Affinity by Sarah Waters Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Affinity
Book Review: Afiinity
Summary: 5 Stars
Breath taking story in which a young woman plays into the hands of love. This enrapturing tale is one for those of modern times. Great read, barely able to put it down as it's simply beautiful. Enjoy.Book Review: An Enchanting Book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished reading Affinity, not more than 5 minutes ago. This book was surprisingly intruiging to me, as I am not one to enjoy stories set in old time periods. I could not put this one down, however, and found the author's style of writing quite easy to read.
Having received this book in a bookcrossing.com book ring without knowing the exact pretense of the story, I went into reading it with several pre-conceived notions. Knowing that it was set in the 1800's, I thought that the text and storyline would prove to be difficult to follow. That could not have been further from the truth!
I will refrain from giving my synopsis of the book, as you should be able to gather that based on the excellent review entries above. I will, though, make some personal comments on some issues that personally spoke to me:
I understood the plight of our protagonist, Margaret, to be one of overcoming and/or enduring the challenge of being a lesbian woman attempting to find her place among the socialite set of 19th century England. She clearly had an understanding of being "different" from other women in her class, and felt considerable shame associated with her sexual desires. I think only her father understood her completely, and his death left her unable to envision a time or place in which she would feel free to be herself. Her realtionship with Helen (her brother's wife) was never expanded upon, but one can surmise that there must have been some sexual experience in their past that Margaret longed for, but Helen was unable to continue. After experiencing the loss of her father and the rejection of her lover, Margaret was lonely and vulnerable upon her arrival as a Lady Visitor at Millbank Prison.
The ending was perfect, and I had not guessed what was to come before it was right upon me. The author did an excellent job of slow-dripping clues throughout the story that all made sense in the end. I can't wait for the rest of the members of this book ring to make their comments! I will be recommending this book to my friends and family, and also hope to read more work by Sarh Waters.
Book Review: An accomplished novel!!
Summary: 4 Stars
Waters is able to create a strange moody literary landscape--one that would never be in a bestseller. For me this is refreshing and interesting. Waters crafted the beginning and middle of the novel very painstakingly--I appreciated the craft but at times I wanted a little more variation in pace. She actually takes you into the musty constrained world of a slightly hysterical spinster--and makes it interesting because she unearths the passion underneath the surface.
The ending felt a little rushed--but this might be because it was jarring and sudden for the protagonist and Waters brought me into her world.
All in all a worthwhile read that takes you to another time and place!!
Book Review: An excellent piece of Victoriana
Summary: 4 Stars
Please do yourself a favor -- if you like historical fiction, and especially if you like Victoriana, read this book. You won't be sorry; it's among the best of the best.
Now, do prepare yourself for the fact that there is not a lot of action in this book, beyond psychological action. It's a thinking person's book. However, it is quite suspenseful and the characters are fascinating, so you won't mind the fact that the events aren't happening at the speed you may be used to.
I gave this book four stars and not five because of some uneven editing in the book, especially in the antagonist's diary entries.
Overall, however, this book is top-notch. Read it and like it very much.
BTW, this isn't a "lesbian book" as it is often billed. There's nothing sexy in this book, and nobody comes out of the closet as a lesbian; it's all implied.
Book Review: Another great book from Waters
Summary: 5 Stars
I was expecting this novel to be like her first, Tipping the Velvet, but it was nothing like it. However, it was just as good, if not better. Affinity is a gothic tale of a 'spinster,' Margaret, that visits female prisoners.
Margaret went through a depression after her father passed away a couple years ago. She decides to spend time with the female prisoners on weekly basis in order to get herself out of the house and improve her mood. She finds a mysterious prisoner, Selina, there and begins visiting her every week. Selina is a spirit-medium and slowly begins opening up to Margaret. I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil it.
Waters has created a story that weaves the reader in, out and around and leaves them at the edge of their seats until the last couple pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys edge-of-your-seat gothic suspense. To everyone else, I still recommend it.