Affinity by Sarah Waters

 

Margaret Prior is a Victorian woman recovering from a depression after her father's death.  Margaret is unmarried and considered the 'problem child' of the family as she is nearing thirty and it is uncertain how her life will unfold.  A minister for the family suggests that Margaret might do something for others and suggests that she become a lady visitor at Millbank prison on the womens' wards.  Margaret's mother is appalled but Margaret finds herself strangely attracted to the idea and agrees.

Millbank has a reputation as one of the worst prisons and Margaret soon finds out why.  Although the prisoners are not overtly mistreated physically, the conditions are grim.  The cells are cold and bleak and small and the women are confined in them most of the day, working on tasks such as picking coir or sewing.  The food is miserable.  But Margaret gets to know the women on her rounds and finds several of them are interesting or friendly.

The most intriguing prisoner is Selina Dawes, a medium.  Selina was imprisoned when a woman died after one of her seances in unclear circumstances.  Margaret scoffs at the idea of spiritualism but as she gets to know Selina she starts to question if it could be real after all.  Margaret has a history of attachment to other women so there is a physical attraction as well.  Soon Margaret is living for the days when she goes to the prison and sees Selina.  How will it end?

Sarah Waters has a talent for completely engaging the reader in the gothic environment she is writing about.  Her forte is the Victorian time period and this book does not disappoint.  The reader is slowly introduced to Margaret and her issues and then to Selina and the promises she holds out of more and better things to come.  The book is mesmerizing and the reader will be fascinated.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction and those interested in gothic horror.