Affinity - Sarah Waters (Kindle)

Things I never want to end when I am in the middle of experiencing them:

1. A full body massage

2. Beach vacations

3. Fine dining with wine pairings

4. A good dream

5. Sarah Waters books

Can you relate? There are just certain things that you want to go on forever. This is how I've felt about every single Waters book I've read including my most recent, Affinity. I've been allotting myself one of her books no frequently than every six months, because there is a finite number of them and I'm scared of the day when I have none left! Sarah Waters! Write faster!

I found myself boarding a plane in California, headed back home to Florida (over a five hour flight) without a book in hand. So I loaded the Kindle app on my iPhone, uploaded this book from my Kindle at home, and away I went. And because it was on my phone, I found myself reading it everywhere. At stoplights. In the bathroom. In the car when someone else is driving. I couldn't stop.

Even though Fingersmith is the ultimate twisty Waters book, unrivaled in the category really, I still am faced with writing a review for a book that is best read cold. So I shall keep this brief and mysterious-ish.

Synopsis: It is 1874. Margaret Prior is recovering from an emotional breakdown that occurred as a result of the death of her father and a failed relationship. To aid in her recovery, it has been suggested that she visit the women incarcerated at London's Millbank Prison, to guide them towards an honest and spiritual life. Within the prison's walls, she meets the ethereal Selina Dawes, an enigmatic young medium. The two form a unique connection.

Our narrative swings back and forth in time, between Selina's story of how she came to be imprisoned, and the present day with Margaret.

This all feels stiff and bland, and I'm sorry for that, but its all I'm going to give you as far as plot.

My thoughts: OK, now here is where I allow emotion to enter the picture. Transport yourself to within the cold, wet, dingy walls of a London prison. Walls that contain a beautiful woman who almost emits a glow that lights up her cell. All around are smells of unwashed bodies, sounds of wailing and despair. Nobody does atmosphere like Waters. You want gothic? Sensuality? Darkness? Tension? Obsession? Manipulation of the mind? You got it baby. While Fingersmith had action in spades, this tale is one that is more internal and subtle, but it still did not lessen the ache in my stomach as the story marched towards its climax.

What about predictability? I thought I pretty much knew which direction this was all going, but all the while I was doubting myself. Waters is an absolute master at bobbing and weaving, at leaving little trails of crumbs that lead off into dark corners, at making you wonder whether goodness or evil will prevail. There were passages (that I will not quote lest I spoil something) that were some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful protestations of feelings I have ever read.

Amongst all of this mystique, of course, is the commentary on society in the late 1800's, which Waters is famous for. If a poor woman tries to commit suicide, she is imprisoned. If a rich one attempts the same feat, she is coddled and rehabilitated in the comfort of her home. The belief that a woman only comes into her own once she is married and has a child. The unacceptability of a woman to speak her mind.

If you are a fan of Waters, and you buy what she is selling, then this is a book you absolutely must read. But read it slowly. Make all that deliciousness last.

5 out of 5 stars