New Releases by Sarah Waters

Finding Joy in All Circumstances In a world chasing happiness, how does one find true joy? In a faith that promises joy as one of its benefits (Galatians 5:22), Christians should have the market cornered on joy, but do we? What is the original meaning of joy and what is the use of it? In this issue, contributors share examples of joy, some hard-won and at the end of a trial. We hope these pieces will help you find the definition of joy in your own life. Contributors “Review of What is Heaven Like? By Richard Eng”: Jasmin Biggs on the theological truths found in a children’s book. “Again I Say: An Excerpt From In Their Mother''s Arms”: a novel excerpt by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. on a post-apocalyptic dystopia. “Joy and the Mind of the Reader”: Annie Crawford on why we should read. “Meticulous Mycologist: How Beatrix Potter Inspired C.S. Lewis”: Carrie Eben on joy in Beatrix Potter. Poems “Broken Blessings” and “Jubilee”: Joshua S. Fullman on God’s gifts. Poems “Home at Last” and “Song of Songs”: Ann Gauger on longing and love. “Joy - Brief”: Soujourna Howard on joy through pain. “The Shoes”: a short story by Kim Jacobson on finding spiritual joy. “Joy, Hedonism, and Scientific Utopia”: Jason Monroe on a truly good life. “Joy as Life’s Fuel”: Seth Myers the pursuit of joy. “Joy in the Mystery”: Annie Nardone on joy and donegality. “Review: Mere Evangelism”: Josiah Peterson on a new work on C.S. Lewis. “The Crown Because of the Cross: The Inseparability of Suffering and Joy in the Thought of C.S. Lewis”: Megan Joy Rials on suffering and joy and “A Review of A Green and Ancient Light by Frederic S. Durbin” on a worthy successor to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. “Gratitude and the Happiness Machine”: Zak Schmoll on the root of joy. “Father Stu: A Story of Faith and Flaws, of Dreams and Determination”: John P. Tuttle on an authentic biopic. Poems “Joy''s Arrival” and “Hidden in the Boughs”: Sarah Waters on coming together. “Joy (And Truth and Love): Some Johannine and Pastoral Reflections”: Donald Williams on a Johannine look at joy. Photography contributions by Tommy Darin Liskey .Cover Art Our cover illustration was created by Chilean artist, apologist, and physician Virginia de la Lastra. Fall 2022 Volume 5, Issue 3 240 pages

女同志文學教主級作家莎拉‧華特絲開創新格局作品 自《輕舔絲絨》問世之後，新型態的小說於焉誕生！ 為了愛另一個女人， 她選擇走上一條沒有人走過的路。 ★誰是莎拉．華特絲？★ ──她是為女同志文學奠定里程碑的教主級人物── 英國封建時代女同志情欲書寫第一人 打破身體、階級、性別疆界的反叛天才 ──她是榮獲五大文學獎教主級作家── 毛姆文學獎、CWA歷史犯罪小說匕首獎、浪達同志文學小說獎、石牆圖書獎、詹姆斯・泰特・布萊克紀念文學獎 純文學、歷史小說、犯罪小說、同志文學四領域一致肯定 ──她是文學獎、媒體選書、影視改編清單的常見名字── 三度獲曼布克獎決選入圍、兩度獲柑橘文學獎決選入圍 數度名列百大小說、重量媒體年度作家 每部作品皆獲影視界青睞改編 Goodreads網站70,000人以上留評、全球超過20國出版其作品 ◎全新完整新譯繁體中文版 ◎完整收錄作者創作年表、作品大事紀 ▍內容簡介 看看穿了男裝的我，妳認為我是男人？還是女人？ 而我愛的，又是男人？還是女人？ 如果妳打算壓抑欲望，那只會讓欲望更加強烈…… 賣牡蠣的女孩南西愛上了男裝女演員凱蒂，於是一路追隨偶像，開始了倫敦的大都會生活。在劇場後台前後穿梭的歲月裡，她意外發現自己竟也有扮演男性的天分，因而看見自己內心深不可測的情欲，竟是凱蒂不願回應的禁忌。愛人的軟弱狠狠地背叛了她，與凱蒂決裂的那一天，南西也正式與劇場事業告別，闖入了險惡的倫敦街頭。為了謀生，她被迫一夜長大；為了忠於自我，她踏上情欲冒險之路；為了追尋真正的愛，她不惜一次又一次，放棄全世界…… 本書為莎拉．華特絲震驚文壇的出道作，無所畏懼的愛情歷險情節曲折，節奏明快，維多利亞時代的倫敦街頭與劇場後台的繁複細節更構成一幅五光十色的奇觀。本書問世後咸認成功跨越歷史小說、大眾小說、同志文學、成長小說等藩籬，小說中獨樹一幟的維多利亞時代風華與情欲觀，更讓全世界的讀者從此記住了華特絲的名字！ ▍重要媒體一致讚譽 無論是音樂廳的破落、俏皮的男裝女孩引發的轉變，或是南西如星辰般純真的初戀，本書令人窒息的熱情幾乎難以言語形容。——《紐約時報》 莎拉・華特絲的出道之作提供了絕佳的娛樂體驗：節奏敏捷，充滿了一八九〇年代倫敦繽紛的生動描寫，以及宛如狄更斯筆下人物般，活靈活現的配角。——《柯克斯書評》 這會是新類型的誕生嗎？情色而幽默的女同性戀「流浪漢小說」？實在太動人了！——《星期日獨立報》 故事一開頭，讀者便因豐富的細節和歷歷在目的氛圍，宛如置身維多利亞時代。彷彿能感覺到粗糙的牡蠣殼、聽見煤氣燈的嘶嘶聲、聞到汗水和油漆味，並嘗到刺激的滋味⋯⋯毫無冷場的好作品！ ——《歷史小說評論》 情節豐富、情色、大膽的處女作，沉浸在襤褸劇院的往日榮光。 ——《婦女雜誌》 此書可能是同類型作品中繼《柳橙不是唯一的水果》作者珍奈・溫特森之後最重要的出道作。 ——《每日電訊報》

A revised edition of the publisher’s inaugural publication in 1990, which won the Pandora Award from Women-in-Publishing. Inspirational in its original format, this new edition features poems, stories, essays and interviews with 30 + women writers, both emerging authors and luminaries of contemporary literature such as: – Choices: The Writing of Possession by A.S. Byatt – Becoming a Writer by Saskia Calliste – Jenny – a song by April de Angelis – Interview with Kit de Waal – Anne Hathaway by Carol Ann Duffy – Let the World Burn through you by Sian Evans – Early Women Writers by Philippa Gregory – The Creative Process by Mary Hamer – The Writing Life by Jackie Kay – Screen Diversity by Shuchi Kothari – Writing Plays by Bryony Lavery – The Novelist as Wanderer by Annee Lawrence – Interview with Roseanne Liang – Mei Kwei, I love you by Suchen Christine Lim – The Badminton Court by Jaki McCarrick – Interview with Laura Miles – The Motherload by Raman Mundair – The Feminist Library by Magda Oldziejewska – Fortune Favours The Brave... by Kaite O’Reilly – Interview with Jacqueline Pepall – The Art of Translation by Gabi Reigh – Conditions of Amefricanity -Djamila Ribeiro – Inspiration: Where does it come from? by Fiona Rintoul – Interview with Jasvinder Sanghera – A Room of One’s Own ...or Not? by Anne Sebba – Being a Feminist Writer by Kalista Sy – Mslexia by Debbie Taylor – My Mother, Reading a Novel by Madeleine Thien – Interview with Clare Tomalin – Fortune by Ida Vitale, transl. Tanya Huntington – Interview with Sarah Waters – Virginia Woolf...100 years on by Emma Woolf Includes the original writing workshops plus illustrations from contemporary and vintage illustrators. Guest editor Ann Sandham has compiled the new collection. Reviews: The Women Writers Handbook is a superb, powerful collection of writings from 30 women that are considered to be the emerging authors and luminaries of contemporary fiction, from Carol Ann Duffy to Kit De Waal. With its short chapters, background to who the author is and with 20% of all profits going towards the campaign for a full-sized statue of Virginia Woolf, the first in the UK, it is absolutely a book to buy, read and help to highlight the creativities of women, as well as inspiring other women to believe that they can also do it too. Not only is every piece of work that is included different, well written and informative but the way that the whole book is laid out with inspiring quotes but also beautiful illustrations from women. I loved the activities that can be found at the end of the book, writing workshop activities that could be used within a group in order to breakdown boundaries, to help overcome the fears and misgivings of individuals who would like to become writers, as well as activities to help create depth in characters. I think this inclusion of interactivity, as well as giving a feminist spin on fairy tales is a cleverly unique concept. ...its absolutely one to pick up and for a worthy cause too. --thereadingcloset Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited, ''The Women Writers Handbook''; by Ann Sandham (Commissioning Editor for Ladybird Children''s Books at Penguin Random House) also features an informative Foreword by Cheryl Robson (the Aurora Metro Books publisher). Of special note is the inclusion of a instruction article on how to operate a writing workshop, a five page Resource Directory (compiled by Saskia Calliste), and a fun one-page Quiz. Informative, thought-provoking, inspiring, ''The Women Writers Handbook''; is an extraordinary, unique, and thoroughly ''reader friendly'' in both organization and presentation. Certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing collections in general, ''The Women Writers Handbook''; is unreservedly recommended for Women''s Fiction, Literature, and Writing supplemental curriculum reading lists in particular. --Midwest Book Review As a young woman both studying literature and harbouring dreams of becoming a writer myself, it seems to me that the world of writers is a great looming circle of male literary greats. Dickens, Wilde, Shakespeare, Scott, Browning the list of the most respected literary figures seems both to be endless and decidedly full of men. The whole industry seems overwhelmingly male with merely a few select women being let into this strange world governed by men. Although I have felt very welcomed and my voice heard in my studies and critique of literature, there seems to be precious few ways for me to become a meaningful contributor to the discipline. That is why it is so important that a book like this exists, giving guidance like this, telling stories like these, and using women''s voices to do so. Sandham offers a helping hand to all aspiring female writers to aid them in navigating their ventures into the literary world. The Handbook offers a space to women from all backgrounds to share their stories in my favourite segment: Women''s Voices. One story that stood out to me most was told by Magda Oldziejewska in The Feminist Library. Oldziejewska recounts her experience of discovering the Feminist Library; an archive in London which exists to preserve the lives, works and memories of many women. I especially liked this piece as it shows that there does in fact exist a space for women to feel not only safe and welcomed, but actively valued in the literary world. A space where we can learn about the forgotten women who came before us and ensure that the great female powers of our time do not slip into the void of lost female writers. The importance of creating access points to the literary world for women is monumental and Sandham has so beautifully created another in her making of this Handbook. The later segments of the Handbook (Writing Workshops and Workshop Sessions) give an incredible level of insight into the more finnicky aspects of serious writing with guides on Developing Complex Characters to Self-censorship. The frank discussion provided throughout the workshop segments is an indispensable tool for any budding author looking to get real and seriously improve the quality of their writing. I would recommend The Women Writers'' Handbook not only to women with explicit intentions to embark on their literary careers who need some support, but to anyone who seeks to better understand both the struggles and triumphs of women in the world of literature. --portobellobookblog What a fabulous source book - full of inspirational essays, short stories, poems and interviews with some top female writers - about the writing process, feminism and the experience of female authors, designed to get the juices flowing for any woman who has the hankering to write. If this was not enough to make you want to grab your note book and pen and embark on a writing project, then there are also writing exercises designed to stimulate the creative impulses and a directory of resources to help you on your way! And... quotes from some of the top women writers, both contemporary, and from history, are spread liberally throughout the publication, as encouragement. If I have not already persuaded you that you need a copy of this book to hand on the writing desk you are now surely going to purchase (should you not have one already), perhaps it will help if you know that 20% of the profits from the sale of this book will go towards the Virginia Woolf statue campaign! --Sue, Vine Voice Thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this updated version of The Women Writers’ Handbook, released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Aurora Metro books. Edited by Ann Sandham, a fabulous collection of poems, stories and interviews from a diverse group of internationally acclaimed women. Also included are the workshops from the original edition of this anthology and there is a newly updated resources list. As well as being a good read with lovely black and white drawings dotted throughout, it’s a really useful book - one I know I will return to time and time again. In addition, 20% of each sale is being donated to the Virginia Woolf statue campaign to go towards funding a statue of the esteemed British writer - the author of pioneering essays on women’s writing and the politics of power, so this is very apt. --Daisy Hollands In aid of the Virginia Woolf Statue campaign at: www.aurorametro.org/virgini-woolf-statue

This book examines the suicide crisis in the French workplace and asks why work or conditions of work increasingly push some employees to take their own lives. To address this question, the book analyses a corpus of testimonial material linked to 66 suicide cases across three large French companies during the period from 2005 to 2015. The book investigates what these suicide voices tell us about the present economic order and its impact on human labour within the contemporary juncture of finance-driven neoliberalism.

Criada em uma casa habitada por pequenos ladrões num beco escuro da Londres vitoriana, a órfã Sue Trinder é criada pela Sra. Sucksby com uma ternura incomum ao ambiente em que vive. Perto de completar dezoito anos, Sue é cooptada por um vigarista de infame alcunha, Sir Gentleman, a participar de um esquema ardiloso quando vai trabalhar como criada na bucólica mansão do velho Christopher Lilly, um excêntrico que vive recluso, cercado de livros, ao lado da sobrinha, a também órfã Maud. A tarefa de Sue é ganhar a confiança de Maud e persuadi-la a cair nos encantos do golpista, que, após desposá-la, pretende interná-la em um manicômio e desfrutar de sua fortuna. O que se apresenta como uma simples armação se revela uma trama cada vez mais complicada à medida que uma delicada relação se desenvolve entre as jovens órfãs. Desse encontro carregado de erotismo, tensão e jogos psicológicos, surgirá uma união que fará frente aos obstáculos que surgem no caminho de ambas ao longo de uma aventura instigante, repleta de surpresas e reviravoltas. Com diálogos afiados e provocativos e um completo domínio narrativo, Sarah Waters constrói uma trama dickensiana onde nada é o que parece ser. Na ponta dos dedos foi adaptado para a TV em 2005, em uma minissérie da BBC, e também para o cinema, pelo diretor coreano Park Chan-wook como A criada, filme vencedor do prêmio BAFTA de melhor filme estrangeiro, em 2018.

O ano é 1922, e Londres ainda vive a tensão do pós-guerra. O desemprego e a fome são uma nova realidade que exige mudanças sociais drásticas, principalmente entre aqueles que perderam seus familiares no confronto. E nos subúrbios de Londres, numa elegante residência no distrito de Camberwell, a vida sofre uma reviravolta quando a Sra. Wray, uma viúva empobrecida, e Frances, sua filha solteira, se veem obrigadas a alugar parte de sua grande e silenciosa casa, agora sem irmãos, marido e criadas, a inquilinos para que possam pagar suas dívidas e enfrentar os tempos de crise. Com a chegada de Lilian e Leonard Barber, um jovem casal de uma classe que os Wrays só conheciam através de seus serviçais, a rotina da casa será abalada de formas inesperadas. A família Wray não sabe até que ponto aqueles novos hóspedes irão alterar o curso de suas vidas – ou quão devastadoras serão as consequências quando as tensões se acumulam e paixões inesperadas vêm à tona. A partir deste cenário intimista, Sarah Waters oferece um pequeno mosaico das profundas mudanças na Inglaterra no período entre guerras, bem como a reconfiguração dos papéis sociais e sexuais em uma sociedade ainda hesitante em deixar para trás seus antigos valores vitorianos, sem nunca perder de vista a dimensão da vida privada e os momentos de delicadeza, sexualidade, tensão e violência que conduzem as relações de seus personagens.

Una pasión prohibida y un crimen, un deslumbrante crescendo de erotismo y tensión. Londres, 1922. La sociedad está en pleno proceso de cambio y las consecuencias de la Primera Guerra Mundial siguen muy presentes. A Frances Wray la contienda le arrebató a sus dos hermanos, y ahora vive con su madre viuda en una mansión de una zona residencial a las afueras de Londres. Madre e hija, de clase alta, pasan apuros económicos, y, para aliviarlos, deciden alquilar parte de su residencia a unos huéspedes de pago. Sus inquilinos son un joven matrimonio con aspiraciones burguesas, Leonard y Lilian Barber. Él tiene ambiciones y ella luce coloridos quimonos y pone música en el gramófono. Frances y su madre deberán amoldarse a la pérdida de intimidad que supone la llegada de la pareja, y entre propietarias y huéspedes se establecerá una relación a veces incómoda, marcada por la diferencia de clase. Pero Frances irá descubriendo que comparte más cosas de las que pudiera parecer con Lilian, y entre ambas mujeres se forjará una complicidad de secretos compartidos y una peligrosa pasión que desembocará en un acto violento de terribles consecuencias. Sarah Waters abandona la época victoriana y el periodo de la Segunda Guerra Mundial que había explorado en anteriores libros y recrea los «felices veinte», mezclando la crónica de una sociedad en pleno proceso de transformación, el retrato costumbrista con toques de comedia, la historia de un amor prohibido y el suspense de un crimen inquietante. A través de su exploración del pasado de la sociedad británica, desvela sus tabúes, rincones oscuros y deseos inconfesables. Manejando con magistral exactitud el crescendo de tensión y erotismo, la autora nos deslumbra con esta obra que la consagra como la reina indiscutible de la novela de ambientación histórica con un toque muy personal y moderno.

«GRANDISSIMO, MAESTOSO ROMANZO. È COSÌ CHE SI SCRIVE!» STEPHEN KING «Se ne è accorto Stephen King, ammiratore entusiasta della Waters, la cui prosa avanza (come in King) con una incrollabile ricchezza di tensione e di azione.» la Repubblica - Leonetta Bentivoglio «Con «Gli ospiti paganti» Sarah Waters ha scritto sia una bella storia d''amore, sia un romanzo psicologico cupamente ricco di suspence... il lettore dovrà affrontare un giro sulle montagne russe che lo lascerà letteralmente senza fiato.» The Washington Post «Sarah Waters è una delle migliori narratrici viventi.» The Indipendent «Sarah Waters immerge il lettore nella vita londinese del dopoguerra... E, alla fine, la sua bella rievocazione storicca, ricca dell''atmosfera del tempo, cede il passo a una domanda più universale: cosa fai tu per amore?» The Economist «Grandissimo, maestoso romanzo. È così che si scrive. » Stephen King «Un intreccio magistrale di crimine, vita domestica e passione romantica.» Los Angeles Times ««Gli ospiti paganti» conferma il talento superbo della Waters, insuperata testimone letteraria di epoche perdute e vite segrete.» The Times «Come accade con tutti i romanzi della Waters, verrete stregati da ogni pagina... Invano ho cercato di trovare anche una sola cosa negativa da dire su questo libro.» Financial Times Londra, 1922. La città porta ancora i segni della recente guerra: sono molte le cose che hanno bisogno di essere ricostruite, restaurate, molte le ferite da sanare, molti i cuori da riscaldare. Una madre e una figlia, i cui uomini di famiglia son stati portati via dalla guerra, sono costrette ad affittare alcune stanze della loro casa per sbarcare il lunario. Gli ospiti paganti sono una coppia di giovani sposi, che con la loro allegria e sensualità portano una ventata di aria fresca nelle polverose stanze dell’appartamento. Ma anche turbamento. I rumori, i passi, gli incontri in bagno, sul pianerottolo, la condivisione della vita quotidiana: un’intimità con estranei a cui le due donne non sono abituate. Lo scenario cambia velocemente, e molti fatti accadono nel vecchio appartamento che sembrava destinato a una vita fatta di piccole abitudini e di noia: un amore inaspettato e travolgente; una misteriosa aggressione; e da ultimo un omicidio. Con la maestria narrativa che l’ha già consacrata al successo di pubblico e critica, Sarah Waters imbastisce un racconto avvincente sulla passione amorosa, i desideri inconfessati e le loro travolgenti conseguenze. Un romanzo raffinato, che inserisce nell’affresco di un’epoca storica personaggi destinati a rimanere nel cuore e nella memoria del lettore, così vivi, così autentici nella loro drammatica brama di felicità.

Viihdyttävä, vangitseva ja ajatuksia herättävä romaani Toisen maailmansodan aikaiseen Lontooseen sijoittuva tarina seuraa neljän lontoolaisnuoren elämää. Kay on sodanaikainen ambulanssikuski, joka nyt vaeltelee levottomana Lontoon kaduilla miehen vaatteissa etsien nuorta naisseuraa. Helen, joka on omistushaluinen tyttöystävänsä Julian suhteen ja mustasukkainen jopa tämän menneisyydestä. Viv, glamourtyttö, jolla on onneton suhde naimisissa olevaan mieheen sekä nuori mies Duncan, jonka näennäinen viattomuus peittää alleen häntä vaivaavat demonit. Sota muokkaa ihmisiä ja saa aikaan erikoisia kohtaamisia... Watersin huikea taito saada kokonainen aikakausi eloon todentuu taas kerran. Ilmapommitukset, pimennetyt kadut ja laittomat suhteet odottavat lukijaa. Rakkaus ja onnen sirpaleet leviävät samalla kun ilmapommitukset kylvävät tuhoa.

«L’HO LETTO CON PASSIONE, MI HA STREGATA» MARGARET ATWOOD Sedute spiritiche, spettri ribelli e passioni proibite. Sullo sfondo, una Londra fosca e ambigua di epoca vittoriana. Ed ecco che, tra il racconto del terrore e il romanzo erotico, si dipana la storia tortuosa e inquietante di un’affinità elettiva. Selina Dawes è detenuta nella prigione di Millbank perché giudicata colpevole di frode e aggressione. I suoi poteri di medium e la sua indole enigmatica suscitano l’interesse di Margaret Prior, una giovane di buona famiglia che presta servizio di volontariato in quel carcere. Selina sembra innocente ma la sua permanenza in prigione non è immotivata. Nel tentativo di aiutarla, Margaret si troverà coinvolta in una vicenda densa di atmosfere crepuscolari dove il mistero e il delitto sembrano costituire l’essenza della condizione umana. È una scrittura, quella della Waters, che non cede mai al sentimentalismo. Spicchi di verità si affacciano nell’avvicendarsi di scene mozzafiato per poi tornare a celarsi in un gioco sapiente di rimandi tra il presente e il passato delle due protagoniste. L’intera storia, dunque, deve essere rielaborata dal lettore volta per volta, quasi per magio o ipnosi. Una rappresentazione della realtà che si costruisce per sovrapposizioni e confronti fino al colmo della suspense, quando la mente e i sensi potranno dirsi finalmente soddisfatti.

England 1947. I efterkrigstidens London vandrar Kay omkring på stadens gator, rastlös och traumatiserad av krigets grymheter. Viv och Helens verksamhet hjälper ensamma människor att finna kärleken, men själva är de djupt intrasslade i egna destruktiva förhållanden. Vivs bror Duncan plågas svårt av sitt förflutna och lever isolerat tills någon han kände för länge sedan en dag dyker upp. Alla bär de på hemligheter från kriget och när berättelsen rör sig bakåt i tiden vävs de fyra personernas levnadsöden samman. Medan blitzen ödelägger staden utspelar sig ett annat drama bakom mörkläggningsgardinerna. Sarah Waters älskade roman Nattvakten finns nu åter i pocket på svenska, i samband med utgivningen av hennes sjätte roman Hyresgästerna. Nattvakten nominerades till Bookerpriset 2006 och blev en bästsäljare i England. Sarah Waters (född 1966 i Wales) debuterade 1998 med Kyssa sammet som också blev hennes genombrott. Därefter har det blivit ytterligare fem prisbelönta historiska romaner och Waters har nominerats till Bookerpriset tre gånger. Under 2015 är hon aktuell med en ny roman, Hyresgästerna. I samband med detta ger Natur & Kultur åter ut Nattvakten och Främlingen i huset i pocket. Samtliga titlar finns också tillgängliga som e-böcker.

Andra världskriget är slut och nya vindar sveper över England. Hundreds Hall var en gång ett av landets största och pampigaste gods, men nu flagnar putsen från husfasaden och ogräset som hotar att ta över trädgården vittnar om förfallet. När doktor Faraday kallas till huset en het sensommardag för att se till en patient upptäcker han att det inte bara är ekonomiska svårigheter som har drabbat familjen Ayers, det tycks också vila något olycksbådande över godset. Snart dras han in i familjens liv och föga anar doktor Faraday hur hans eget liv kommer att påverkas av huset och dess invånare. Vad är det som hemsöker godset? Vad är det som kastar sin mörka skugga över Hundreds Hall? Sarah Waters hyllade roman Främlingen i huset är en suggestiv berättelse med en omisskännlig tidsprägel från efterkrigstidens England. En riktig spökhistoria, och samtidigt en skildring av klasstillhörighet och makt i form av en bladvändare. Sarah Waters (född 1966 i Wales) debuterade 1998 med Kyssa sammet som också blev hennes genombrott. Därefter har det blivit ytterligare fem prisbelönta historiska romaner och Waters har nominerats till Bookerpriset tre gånger. Under 2015 är hon aktuell med en ny roman, Hyresgästerna. I samband med detta ger Natur & Kultur åter ut Nattvakten och Främlingen i huset i pocket. Samtliga titlar finns också tillgängliga som e-böcker.

Vi befinner oss i 1880-talets England. Nancy arbetar som ostronöppnerska på familjens fiskrestaurang när hon träffar Kitty Butler, en varietésångare, som hon blir handlöst förälskad i. Hon beslutar sig för att följa med Kitty till London och de stora teatrarna där och snart blir hon Kittys partner – både på och utanför scenen. Deras karriär tar ordentlig fart, men allt får ett plötsligt slut när Nancy brädas av en rival. Hennes färd ner mot samhällets botten tar sin början och väl där är livet skoningslöst. Kyssa sammet är en slösande rik skildring i Charles Dickens fotspår. Sarah Waters har förmågan att gestalta en historisk miljö och ett samhälle under förvandling som få andra författare. Sarah Waters (född 1966 i Wales) debuterade 1998 med Kyssa sammet som också blev hennes genombrott. Därefter har det blivit ytterligare fem prisbelönta historiska romaner och Waters har nominerats till Bookerpriset tre gånger. Under 2015 är hon aktuell med en ny roman, Hyresgästerna. I samband med detta ger Natur & Kultur åter ut Nattvakten och Främlingen i huset i pocket. Samtliga titlar finns också tillgängliga som e-böcker.

För att återhämta sig efter faderns död ägnar sig Margaret Prior, en ung överklasskvinna i 1800-talets London, åt välgörenhetsarbete. Hon besöker kvinnoavdelningen i Millbank, stadens grymmaste fängelse. Där, bland mördare och småtjuvar finns Selina Dawes, ett spiritistiskt medium, som sitter anklagad för att en kvinna ska har dött under en av hennes seanser. Margaret är till en början skeptisk beträffande Selinas gåvor, men finner sig med tiden alltmer dragen till henne. En stark själsfrändskap uppstår, och så småningom tänker Margaret på Selina dag som natt. Obönhörligen dras Margaret in i en skymningsvärld av skuggor och blind åtrå, och hennes längtan efter att vara tillsammans med Selina växer. Men hur långt är hon beredd att gå för att på allvar få förenas med sin kärlek? Livstråden är en sensuell berättelse om otillåten längtan och samtidigt en sofistikerad spökhistoria av den mästerliga, trefaldigt Bookerprisnominerade Sarah Waters. Sarah Waters (född 1966 i Wales) debuterade 1998 med Kyssa sammet som också blev hennes genombrott. Därefter har det blivit ytterligare fem prisbelönta historiska romaner och Waters har nominerats till Bookerpriset tre gånger. Under 2015 är hon aktuell med en ny roman, Hyresgästerna. I samband med detta ger Natur & Kultur åter ut Nattvakten och Främlingen i huset i pocket. Samtliga titlar finns också tillgängliga som e-böcker.

Water klotste, hielen wreven over de bodem van het bad toen mevrouw Barber erin stapte, gevolgd door heftiger geplons op het moment waarop ze zich liet zakken. Daarna heerste er stilte, die zo nu en dan werd onderbroken door het galmende plik! van een druppel uit de kraan. Het beeld dat Frances zich zo-even aan tafel van haar huurders had gevormd – grote wankelende shillingstukken – was louter door geldzucht ingegeven. Maar zo was het dus om huurders te hebben, bedacht ze terwijl ze achterwaarts met haar dweil over de tegels schoof: een merkwaardige, niet-intieme nabijheid, een van alle luister ontdaan ogenblik met niet meer dan een stuk keuken en een dunne bijkeukendeur die haar van de naakte mevrouw Barber scheidden. Ineens zag ze het voor zich: rondingen, rood van de warmte. Het is 1922, en de situatie in Londen is gespannen. Veteranen die op de slagvelden in Europa hebben gediend zijn gedesillusioneerd, de vele werklozen eisen maatschappelijke verandering. In Zuid-Londen, in een villa op stand in Camberwell – een groot, stil huis, beroofd van broers, van een echtgenoot, zelfs van bedienden – zien mevrouw Wray en haar alleenstaande dochter Frances zich genoodzaakt huurders in huis te nemen. De komst van Lilian en Leonard Barber, een jong echtpaar uit een ander milieu, zij het met een nette betrekking, zet de gang van zaken in de villa volledig op zijn kop.

Weeskind Sue Trinder groeit op onder de liefdevolle vleugels van mevrouw Sucksby, in een toevluchtsoord voor zakkenrollers en andere kruimeldieven. Door de charmante oplichter Richard Rivers, beter bekend als Genteman, wordt Sue betrokken bij een duivels plan. Ze moet vriendschap sluiten met het naïeve rijkeluismeisje Maud, zodat Richard haar kan verleiden. Als hij met Maud trouwt, krijgt Sue een deel van de enorme erfenis die Maud en Richard dan bekomt. Sue gaat akkoord, maar als ze erachter komt dat Richard Maud, met wie ze vriendinnen wordt, wil laten opsluiten in een gekkenhuis. Vingervlug is een thriller die de lezer meevoert naar de Londense onderwereld van de negentiende eeuw, vol verraad, bedrog en opportunisme. Het is de wereld van Oliver Twist `met een twist . Maar het is ook een ontroerende liefdesgeschiedenis, een zoektocht naar identiteit, familie en vriendschap.

Oesterverkoopster Nancy Astley droomt haar leven lang van de vaudeville. Ondersteboven van revuester Kitty Butler trekt ze naar het wilde en avontuurlijke Londen. Algauw worden ze geliefden en voeren ze samen hun `mannen-act op in theaters en music-halls. Een droom lijkt werkelijkheid geworden, maar dan leert Nancy dat liefde alleen niet genoeg is. Verlaten door Kitty zwerft ze zonder een cent op zak door de straten van Londen. Haar act wordt haar overlevingsstrategie verkleed als man komt ze in aanraking met charlatans, schandknapen en hoeren, maar ook met de Londense aristocratie, die zo mogelijk nog gevaarlijker is Fluwelen begeerte laat op een unieke en haast tastbare manier de onderkant van de Victoriaanse tijd zien, en legt pijnlijk de hypocrisie ervan bloot. Vol kleurrijke beschrijvingen van het Londen van 1890 en zijn variétéwereld, met dickensiaanse personages en kloppend van erotische spanning is Fluwelen begeerte een roman die je tot de laatste bladzijde meesleept.

The New York Times bestselling novel that has been called “a tour de force” (Wall Street Journal), “unputdownable” (The Washington Post), “a delicious hothouse of a novel” (USA Today), “effortless” (The Economist), “seductive” (Vanity Fair) and “pitch perfect” (Salon) “Superb, bewitching…Forget about Fifty Shades of Grey; this novel is one of the most sensual you will ever read, and all without sacrificing either good taste or a "G" rating” – NPR “One of the year’s most engrossing and suspenseful novels…a love affair, a shocking murder, and a flawless ending … Will keep you sleepless for three nights straight and leave you grasping for another book that can sustain that high.” — Entertainment Weekly (A rating) “Volcanically sexy, sizzingly smart, plenty bloody and just plain irresistible." —USA Today (4 stars) It is 1922, and London is tense. Ex-servicemen are disillusioned; the out-of-work and the hungry are demanding change. And in South London, in a genteel Camberwell villa—a large, silent house now bereft of brothers, husband, and even servants—life is about to be transformed as impoverished widow Mrs. Wray and her spinster daughter, Frances, are obliged to take in lodgers. With the arrival of Lilian and Leonard Barber, a modern young couple of the “clerk class,” the routines of the house will be shaken up in unexpected ways. Little do the Wrays know just how profoundly their new tenants will alter the course of Frances’s life—or, as passions mount and frustration gathers, how far-reaching, and how devastating, the disturbances will be. Short-listed for the Man Booker Prize three times, Sarah Waters has earned a reputation as one of our greatest writers of historical fiction, and here she has delivered again. A love story, a tension-filled crime story, and a beautifully atmospheric portrait of a fascinating time and place, The Paying Guests is Sarah Waters’s finest achievement yet.

»Die Muschelöffnerin«, ein fesselnder, vielschichtig-erotischer Liebesroman, spielt in der viktorianischen (Halb-) Welt der wilden 1890er Jahre und erzählt von der schillernden Karriere der Nancy Astley: Als Kind arbeitet sie als Muschelöffnerin im elterlichen Austernrestaurant an der Küste von Kent. Zu ihren wenigen Vergnügungen zählen die Besuche in der Music Hall im nahegelegenen Canterbury. Dort sieht sie eines Tages die »Herrendarstellerin« Kitty Butler auf der Bühne - und ist hingerissen! Die junge Künstlerin lässt sich auf Nancys verliebte Schwärmerei ein und beginnt eine Liebesbeziehung mit ihr. Nancy folgt Kitty nach London. Bald schon stehen die beiden als Duo in Männerkleidern auf der Bühne und feiern Triumphe ...

Londra, 1947. Le strade, segnate dalle cicatrici dei bombardamenti, sostengono l’inquieto vagabondare di quattro esistenze, ciascuna oppressa da un passato amaro e invadente. Kay, che durante la guerra guidava l’ambulanza, ora veste abiti maschili e vaga per la strada in preda a un incessante languore, in cerca di neanche lei sa cosa... Helen, intelligente, dolce, amatissima e insieme così fragile. La bella Viv, legata al suo amante soldato da una fedeltà ostinata, quasi folle, e da un doloroso segreto. Duncan, che divide le sue giornate tra un lavoro senza aspirazioni e la compagnia di un vecchio signore, è implacabilmente tormentato dai suoi demoni... Viaggiando a ritroso nel tempo sino al 1941, seguendo l’intricato filo di ciascuna di queste esistenze, ci troviamo al cuore di un incrocio di destini, costellato di legami ambigui e segreti tra raid aerei, strade oscurate, atti di eroismo insieme epici e ordinari, relazioni illecite e avventure sensuali. La guerra, si sa, crea strane alleanze... In un romanzo tenero, tragico e meravigliosamente intenso, Sarah Waters orchestra con riconosciuta maestria narrativa un contrappunto a quattro voci, a cantare, sul filo di continue sorprese e colpi di scena, l’amore e l’amicizia, la tenacia di relazioni che, sfidando il terreno più arido e inospitale, continuano a germogliare nuove gemme.

«Una delle migliori scrittrici viventi. » Independent on Sunday Ostricara nella taverna dei genitori sulle coste del Kent, astro nascente dello scintillante firmamento del varietà londinese, prostituta da strada e infine mantenuta di una capricciosa dama: nonostante la giovane età, in pochi anni Nancy si è ritrovata a interpretare così tanti ruoli da credere di dover ormai prendere posto nel buio della sala e limitarsi a fare da spettatore al magico teatro della vita. Ma proprio quando tutto sembra perduto, la sua innata passione la spinge a recitare il ruolo più impegnativo ed esaltante: essere finalmente se stessa, libera di amare ed essere riamata senza condizionamenti di sorta. In quello che ha rappresentato il suo esordio letterario, Sarah Waters regala al lettore un erotico e picaresco romanzo d’iniziazione alla vita – in tutte le sue molteplici, spesso dolorose, sfaccettature –, tanto più straordinario perché, inseguendo i rovesci di fortuna della sua eroina, riesce a pizzicare tutte le corde dei sentimenti, a far ridere e a commuovere, a suscitare entusiasmo e compassione. Ma come sempre, anche qui il talento narrativo dell’autrice raggiunge esiti d’eccezione nel ricostruire la Londra vittoriana, l’altra grande protagonista della storia, che in queste pagine rivive sapientemente in tutta la sua atmosfera, grazie ai suoi raffinati salotti, agli scintillanti music-hall, alle squallide strade di vita, ai luoghi di dibattito politico e impegno sociale.

«Nitidamente perfetto e piacevole, affascinante come una tela di ragno, una prova d''immaginazione scintillante.» Daily Telegraph «Un thriller in costume, tra Dickens e Sherlock Holmes.» Grazia - Alberto Bevilacqua «Ladra tiene alta la tensione del racconto raggiungendo in alcuni punti un pathos degno del miglior melodramma.» la Repubblica Protagoniste di questo fosco intrigo ambientato nella Londra di fine Ottocento sono due giovani orfane: Sue Trinder, figlia di un’assassina, cresciuta in un mondo dickensiano di piccoli delinquenti, e Maud Lilly, una ricca ereditiera, che vive in una grande casa con uno zio dispotico. Benché non sia troppo convinta, Sue accetta di partecipare a un crudele piano ai danni di Maud, per impossessarsi del suo patrimonio. Ma gli esiti del piano si rivelano drammatici e del tutto inaspettati. L’intreccio è fittissimo, e come ha commentato l’Observer, farebbe invidia ai romanzieri dell’Ottocento.Quello che sulle prime poteva sembrare un melodramma vittoriano si tinge di atmosfere gotiche, trasformandosi in un sinistro thriller che mescola con grande raffinatezza emozioni, suspense e scene di erotismo saffico. Un romanzo di straordinaria modernità, dunque, che introduce al pubblico italiano la voce di un’autentica narratrice, annoverata dalla rivista letteraria Granta fra gli autori più interessanti dell’ultimo decennio.

The rise of neo-liberal globalisation has posed major challenges for all European countries, identifying itself as the key political tension of the coming era. Yet, it is in France that globalisation has produced the deepest tensions, and it is here that it has generated its greatest political resistance. The author pursues two separate lines of enquiry. First, she considers the influence of French political tradition and an enduring legacy of republicanism in shaping contemporary opposition. If globalisation poses a greater ideological threat in France than elsewhere, this is because it comes into conflict with the foundational values and symbols of the FrenchRepublic. Secondly, she examines contemporary French opposition as a site for political and ideological renewal. Many critics now agree that it is within this emergent movement, rather than within traditional parties, that new forms of political practice and ideology are being invented.

Από την κορυφαία συγγραφέα του αποκλίνοντος ερωτισμού, μια ιστορία μυστηρίου και τρόμου που μαγνητίζει και κόβει την ανάσα. Μεσούντος του Β′ παγκοσμίου πολέμου, στο Χάντρεντς, μια ετοιμόρροπη έπαυλη της αγγλικής υπαίθρου, η οικογένεια Έιρς ζει με μόνη συντροφιά τα φαντάσματα του ένδοξου παρελθόντος της. Μα όταν ο δόκτωρ Φάραντεϊ, περιζήτητος ντόπιος εργένης, αρχίζει να κουράρει τη χήρα κυρία Έιρς και να φλερτάρει, αδέξια και γεμάτος ασίγαστο πόθο, τη μοναχοκόρη της Κάρολαϊν, η έπαυλη και οι αναμνήσεις που ξεχειλίζουν σε κάθε γωνιά της αρχίζουν να κυριεύουν και το αβέβαιο παρόν. Ο Ανήλικος επισκέπτης είναι μυθιστόρημα ατμοσφαιρικό, αισθαντικό και απρόσμενα τρομαχτικό, και επιβεβαιώνει για ακόμα μια φορά την κορυφαία θέση της Σάρα Ουότερς στο σύγχρονο πάνθεον των καθαρόαιμων, ιδιοφυών αφηγητών. «Είναι μια πραγματικά τρομακτική, συγκλονιστική ιστορία φαντασμάτων που διαδραματίζεται στην αγγλική εξοχή λίγο μετά τον Β′ παγκόσμιο πόλεμο. Πρόκειται για μια δουλειά που πίσω από την απλή γραφή της κρύβει βαθιά νοήματα. Μια δουλειά που εγγυάται πολλές νύχτες αγρύπνιας». Στίβεν Κινγκ «Πρόκειται για μια συναρπαστική ιστορία, με σαγηνευτικούς πρωταγωνιστές… Εκτός αu00adπό μυθιστόρημα του υπερφυσικού, είναι κι ένας διαλογισμός ως προς τη φύση του Βρεu00adτανού και της κοινωνικής τάξης, και πώς τα πράγματα σπανίως είναι όπως φαίνονται. Αu00adνατριχιαστικό». Κέιτ Μος, The Times Summer Read «Η Ουότερς γράφει με σφρίγος κι αυτοπεποίθηση, χτίζοντας με μαστοριά μια ατμόσφαιρα που ξεκινά από ένα νωθρό καλοκαιριάτικο απόγευμα και βαθμηδόν σκοτεινιάζει και στενεύει ώσπου νιώθουμε δέσμιοί της όσο και οι χαρακτήρες του βιβλίου… Η επίμονη ανατομία των ανώτερων κοινωνικών στρωμάτων διά χειρός Ουότερς είναι εκπληκτική». Τρέισι Σεβαλιέ, Observer «Οι αναγνώστες της Ουότερς είναι πλέον εξοικειωμένοι με την αφηγηματική της δεινότητα… Ενώ μια όψη του βιβλίου μοιάζει με ιστορία φαντασμάτων, η άλλη φανερώνει έu00adνα περίτεχνο ψυχολογικό δράμα». Τζόι λο Ντίκο, Independent on Sunday «Επιδεικνύοντας την αξιοσημείωτη μαστοριά της στην αναβίωση της Ιστορίας ως τις πιο μύχιες αποχρώσεις της, η Ουότερς δημιουργεί μια απίστευτης ενάργειας και σαγήνης εικόνα της μεταπολεμικής Αγγλίας… Ευφυέστατο και συναρπαστικό». Πίτερ Κεμπ, Sunday Times «H Ουότερς έχει πολλάκις χαρακτηριστεί δεινή αφηγητής, όπως και είναι – μα πρόκειται επίσης για μια καλλιτέχνιδα που δε διστάζει να πειραματιστεί. Ο χαμηλών τόνων πρωταγωνιστής κι ο βαθμιαίος εθισμός του στο αλλόκοτο ιδιωτικό σύμπαν της οικογένειας Έιρς είναι καθηλωτικός». Κλόντια Φιτσχέρμπερτ, Daily Telegraph

Un polvoriento día de verano llaman al doctor Faraday a Hundreds Hall, la mansión de los Ayres, en el desolado centro de una Inglaterra de posguerra que está cambiando aceleradamente Faraday ya había estado allí cuando era un niño y su madre era una de la

Nancy Astley vendía ostras en una pequeña ciudad portuaria en la costa de Kent como si ése fuera su destino para siempre Hasta que un día llegó a la ciudad una compañía de variedades donde can a un joven encantador Nancy se dejó seducir y descubrió que en