The Maid - Active Reading Discussion

[John]

This area is for any discussion about the February 2023 book selection, The Maid by Nita Prose, while we are reading it.

Please make use of the spoilers function ([spoiler]...[/spoiler] but replace [] with <>) as appropriate to be sure we don't ruin parts of the book for others.

spoiler: (view spoiler)[ It looks like this :) (hide spoiler)]

Happy reading!

[Michael]

I started reading this today. Molly Gray is an interesting character/narrator, a little bit naive, perhaps because of growing up with an older grandmother. I'm sure we'll get more details about this as the story moves forward.
Already have a theory. Don't read my spoiler unless you don't care or you've already finished the book: (view spoiler)[ There's enough difference between the prologue and the first chapter to indicate the identity of the true murderer. Unless, the author is deliberately planting a red herring before the story even gets underway. I think that must be the case. If the culprit was that obvious, then how could this book get all the recommendations and nominations that it has. In fact, in Chapter Two we get a name to go with the murderer's identity and a motive.We'll see. I'm noting this early just in case it turns out I was right - - which I am doubtful of. (hide spoiler)]

[Michael]

I forgot to mention that Molly is not just naive. She's apparently suffering from an acute OCD disorder. I hate to sound unsympathetic or insensitive but if she's going to constantly bring up her philosophy of cleaning and good upbringing - - I may have to shelf this as DNF. It's already beginning to annoy me.
Chapter Two introduces several other characters, all of whom may have murderous motives. There's one in particular that I suspect. We'll see how this plays out.

[Peacejanz]

Oh, Michael - I hope you stay with it. Molly is annoying at times but, then again, so are all of us at times. She will remain naive, as most of us are sometimes. And don't you wish all your hotel rooms were cleaned by Molly with OCD? I wish she were here in my home today. peace, janz

[Michael]

I'm still reading. It's fair to say I'm not fully engaged with this story, because of some things that cause some concern.
1) The author has established by this point how much of a clean freak Molly is that it becomes less necessary for more descriptive paragraphs about her cleaning methods, as in Chapter Four where we get to hear about her apartment cleaning from corner to corner. I'm hoping that Prose has a purpose in mind for including so much of this, every chapter so far, and a good bit of the novel.
2) Molly isn't a consistent character. Don't read my spoiler unless you have finished Chapter Four (view spoiler)[ The Detective asks Molly if she knew Giselle Black or ever had any conversations with her. Molly withholds that information and gives a snappy response that is unlike what we know about her so far: "I'm a hotel maid. Who would want to talk to me?" Molly presents herself as an honest person with integrity who you would think would share her conversations with Giselle. Is she protecting her? I wonder. Also, Molly's indirect answer to the detective is so unlike her - - she has a high opinion of her profession and is grateful to be a hotel maid. So, what's up here? Is Molly an unreliable narrator, just sharing what she wants the readers to know? Food for thought. (hide spoiler)]

[Michael]

Now at Page 115 (Wednesday).
So far, my list of suspects is four. There is evidence to support two on this list in both Chapters 8 and 9.
Molly is a very gullible person, who also often misreads comments from others. I feel bad for her and am starting to worry for her in spite of some of her behavior that bugs me. Someone could really take advantage of her limitations and manipulate her.

[Peacejanz]

Good insight, Michael - someone could take advantage of her. This is an accurate observation and will be important to remember at the very last of the book. Is she just naive? peace, janz

[Michael]

Now at the opening of the Thursday section / Page 159.
I think Molly made a big mistake in Chapter 14.
Also, her responses to some of Detective Stark's questions in Chapter 13 make me suspect just how naive she is. Is it just an act, including her narration reveals? Hmnnn.
One of my favorite cryptic lines occurs at the end of Chapter 13, when Molly replies to Stark: "Yes, Detective. I understand dirt better than most."

[Peacejanz]

Great comments, Michael. And, yes, there is suspicion that Molly is on the autism spectrum but then she manages to avoid telling the Detective the truth. Watch for this. Molly is able to avoid answering a lot of questions because people think she is so naive.
peace, janz

[Michael]

I finished this morning. I ended up biting my tongue and enjoying the story. Maybe the attention from the press and prominent recommendations set my expectations too high.
Here's my review, mostly spoiler free . . . . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[John]

Good book. It definitely kept my interest throughout. I don’t know if this is the intent of the author, but I felt she presented Molly as high functioning on the possible spectrum of Autism or similar situation. The ending became somewhat fantastic and overdone, but overall good book.

[Jenny]

I think I might be the odd one in this group regarding this book. I have finished reading the MAID I wouldn't say I like it - 2★

I did not engage with the characters or the plot of The MAID. I do hope everyone else enjoys reading this book.

[Peacejanz]

That's ok, Jenny. That's why we have these different book sites. Some like red, some like blue and some like both. Celebrate our differences. Your comment about not engaging with the characters got me interest. Now, I have to think about how interesting they were to me. Molly was interesting, but the rest - you are right - meh! Thanks for the comment. peace, janz

[Kaitlyn]

About half way listening to the book. I tried reading it but I felt that it was very slow in the beginning and I could not keep interest. Now that the audiobook finally came in from my library I am liking the story a little bit better. Plus the narrator has the perfect voice for the character Molly.

[[deleted user]]

I am still waiting for my copy from the library :(