The Maid - Pre-reading Discussion

[John]

This area is for any discussion about the February 2023 book selection, The Maid by Nita Prose, before you begin reading it.

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late?

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

[Pat]

A 2-star read for me:
I am so disappointed. I read this book based on some reviewers comparing it to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which I loved. Mary Gray, a maid in an upscale hotel, is socially awkward and somewhere on the autism spectrum. After being abandoned by a drug-addicted mother, she has lived with her maternal "Granny" for many years. Granny is a source of support, wisdom and encouragement until she dies. Mary inadvertently and innocently becomes involved in some nefarious dealings at the hotel, resulting in the death of a hotel guest. She is subsequently arrested and goes undercover to expose the real criminals. It is doubtful to me that Mary could have managed to succeed in undercover work with her limitations.

There are many stereotypes in this book and many attempts at injustices like domestic violence and illegal immigration. It just didn't work for me. Mary is a good person, but I never succeeded in "bonding" with her as I did with Eleanor Oliphant. It's like comparing pale pink with a rich red. I may be an outlier, but this is not a book I could recommend.

[Peacejanz]

Interesting that Pat thinks Mary went "undercover." I read the book twice, loved it, and never thought of her going "undercover" in the traditional sense. How was she undercover? Did the police ever ask her to go undercover? She did help the police at the end but there was never any discussion of her going undercover. And where was the "domestic violence"? There was violence but domestic violence usually refers to violence within a family unit or people living together as a family unit. Did we read the same book? And I don't get how you think Mary becomes involved in nefarious dealings except for giving her friend a key to a vacant room. I loved the book - saw myself in it many times, i.e., being socially awkward, saying the wrong thing, misunderstanding someone's meaning, being taken advantage of. I have never been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Maybe I slid by with my work, including volunteer work all my life, three college degrees and a stint as a Peace Corps Volunteer and 49 years working, including the last 20-30 as a university professor. I can be very socially awkward, just don't get it. Just like I think you did not "get" the meaning in this book. peace, janz

[Pat]

Thank you for your feedback. It's always interesting to know what others think of a book we've read. Wondering where you teach and what subject(s)?
Take care

[Peacejanz]

Pat -- I am retired, a university research prof. I have taught at all levels - junior high through graduate level university. My last 25-30 years were in university, business school, which has mostly men for professors. My final degree was in organizational systems, specalized in oragizational strategy. I did two years as a Peace Corps Volunter, mostly teaching, in junior high, 7th grade, then co-wrote a workbook with another volunteer for teachers of English in middle school - final year was in adult education, teaching workers in the National Fisheries Institute. So I taught all over the spectrum. And was usually in the minority - most of co-workers were men. peace, janz

[Pat]

You have certainly led an interesting, accomplished life. Undoubtedly, you have made a positive impact on many people. Wishing you continued success in your career.