Vonia's Reviews > Affinity

I have said it before, I will say it again. I cannot fathom how Sarah Waters does it, how she can draw the reader into this entirely other world, this other period, time, place, complete immersion. Even something simple like the protagonist Miss Prior's afternoon in The Spiritualists' Reading Room instantly conceived for me a dim, smoky, velvet lined library where she learns the secrets of her true love/affinity's case. Genius.

I honestly do not typically care for the paranormal stories, but under the guidance of Waters, a pretty great read. With the unexpected ending, I admit I did not like it, but then again, I guess it was good, in that way only great writers can have me appreciating an otherwise unacceptable 180. In my opinion, the author better have a damn good reason as well as some damn good transitioning with foreshadowing for these endings.

Selina Dawes. What a character. She had me good. I will say that. I guess I was not paying attention, so enraptured by Waters' writing, I was. At least that is what I say. I feel like I should have seen it from a million miles away. Her story was very interesting, although I do wish there was more detail, more insight into her childhood. In fact, I felt like the center of the story told was quite intense, extremely well told, even a little long, but could have used more insight into "Miss Prior"/Aurora's history, both before + after.

As for the Spiritualism, ghosts, seances, readings, etcetera, I actually really liked reading these aspects of the novel, appreciating Waters' obvious research into the themes.

Oh, Sarah Waters, how I love thee.