The Uninvited Guest by Sadie Jones

The bewitching new novel from Sadie Jones


The bewitching new novel from the critically acclaimed Sadie Jones, in which social codes are uprooted and desire daringly trumps propriety. A frightening yet delicious drama of dark surprises, all alight with Edwardian wit and opulence.


The Torrington family and their struggles


The Torrington family have fallen on hard times, which is why their matriarch Charlotte has sent her husband Edward to try to save Sterne, the old mansion that has housed his wife, stepdaughter and stepson for years. While the family is holding a birthday party for Emerald, a train crash occurs near Sterne and the survivors are required to stay at the estate until it is cleared up by the railroad company.


Unsettling guests at Sterne


While the guests who arrive at Sterne are quite well drawn, there is something a little off about them. There are a few who are less sympathetic, and one in particular who arrives insinuating himself into the family’s festivities and causing them to be thrown into turmoil.


A birthday party turned upside down


This book had a great premise: a family with a large, isolated estate on the verge of losing their home due to financial difficulties holds a birthday party for the eldest daughter. A couple of potential suitors from Emerald’s past, a flighty but kind friend, and a stranger from her mother’s past all attend.


The unexpected arrival and its consequences


Unfortunately for them, the party quickly takes a turn. The uninvited guest has shown up with a group of refugees who have survived a train crash nearby and need a place to stay while their homes are being cleared.


Struggles to accommodate the unexpected guests


They are all very hungry, thirsty, and tired of being ignored. The family tries to accommodate them, but it is not easy. They do not have enough seats, and most of them are sitting on the floor or huddled in small corners, with no way to communicate with their hosts.


The attitudes of the guests


Some of the guests, especially those from Sterne, are quite sympathetic, but most of them have a certain impatient, annoyed attitude toward the Torringtons. They seem to be unable to accept that there might be some things going on that aren’t quite right, even though they know they are just being polite and accommodating.


A critique on self-importance and cynicism


It is this attitude that irritates the main characters, and it seems to be a bit too cynical and petty for this Edwardian setting. I think the author is trying to convey that some people are too self-important to take in new experiences and are merely looking to cash in on their wealth and social status.


The theme of the uninvited guest


The story of an uninvited guest is a common theme in folklore. It is often found in stories about Chinese jiangshi, East European vampires, and Scandinavian mares. It is also a common motif in stories about the goblins’ bogeyman, who is always counting coins or other small objects.


Connections to medieval tales and fantasy games


A similar concept is seen in many medieval tales, including The Legend of the Goblin King. The uninvited guest is also a common character in the fantasy game Warcraft, as is Smudge the Great Undertaking.

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