I have read several of Waters' novels and have always found them entertaining and enjoyable. AFFINITY was no exception. The protagonist in this one is Margaret Prior, a highborn lady who makes visits to London's Millbank Women's Prison offering solace to Millbank's wretched inhabitants. This is part of Margaret's therapy after recently attempting suicide because of her father's death. While at Millbank she meets and becomes friends with Selina Dawes who is a âspirit mediumâ and is blamed for the death of a client during a séance. Selina draws Margaret close to her and eventually Margaret falls in love with her especially after Selina is able to send Margaret such things as flowers through the spirit realm. But is Selina really a true spiritualist who is in contact with the spirit world? And what are the motivations here?
This novel takes place in the late 1800s when spiritualism was at its peak. I thought the novel did a good job of delving into this religious phenomenon as Margaret tries to seek out its beliefs and practices. And as usual with Waters, one of the book's themes is Lesbian love. The ending to the novel was somewhat surprising although it was to be expected. Overall, I enjoyed this look at 19th century lifeâincluding the believers in spiritualism and the appalling life inside a women's prison.
This novel takes place in the late 1800s when spiritualism was at its peak. I thought the novel did a good job of delving into this religious phenomenon as Margaret tries to seek out its beliefs and practices. And as usual with Waters, one of the book's themes is Lesbian love. The ending to the novel was somewhat surprising although it was to be expected. Overall, I enjoyed this look at 19th century lifeâincluding the believers in spiritualism and the appalling life inside a women's prison.
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