The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters
Dr. Faraday’s mother used to work at Hundreds Hall and he has always been fascinated with it, whenever she would take him there. His fascination persists, even as he has broken through his working-class ancestry to become a doctor. When he is called out to Hundreds when the maid is sick, it all comes screaming back to him. Eventually he manages to make himself all but indispensable at the house, and strange things begin to happen. First Roderick, the young World War II veteran begins acting strangely and becomes convinced there is a malevolent force in the house, then there is a tragedy involving the dog belonging to Caroline, Roderick’s sister. Things continue to get stranger and stranger, and skeptical, scientific Dr. Faraday finds himself in the middle of it without really knowing what to think.
Let me just start by saying this book was really, really great. There were a few parts that were a bit slow, particularly towards the beginning, but Waters succeeded in wrapping me completely in her story. I actually listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by Simon Vance, and it was just fantastic. Here are a few of the things I really appreciated about “The Little Stranger:”
- The atmosphere: this was a totally spooky Gothic novel. Waters managed to create an atmosphere that creeped me out without going overboard or having to tell me that things should be scary.
- Class issues: the intense struggles over class that happened in Britain post-WWII were woven very deftly into Waters’ narrative. This really made the book feel authentic in its time period. I actually frequently found myself in wonderment that this book was written recently, not 50 years ago because of how thoroughly I believed in the setting.
- The ending (obviously don’t read this point if you don’t want to know!): Waters’ ending was totally ambiguous, but in a very satisfying way. We do know what happened to all the characters, just not exactly how or why, which leaves much open to the reader for interpretation. I do have my own theories about what happened, but I won’t post them here when they could potentially spoil it for someone else.
I would definitely recommend this book as great Gothic literary fiction. Now I want to read more of Waters’ work!
Buy this book from:
Powells.*
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.*
Amazon.*
This review was done with a book borrowed from the library.
* These links are all affiliate links. If you buy your book here I’ll make a very small amount of money that goes towards hosting, giveaways, etc.
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I am so excited to read this one, as well as Fingersmith. I read Tipping the Velvet and thought it was phenomenal.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Book Review: Life as We Knew It =-.
You and me both want to read more from her! I have Fingersmith and The Night Watch and I can’t wait to work them in over the year. Sadly I don’t think it will be anytime soon.
I will probably just flip a coin for you and Heather. You wanna call it?
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..The Girl on Legare Street, by Karen White =-.
Am the only person alive who hasn’t read one of her books?? Clearly I must remedy that.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming =-.
I think The Little Stranger is a perfect introductory to Waters. I also listened to the audio, and was completely enchanted, not only by Vance’s narration, but by the whole Gothic-ness of it all. I think the ending was pure genius, and just asks for debate, doesn’t it?
The cool thing about Waters is that she has no modus operandi. Besides the issues of class and lesbianism, she completely throws you for a loop with all her books. The Night Watch is told going backwards in time. Fingersmith is told in two different points of view with twists that will keep you awake at night. I can’t get enough of her.
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins (audio) =-.
I keep reading great reviews of this one, so I’m adding it to my wish list.
I am so wanting to read this book that I can already feel it in my hands. Thank you for reminding me how badly I want it.
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Linda Eder Sings "Man of La Mancha" =-.
OOh.. *squirm* I want to read this book. *sticks her tongue out at the ARC-alanche pile* Someday, maybe I will. It just sounds so deliciously creepy and fun and I love the cover. I’m going to be the last one in the world to get to it, though!
.-= The Kool-Aid Mom´s last blog ..FFI ~ School Delays and Cancellations SUCK! =-.
This book was so great! I loved all the things you mentioned, too. I can’t wait for you to read more Waters, I think you will love it.
I loved this story too and definitely want to read more of her work. Thanks for reviewing it, I was too lazy to, but people need to know about the well written stuff.
The more reviews I read about this one, the more I want to read it…now!
Last night my book club met to choose our books for the year and I was going to pitch The Little Stranger, but I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough to discuss so I went with Last Night in Twisted River and Invisible.
In your opinion, would it have made a good book club pick? My group runs out of steam if there isn’t a lot to discuss.
Gahhh! I’ve got to read this one. I’m on quite the Gothic novel kick right now.
.-= A Bookshelf Monstrosity´s last blog ..Wading Through My Wishlist =-.
I totally missed the boat on this one, since it never felt spooky to me. I still thought it was good (loved the class issues and post war life), but not her best.
I keep reading great things about ths one too – I loved Fingersmith – this will be the next Waters book I will look out for.
This sounds like a good book! I’m adding it to my TBR list
.-= Nan´s last blog ..TSS: Strega Nona (January 17, 2010) =-.
Great review! I have fingersmith sitting on my bookshelf right now, I can’t wait to give it a try – everything by Sarah Waters sounds so good!
My husband is listeing to the audio right now and isn’t overly impressed, but hopefully it will get better so he doesn’t stop trusting my recommendations!
I don’t think I’ve heard anything negative about this book yet. I definitely have to read this one! Great review!
.-= Kay´s last blog ..Is it Cold, or what? =-.
This was one of my to pics for 2009. I loved it. Glad you did also.
I have this on my TBR and can’t wait to read it!
I loved this one and am glad you did too!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..The Kingdom of Ohio – Matthew Flaming =-.