Sarah Waters

[SundownOnTheStair]

Is she ever going to write another book or has she lain down her pen?

Sarah, if you are on here-please hurry along with a new book.

It's a Victorian era crime/thriller about an orphan sent to be a maid to a wealthy young woman... I don't think I can say any more than that!

Fingersmith was the only book I've ever stayed up all night reading- I couldn't believe the twist in it-I had to re read the chapter to check I wasn't imagining it!!

I also loved the one with Selena and the woman in the prison- forgotten which one that was !!

@Crikeyalmighty that one is Affinity!

Gentleman is one of the most chilling characters in fiction. We should have a separate thread with spoilers to discuss the fabulousness that is Fingersmith!

@CharlottePimpernel thanks- that had a great twist too

I think it's time for me to read it again... I never have because I know the twist won't hit nearly as hard.

@countrypunk if anyone hasn't read it- it's one of those books that mentally just stayed with me- I enjoyed the series but it was a much better book!!

I absolutely love The Night Watch, it's my favorite. The most emotionally resonant of her books, I think, and that's saying something.

Fantastic TV adaptation as well, with a wonderful cast.

And I'm with you @countrypunk on The Secret History. How has that never been adapted for film? I used to have a fantasy casting role list, but they're all too old now 😁

Ooh now I need to see the list...

@countrypunk I definitely had Matt Damon as Bunny, and I always thought Gwenyth Paltrow would have been a good Camilla...

@Needhelp101 LOVE Matt Damon as Bunny! He'd have played that role brilliantly.

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

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?!

@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!

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.

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!

@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...

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?

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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