Affinity summary

Exploring the Victorian Era and the Supernatural

In Affinity by Sarah Waters, we are transported to the Victorian era and introduced to Margaret Prior, a woman who is recovering from a failed suicide attempt. To fill her time, she becomes a visitor at Millbank prison, where she forms a strange bond with one of the inmates, Selina Dawes, who is serving a sentence for a crime she claims she didn't commit. Selina is a spiritualist, and she has been imprisoned for her involvement in a séance that resulted in a woman's death.

As Margaret becomes increasingly obsessed with Selina, she starts to attend her séances and becomes convinced of her innocence. She also takes on the task of helping Selina with her case, which involves a lot of research and clandestine meetings. Meanwhile, we are given a glimpse into Selina's past and her involvement with a young girl, Ruth, who has been deeply affected by the events of the fatal séance.

Unraveling the Mystery

As the story progresses, we are led deeper into the supernatural world that Selina and Margaret inhabit. We witness eerie séances, ghostly apparitions, and inexplicable events. The prison itself is depicted as a place teeming with dark energies and haunted by the suffering of its inhabitants. Margaret, who initially approached the prison as a form of self-imposed punishment, becomes increasingly entangled in its sinister atmosphere.

Waters skillfully weaves together Margaret and Selina's narratives, gradually revealing the circumstances that led to Selina's imprisonment. We learn about Selina's troubled past, her complex relationship with Ruth, and her growing attachment to Margaret. Meanwhile, Margaret's own story is one of inner turmoil, guilt, and a profound sense of loneliness.

Twists and Turns

As the novel nears its climax, the plot takes several unexpected turns. Margaret's mental state becomes increasingly fragile, and her obsession with Selina deepens. She begins to experience strange, inexplicable events, and her grip on reality starts to slip. The reader is left to question whether these events are genuinely supernatural or merely a product of Margaret's deteriorating mental health.

Simultaneously, the truth about Selina's involvement in the fatal séance is unveiled, shedding light on her character and the choices she made. Ruth's role in the events also becomes clearer, adding depth and complexity to the story. As the novel hurtles towards its conclusion, the line between reality and illusion blurs, leaving the reader in a state of uncertainty.

A Haunting Conclusion

In the final chapters of Affinity, Margaret's mental state deteriorates to the point of no return. She is consumed by her obsession with Selina, and the boundary between the two women's identities becomes increasingly blurred. The novel's conclusion is haunting and ambiguous, leaving the reader with more questions than answers.

In conclusion, Affinity is a gripping exploration of the Victorian era, the supernatural, and the complexities of human psychology. Through Margaret and Selina's intertwined narratives, Sarah Waters crafts a tale that challenges our perceptions of reality and delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche. The novel's eerie atmosphere and intricate plot ensure that it remains with the reader long after the final page is turned.