The Little Stranger Read-a-Long: Half Way Point

This R.I.P. VII Read-a-Long is being hosted by The Estella Society.

I know, I'm doing this backwards. I just posted my review, and now I'm going back to do the check-ins!

Here are my thoughts on the first half of the book (or thereabouts):

I am really enjoying the book so far! I love the whole gothic feel of Hundreds Hall, and I think Waters' prose is just beautiful! I can clearly picture Hundreds Hall in my mind.

I'm listening to the audiobook, which is narrated by Simon Vance. His British accent helps me feel even more immersed in the story! I am listening mostly while I am commuting to work or doing chores, like laundry or cooking.

I feel a bit sorry for Dr. Faraday, who seems like a lonely bachelor. It seems like he enjoys his work as a doctor a great deal, but I think that he aches for a wife and children.

I actually love the entire Ayres family. I like that Caroline has been depicted as a plain, rather homely, girl. She seems very down to earth and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. She feels at home digging in the dirt or scrubbing the floors. I am sure her mother, Mrs. Ayres, wishes that her daughter was a bit more refined because she seems so old-fashioned. It is obvious that Mrs. Ayres likes the finer things in life, although I think she has accepted the family's current state of affairs with grace. I do like Roderick as well, but he seems much more serious than his sister. I feel a bit sorry for him as well because he has to manage the entire estate. He doesn't mind pitching in to do the dirty work, either. They all seem very well-rounded.

There is definitely something strange going on. When Betty brings it up, Dr. Faraday thinks that she is talking nonsense. When the accident with Gyp occurs and the smudges start to appear, I have to admit that I started to get the heebie-jeebies! I feel frustrated with Dr. Faraday because he is just dismissing what is going on. My curiosity is definitely piqued, and I have my suspicions about what is going on but don't want to ruin it for anyone, so I'll keep that to myself.

Great story so far!