It's historical fiction with a little mystery. An interesting, bleak and depressing look into 19th century England where people had hard lives, and women fared even worse, whether or not they had money.

The first 1/3 of the book ended with a fantastic twist/surprise that caught me completely off-guard. The next 1/3 was nearly as good, covering the same time frame, but from a different point of view. If the book had wrapped up at this point (350-400 pages in or so), it would have been a 5 star story: surprising, interesting, well-written and touching.

Unfortunately, the book went on too long. After the twists are all exposed, there's still another 80 pages to wade through, for no real reward. The grand finale doesn't seem appropriate based on the main characters' earlier behaviors and all the minor characters are "conveniently" wrapped up or simply eliminated. ( )

I would rank this amongst the best books I have read! The crafting of the storyline, the language, the pacing of the plot, and the snipets of period detail make this an extremely good book. There are twists to the plot that it might spoil for some readers to mention in a review, but surfice to say, the book is set in Victorian England, and we get to see life in a lower class area of London, a country house of the gentry, and mental institutions and prisons. Things are not always what they seem........

This is my first read of a Sarah Water's book, and I look forward to reading the rest, and any others she writes in the future. ( )

Overated.

It's 19th century London and "Gentleman" appears at Mrs. Suckby's boardinghouse, which is located amid the dark alleyways of a Thames River borough, to propose a con that would enlist, not her resident pickpockets, but her petted and much protected "daughter," Sue. Will Sue help "Gentleman" in his quest to steal the fortune of a young, innocent heiress? Yes, the narrative skates into Dickens territory, but Waters' yanks her characters through places and situations that Dickens likely never imagined. I zipped through this entertaining tale (though I thought a minor tightening of some scenes would've made the journey even better) and look forward to reading Water's other work. Shortlisted for the 2002 Man Booker and the Orange Prize and winner of the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award. ( )

An enjoyable book, but far too long. This is a book that could have easily been 400 pages, or even less. Someone needs to tell Ms. Waters that it's quality, not quantity, that makes a good novel.

The twists and turns were gripping enough, but I don't think it had the desired effect seeing as how the story went on and on afterward.

I enjoyed the mental hospital bits; it was interesting seeing inside one of those in the early 1860s.

Waters created a good villain i...more An enjoyable book, but far too long. This is a book that could have easily been 400 pages, or even less. Someone needs to tell Ms. Waters that it's quality, not quantity, that makes a good novel.

The twists and turns were gripping enough, but I don't think it had the desired effect seeing as how the story went on and on afterward.

I enjoyed the mental hospital bits; it was interesting seeing inside one of those in the early 1860s.

Waters created a good villain in Richard Rivers. I seem to be intrigued by characters like him in stories. The main characters of Sue and Maud seemed not strong enough. I can't explain, but I just didn't feel as sorry for them as I should. The ending, however, was sweet.

This is a good novel for folks who love historical mystery fiction set in the Victorian era. However, I believe Affinity to still be Waters' best novel. ( )