The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Read Time:3 Minute, 19 Second

In The Housemaid, the Winchesters provide a roof over her head and a meal in exchange for cleaning and taking care of their daughter. Despite Nina’s cruel antics, the protagonist tries to keep her head down. But when she tries on Nina’s dress, she realizes she’s made a grave mistake. The door to her attic room locks from the outside, and she’s at the mercy of the Winchesters. She reassures herself that they don’t know who she really is or what she’s capable of. 

Book review of The Housemaid

The Housemaid is a surprising winner that exceeded my expectations. At first glance, it appeared to be a typical thriller in the same vein as The Girl on the Train, but I quickly realized that it was much more than that. It provided not only a source of entertainment but also a gripping and thought-provoking tale. 

The protagonist, Millie, is a young woman with a criminal past who takes a job as a live-in housekeeper. From the moment she arrives at the house, she realizes that something is amiss. Everyone, including the characters themselves, seems to be hiding something. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. 

One of the things I appreciated about The Housemaid was the way the author chose to develop the characters. The story was told from multiple points of view, allowing us to gain insight into the perspectives of both Millie and Nina, the woman who hires her. I found Nina’s backstory to be particularly intriguing and felt that it added depth to her character. It also helped to humanize her and make her actions more understandable. 

The book’s themes of abuse and domestic violence are handled with sensitivity and care. Millie’s own experiences with abuse have clearly had a profound impact on her, and her empathy for other women who have suffered similarly is evident throughout the story. The book doesn’t shy away from the realities of abuse but manages to handle them in a way that is both respectful and empowering. 

As a quick read, The Housemaid is a great choice for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. The plot is well-crafted, and the characters are compelling. I found myself becoming invested in their fates and eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. 

Final verdict:

In conclusion, The Housemaid by Saira Rao is a standout thriller that offers much more than just entertainment. With well-crafted characters and a carefully handled theme of abuse and domestic violence, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. The author’s decision to tell the story from multiple points of view adds depth and complexity to the characters, making them more human and relatable. For anyone looking for a quick, engaging, and thought-provoking read, The Housemaid is a highly recommended choice. 

9
Our Score

Pros

  • Gripping plot: The Housemaid has a well-crafted and engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked from the beginning to the end. 
  • Multi-dimensional characters: The characters in the book are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making them more human and relatable. 
  • Sensitive handling of a difficult topic: The book tackles the theme of abuse and domestic violence with sensitivity and care, empowering and respecting survivors. 

Cons

  • Predictable twists: Some readers may find the plot twists to be predictable or clichéd, making the story less suspenseful. 
  • Slow pacing: The story’s pacing may be slow for some readers, particularly in the beginning. 
  • Lack of surprise ending: While the story is engaging and well-crafted, the ending may not be as surprising as some readers might hope, making it feel somewhat predictable.
Specifications
The HousemaidPublisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (August 23, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538742578
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538742570
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.85 x 8 inches

About Article Author

Jenna Carter

Jenna Carter spends most of her time immersed in the imaginary worlds that authors construct. Her favorite place in the world is a library full of old books where she hopes to one day find a hidden door to the world of Narnia.
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