Three-Bullet Book Review: The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters (2009)
- well-rendered classic Gothic: big fancy house in decay, family secrets, paranormal vs. psychological, mounting tension and creepiness as book progresses
- socio-cultural analysis of changes in the British class structure immediately following the Second World War
- surprising lack of lesbians
Recommended?
Definitely. Strong contemporary rendering of an old genre, very well written, hard to put down.
I'm in total agreement -- this book is fab. However, I read it earlier this summer and can't really remember much of the specifics of it. If you're looking for a similar book and haven't read Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, that's one to try.
ReplyDeleteI adore Ishiguro and haven't read that one, so it's on the list! Thanks, E-Jo!
ReplyDeleteOhmigod. Drop everything and read it. It is SO good. I love Remains of the Day but I think this one's better.
ReplyDeleteObviously, the last bullet makes the review that much better.
ReplyDeleteExcellent news. And seriously? No lesbians whatsoever?
ReplyDelete@E-Jo: Better? Wow. Must get that book immediately.
ReplyDelete@Rad: I should add that bullet to every applicable review.
@A-Dubs: Seriously, no lesbians whatsoever. Well, maybe one very very closeted one. Even that is surprising from Waters.