Journal entry for 3/8/10:
The Night Watch, by Sarah Waters
Read: Started 2/22/10, finished 3/4/10.

Remember and Recommend – I read Fingersmith a few years ago and can still picture the heroine, the antagonist and the setting like I had read it last week. A mystery novel with shady characters and unexpected twists, it couldn’t be more different from The Night Watch. While Fingersmith is a 19th century novel concerning the underbelly of London, The Night Watch takes place during and directly after WWII, with distinct, real characters. The plot is displayed in a backwards manner, with the story starting in 1947 and ending in 1941. The characters are all connected; some intricately and some briefly – and some so faintly you have to pay attention to see the thread. Waters has an impressive talent for creating very real characters: ones you can see, feel, touch and smell. After spending a week with them all, I feel like I have met them all personally. They were so richly described, the novel seems more nonfiction than fiction.

The moving story provides minute, intimate details of life in war torn London that isn’t commonly known. The plight of women left behind to fill positions otherwise taken by men, the difficulties faced by those men who object to fighting, and the daily deprivations felt by all citizens during a war are common themes during the story and provide avenues for interesting life details. I found these details fascinating and was amazed to learn so much about life in London during WWII.

The relationships between the characters are all afflicted in some way – giving a pessimistic (if not real) view on love. In each circumstance, one partner seems to be being used and is attached to an untrustworthy mate who appears to be in for the short term and only while the association is going well. The only heterosexual relationship seems trite and bothersome – especially since one partner is so obviously flawed. The relationship between Helen and Julia created a feeling of apprehension for me – a need to brace myself for some awful news. Kay was the only character I felt was a little flat in the story, which is not a criticism – I think her vague nature adds to her mystique and feelings towards those she was involved with – both romantically and otherwise.

I would definitely recommend this novel. As with We Need to Talk About Kevin, I think this novel would be an excellent choice for a book club; offering chances for discussion and debate on quite a few topics. A finalist for both the Orange Prize and the Man Booker Prize, The Night Watch is a novel that won’t disappoint.

As a side note, Waters has a wonderful Top Ten list on her site of favorite ghost stories. Her top story, The Monkey’s Paw, by W. W. Jacobs has haunted me since I saw a TV rendition of it as a child. It also made such an impression on me – and when I find myself wishing hard for something, I try to envision the other side of that wish. Check out her list for a myriad of other captivating ghost stories.

Memorable quotes:
“A man ought to be a source of shame to his father, don’t you think? If I ever have a son, I hope he makes my life hell. How otherwise, will there ever be any progress?”

Comments and thoughts:
While the backwards telling of the story was interesting, it did make it at times a little confusing. I didn’t go back to reread the first section again, but I did think back and wonder if things were explained at the beginning that I missed – not knowing their significance.

I thought Viv was such a strong character – but I was disappointed in her at the end (well, beginning), knowing that what she went through during the war didn’t appear to affect her relationship with Reggie.

Have you read The Night Watch? What did you think?

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