The Little StrangerSarah Waters
You know, I don't even want to do an August recap, since everyone will vomit when they see that I read two books in August. That's right, TWO.
I know, I gagged a bit as well.
Sarah Waters gave me such an auspicious start to the month, as I tore through The Little Stranger like a bat outta hell. I loved Fingersmith, and, when The Little Stranger was longlisted for the Booker Prize, I went right out to see if it lived up to the hype.
It did.
In fact, perhaps Waters is to blame for the rest of the month being so non-bookish for me -- The Little Stranger was so good, so riveting, that nothing I picked up afterward could hold my attention. That's it! Damn you, you feisty little minx.
Anyway, in The Little Stranger a powerful, supernatural force is threatening the inhabitants of Hundreds Hall, and Dr. Faraday is there to save the day. We watch events unfold with increasing intensity, as Faraday is frequently called upon to lend a helping hand. Faraday himself is a bit of an outsider and his understanding is incomplete at best. The reader plunges along with him as he comes to know the family and their mysterious home better.
The Little Stranger is equal parts ghost story, social commentary, mystery, and psychological profile. There's so much to say, but it's better not to spoil the fun.
In a nutshell: Better than Fingersmith? I think so. The Little Stranger is a moving, thrilling, ultimately heartbreaking examination of class, love, and longing.
Bibliolatry Scale: 6 out of 6
I know, I gagged a bit as well.
Sarah Waters gave me such an auspicious start to the month, as I tore through The Little Stranger like a bat outta hell. I loved Fingersmith, and, when The Little Stranger was longlisted for the Booker Prize, I went right out to see if it lived up to the hype.
It did.
In fact, perhaps Waters is to blame for the rest of the month being so non-bookish for me -- The Little Stranger was so good, so riveting, that nothing I picked up afterward could hold my attention. That's it! Damn you, you feisty little minx.
Anyway, in The Little Stranger a powerful, supernatural force is threatening the inhabitants of Hundreds Hall, and Dr. Faraday is there to save the day. We watch events unfold with increasing intensity, as Faraday is frequently called upon to lend a helping hand. Faraday himself is a bit of an outsider and his understanding is incomplete at best. The reader plunges along with him as he comes to know the family and their mysterious home better.
The Little Stranger is equal parts ghost story, social commentary, mystery, and psychological profile. There's so much to say, but it's better not to spoil the fun. In a nutshell: Better than Fingersmith? I think so. The Little Stranger is a moving, thrilling, ultimately heartbreaking examination of class, love, and longing.
Bibliolatry Scale: 6 out of 6
8 comments:
Definitely adding this to my list! Sounds great! Thanks!
Thank you for renewing my enthusiasm for this book! I've seen quite a few negative reviews, so I was getting a little scared. I hope I love it as much as you did!
BETTER than Fingersmith? *dies from mingled disbelief and anticipation*
I had just added this to my TBR list - glad to see it really is good!
always love to read what others have to say about books. I love them. Enjoyed yours. We all sometimes do read little at some point in time.
raych - just a warning: most people disagree with me, saying Fingersmith was better. Now, I really loved Fingersmith, but I just thought this was a perfect novel. I also liked how it didn't have as "perfect" an ending as Fingersmith had, making The Little Stranger more realistic for my tastes.
Fingersmith is one of my favorite novels and I was disappointed that The Night Watch didn't live up to it. But I can't wait to get onto The Little Stranger.
Wasn't it awesome? Although, I think I have to disagree with you about it being the better than Fingersmith. But it's kind of like saying that chocolate cake is better than chocolate brownies. A matter of taste and the point is they're both chocolate - and wonderful.
I see you've got a new look - I'm so used to the black that I wasn't sure I was in the right place at first!
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