A review by angelbabe_cj
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was gifted to me as part of a book exchange, so as much as I have enjoyed Waters' other work I was very apprehensive when I realised the reviews painted it as creepy, something I don't typically enjoy.
I found that I enjoyed the writing and some of the characters. I was impressed the 1950s setting, feeling that Waters had done her research well, or at least well enough to make it evocative of the era. I definitely appreciated the building and releasing of tension, but don't feel it always paid off as well as the reviews would suggest.
Although I understand it is appropriate to the setting I didn't like the demonisation of mental health problems. It's always something I find rough to deal with, especially if it becomes a big plot point of some kind.
I'll definitely pick up Waters' work again, but probably not if if they're touted to be creepy. It's just not my thing.
I found that I enjoyed the writing and some of the characters. I was impressed the 1950s setting, feeling that Waters had done her research well, or at least well enough to make it evocative of the era. I definitely appreciated the building and releasing of tension, but don't feel it always paid off as well as the reviews would suggest.
Although I understand it is appropriate to the setting I didn't like the demonisation of mental health problems. It's always something I find rough to deal with, especially if it becomes a big plot point of some kind.
I'll definitely pick up Waters' work again, but probably not if if they're touted to be creepy. It's just not my thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Grief, Medical content, and Self harm
The 1950s setting means all medical care/mental health provision is not viewed through a modern lens.
Although the POV character is a GP/family doctor I would not consider the medical content to be especially graphic, although it is relatively regular. Nor described in graphic or exhaustive detail.
Suicide: There are two deaths thought to be by suicide, both include descriptions of the bodies, details of the inquests and one has some details of a post mortem.
Forced institutionalization: This is discussed for more than one character. On mental health grounds. There are details of the process of committing someone to institutional care in multiple cases, as well as descriptions of the care at an institution multiple times. These are not modern facilities and few positive changes are seen in the patient who is a named character.