《Affinity》摘要

"Affinity" by Sarah Waters is a richly woven novel set in Victorian England, exploring themes of gender, class, and the supernatural. The story revolves around the lives of two main characters: Margaret Prior, a melancholic upper-class woman who is grappling with her past after the death of her father, and Selina Dawes, a troubled medium imprisoned in a women's penitentiary for fraudulent behavior. The narrative unfolds primarily within the bleak walls of Millbank Prison, a setting that is both a literal and metaphorical confinement for the characters. Waters employs a dual framework of psychological insight and gothic elements, illustrating the emotional struggles of the protagonists against the oppressive social norms of their time. Margaret visits the prison regularly, ostensibly to assist in the rehabilitation of its inmates, but her motivations are entwined with her own desire for connection and understanding. As she becomes infatuated with Selina, the novel delves into the boundaries of their relationship, challenging societal conventions and the nature of desire. The book is structured into sections that intertwine Margaret's experiences with Selina’s narrative, revealing the complexities of their psychological states. Waters seamlessly incorporates themes of spiritualism and the occult, using Selina’s mediumistic practices to blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. As the story progresses, the description of their evolving bond prompts questions about freedom, self-identity, and the haunting specter of the past. "Affinity" is a compelling exploration of queer love and the constraints imposed by both society and personal history, making it both an engaging read and a profound commentary on gender and class dynamics in the 19th century.