drama unmissable. Her eyes were mesmerising conveying everything from rage to absolute despair. I recognised Sally Hawkins as Zena Blake from Tipping the Velvet, a small role primarily so i didn't have as many expectations but she was astounding in the role of Sue Trinder. Her transformation was believable and impressive to watch. Having been a fan of Elaine Cassidy's since seeing her guileless turn in Felicia's Journey i thought she embodied both hard deception and a growing fragility as Maud. And not as so many ignorant people would have you believe, a pointless lesbian romp. I was not disappointed with the results, in fact i think this might be on a par with TTV both romantic and entertaining.

Especially since Tipping the Velvet had been done so well by old familiar Andrew Davies.

Having read all of Sarah Waters books i was eagerly looking forward to a BBC adaptation of Fingersmith.