Why people recommend it
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters is a gripping historical novel set in 1920s London following a struggling mother and daughter who take in lodgers, leading to intense psychological drama. On The Book Review podcast in an episode titled Happy Halloween: Scary Book Recommendations released on July 18, 2024, Sati Stein recommended Sarah Waters's novel, pointing out that it contains scenes of immense menace, including an excruciating sequence involving a man receiving a shave with a straight razor. Later, on the same podcast during an episode titled The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century released on July 18, 2024, Tina Jordan also recommended The Paying Guests, stating that it was probably her favorite book of the century so far. Both commentators praised the atmospheric tension and masterful storytelling of the novel, emphasizing how effectively the author builds suspense and emotional resonance throughout the narrative, making it a standout work of modern historical fiction that continually captivates readers and critics alike.
Who recommended it
- Sati Stein Recommended
- Tina Jordan Recommended
Sati Stein — 1 mention
“I also think you have to read her last book which was called the paying guests oh that's it's so good which just has some scenes of such Menace including one where someone where a man is getting a shave with a straight Riser that is just just excruciating”
Tina Jordan — 1 mention
“I would have loved to have seen a novel called the paying guests by Sarah Waters which I think is probably my favorite book of the century so far”