Affinity

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Set in the shadowed world of 1870s Victorian England, Affinity follows Margaret Prior, an upper‑middle‑class woman grappling with grief and isolation after her father’s death and a suicide attempt. Seeking purpose, she becomes a volunteer “lady visitor” to the women’s wards of Millbank Prison, London’s grimest penal institution

Told through alternating diary entries by both women, Affinity blurs reality and illusion, weaving themes of spiritualism, forbidden desire and psychological suspense. Margaret’s initial skepticism gives way to fascination as she is drawn deeper into Selina’s uncanny workings—mysterious gifts, lost jewellery, whispered promises—and eventually into a plan to help Selina escape. As the plot twists, trust dissolves: Selina disappears, along with Margaret’s money and possessions, revealing a betrayal that shatters Margaret’s world.
Sarah Waters crafts a gothic romance with feminist and queer resonance, evoking the oppressive atmosphere of Victorian society while interrogating power, illusion and longing. With richly atmospheric prose reminiscent of Wilkie Collins or the Brontës, Affinity is both a ghost story and a psychological puzzle, culminating in a climax that shocks and lingers. This immersive tale of obsession and redemption will enthrall readers who love morally complex, haunting fiction.

Book product details
Property	Value
ISBN:
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	25/07/2025
Pages:	380
Subject:	Horror

Property

Value

ISBN:

Publisher:

Penguin Publishing Group

Publication date:

25/07/2025

Pages:

380

Subject:

Horror

Sarah Waters is a renowned British author known for her compelling historical fiction novels, particularly those set in Victorian and early 20th-century England. Born in Wales in 1966, Waters studied English at the University of Kent before completing her PhD in English Literature at the University of York. Her writing is acclaimed for its intricate plots, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as sexuality, class, and identity.

Waters gained widespread recognition with her debut novel, Tipping the Velvet (1998), which explores the life of a young woman in Victorian London, navigating love and sexuality. Her subsequent works, including Affinity (1999), Fingersmith (2002), and The Night Watch (2006), cemented her reputation as a master of historical fiction. Fingersmith, a twist-filled thriller, won multiple awards and was adapted into a successful BBC miniseries.

Her novels often feature strong female protagonists and delve deeply into the complexities of relationships, love, and betrayal. Waters’ writing is praised for its rich, atmospheric settings and her ability to weave suspense and drama into historical narratives. Throughout her career, Sarah Waters has garnered critical acclaim, a loyal following, and numerous prestigious literary awards, solidifying her place as one of contemporary literature's leading voices.

With her unique blend of historical fiction and psychological drama, Sarah Waters continues to captivate readers worldwide.