Tuesday, March 7, 2023

3.7.2023 - Now You See Us

Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal 

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Book Club Girl for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Balli Kaur Jaswal - 4.5 stars rounded up!

The ones that no one sees - the behind-the-scenes workers who make everything happen - especially the domestic workers in wealthy households.  This story revolves around three women from the Philippines who come to Singapore to try and earn a living - Cora, Donita, and Angel.  Another Filipina maid is accused of murder and the three don't believe she is guilty, and try to investigate on their own.  Each of these women are keeping secrets and live under the shadow of fear.

Reminiscent of The Help, this story highlights the way some people abuse and ignore those that are being paid to help them.  But throw in poor conditions and women desperate to earn money who have to leave their home country, and you have the potential for disaster.  However, this story also includes humor, kindness, and some very strong women.  This would be a good book club pick, with lots to talk about - racism, classism, sexism - and should make everyone be nicer to those around us who enable us to live our lives better.

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