“Cora knows that the first rule of being a maid is ‘Be invisible’” How well do you think this novel portrayed the mindset of demeanor of domestic workers?

Throughout the novel we see glimpses of domestic workers’ lives inside the house and outside during their days off. How do the characters’ behaviors and attitudes change during the weekend

The author juxtaposes the lives of foreign domestic workers with those of the elites of Singapore – which is by far Southeast Asia’s richest metropolis. How do you compare the lives and mentalities of the workers and their employers? How different are their outlooks on domestic work, family relationships, and societal hierarchies?

“In brightly lit storefront windows, the maids on the first floor perform their skills for potential passing clients.” Have you ever seen the practice of storefront maids? How would you feel if you saw such a store?

When Angel reconnects with Cora following her return to Singapore, she notes a change in her friend that makes her more subdued and leaves her questioning what happened to her old friend that was an activist for domestic workers’ rights. What is behind the change in Cora’s character?

After the Vijays hire a private home nurse to take care of Mr. Vijay, Angel struggles with accepting her in the home. How do you explain Angel’s reaction?

While Donita suffers under her mean employer, we don’t really see her try to be less antagonizing towards her. How different is Donita’s attitude to that of the other domestic workers? Why?

Identity is a major theme in the book and drives many of the characters arcs. What reflections on identity did you reading of the book inspire?

What does each of these characters hope for and what are they most afraid of,

• Cora

• Donita

• Angel?        

• Elizabeth Lee?

• Fann Poh Choo?

How much did you know about life in Singapore before reading this book? What are your impressions of it now?