The Crimson Petal and the White

I've said enough about this book, haven't I? In the end, it was OK. Fine. I'd give it 2 1/2 stars if I could. I'd give it 3 stars if it were 50% shorter. The story isn't bad, just long and meandering. I don't mind verbose, flowery language, but I am not as patient with characters and scenes being introduced when they are completely non-essential to plot progression or character/world building.