i need to talk about Sarah Waters Affinity - don't understand the end? SPOILER!

[soldieron]

just finished Affinity, have really enjoyed it (LOVE Sarah Waters and have read all of her others)

However, I didn't understand the ending!! Does Miss Prior throw herself into The Thames?

What did Selina actually do so she ended up in jail? Who was Peter? Was he a trick and if so how?
Was Vellers actually Ruth?

I don't get it!!.... help!!

It was a text on one of my degree modules and I secretly don't get it either. In thought it was shite and not a patch on the actual original female gothic genre.

Reanimating this thread because I just finished Affinity too, and I had similar questions. Yes I think Miss Prior did drown herself and Vigers was Ruth, but -- as the OP asked, Who was Peter Quick, was he a fraud? What was his relationship with Mrs Brink? Was Mrs Brink a fraud or a victim? Amazing book though. And I didn't see the twist coming.

I see this is a zombie thread but as Peggy doesn't get it either...

yes Miss Prior drowned herself

Ruth Vigers was Peter Quick. She and Selina Dawes put on an act together to fool people that he was a real person and speaking to those in the audience. Mrs Brink was a victim. She took Selina in because she believed in her "powers" and believed her mother was speaking to her via Selina. She then died of a heart attack I think, brought on by the shock when she found Selina and "Peter Quick" physically assaulting the young girl.

Thank you Lorelei I think I am going to read it again. AMAZING book