Sarah Waters

She said this in an interview in 2022, so maybe it's just taking a bit longer!

I’m into the third year of writing my new book at the moment, and I think it’s probably going to need another year. You just have to give them as long as they need.

Sarah Waters Q&A | The Booker Prizes https://share.google/vDzsy0E46v6ly9vGn

Me too! Come on Sarah!

I know this thread hasn't been active for a whole, but I'm intrigued by that comment from her publisher.

We still haven't got a new book, and I'm gobsmacked that it's been eleven years now. I miss a new book fix by Sarah Waters.

My favourite book of hers is The Paying Guests, followed by The Night Watch I think. But I actually love her for something else entirely, and that is recommending Elizabeth Taylor's Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont during a podcast that I heard her on. I am now utterly obsessed with Elizabeth Taylor (NOT the violet eyed actress).

I actually think that mentioning there is a big twist in Fingersmith is a huge spoiler. If I'd heard that before I read it I'm sure I'd have guessed the twist, or if not it would have ruined the book for me anyway as I'd have been distracted trying to guess it. I wish people would refrain from saying 'ooh there's a big twist!' about anything, books, films etc, for that reason.

I agree with a PP that Sarah Waters is often influenced by Wilkie Collins, who I adore.

@AllotmentTime thank you!

South, by Frank Owen. I don't think I can whole-heartedly recommend it, I never quite felt engaged with the characters.
Last One At The Party by Bethany Clift is better IMO if that's what you're after!

What was your thoroughly depressing post-apocolyptic novel? Sometimes I'm in the mood for this very thing 😄

Reread The Paying Guests recently. It's so incredibly good. The Snakes and Ladders scene, the description of household tasks, the genteel poverty, the subtle claustrophobia..
Will try Helen Dunmore.

Agree with the Helen Dunmore comparison, for those who can't get along without an SW fix. My favourites are Talking to the Dead, The Siege, and Zennor in Darkness.

Thank you for bumping this thread @paranoidnamechanger , I just finished a thoroughly depressing post-apocalyptic novel and was trying to work out what would make me feel better to read / reread next. SW it is, I've read Night Watch recently and I practically know TTV by heart 😆 either Fingersmith or TPG... 🤔

How much longer do we have to wait? @DaisyMiller84

Come on, Sarah!

Yes! Wonderful film, too.

Excellent news! I love Sarah’s writing. I too had given up hope. My favourite is The Night Watch, Kay is such a great character. The only one I really didn’t care for was The Little Stranger.

Highsmith's 'The talented Mr Ripley' is a chilling masterpiece, with clear, precise writing and fearless exploration of human desire, behaviour and psychology. It reminds me of Sarah Waters, and I think she did say it was a book she wished she had written

I think the key to Waters' work is that it's so readable, but so dense and moving and sensitive. The best of literary fiction, to me.

I think Helen Dunmore comes close. Such beautiful, sensuous prose. I love Talking to the Dead and Burning Bright. Was quite shocked when she died.

And yes to Daphne du Maurier. Obviously Rebecca, but really love her short stories as well.

Thank you to everyone who posted on this thread. Life is pretty stressful at the moment, and I was casting around for something to read that was absorbing but not too demanding to read. Posters on this thread reminded me of Fingersmith, which I am re-reading for the first time in about 20 years and I am absolutely loving it. It's giving my brain a break from whirring around about other stuff. Thanks!

Agree re Du Maurier - I love Frenchman's creek & the scapegoat too

Du Maurier is very underrated. Most people only know her for Rebecca/My Cousin Rachel, but I recommend The Glassblowers, The King's General, and the House on the Strand too.

I wish there was another author similar to Sarah Waters. Does anyone else ever get reminded of Alice Walker’s style when reading her?

I think rereads are on the cards, unless anyone here can recommend anything?

@stormy4319trevor my 17 year old daughter has recently had her first big break up, dropped out her A levels due to it( a right nasty abusive wee shite ) but I have got her reading Sarah Waters and she is now onto Wuthering Heights. I was just thinking of The Secret History for her next...

That's so moving @stormy4319trevor . Sarah has always got me through tough times.

Waiting eagerly for Donna' Tartt next one too. She's so slow!

I read Fingersmith while going through really traumatic times. I think knowing that once I'd got through another day, I could read by candlelight a bit more (I had no electricity at the time), was a major comfort. Thank you Sarah! It's a perfect, spell binding, fascinating book and I envy anyone who has yet to read it. The Secret History is my other favourite, plus Wuthering Heights. I read all three every few years.

@Needhelp101 Oops yeah sorry for the mini hijack all!

@ronconcoke I remember it taking a while to get into TPG but then when I did I couldn't put it down. Think I read it in 2 or 3 nights. Persevere!

Although I've not read any SW yet I've seen several of the film adaptations, including Fingersmith - kind of wish I hadn't now as would love to read it as I don't really remember it, but I do vaguely remember a big twist!

I started to read the PG a few months ago but couldn't get into it so gave up. Should I give it another try?!

@countrypunk , this needs to be another thread in itself 😁