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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Nice story with good perspectives. It just didn’t compell me to feel passion.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Now You See Us tells the story of three Filipina migrant workers in Singapore
Each of them has some kind of Very Special Episode plotline going: Corazon had a child killed by Duterte's anti-drug goons! Donita has an Indian boyfriend whose family will not accept their relationship! Angel is a lesbian!
And all the while there's a murder that they only kind of semi-investigate
I wish the murder had been more prominent in the narrative to tie everything together
As it is, this feels slightly disconnected?
I did like the focus on a demographic group that is often v much overlooked! As a Privileged American with family in Asia I have been on the employer's family side of things: as a kid my family had ahyis (although they were Chinese in China) and my grandma's home health nurse was Filipina
& I had heard of the horrific abuse of domestic care work as well as the like..... daily attacks on dignity
There's a Nice Chinese Liberal character in this book who treats her maid like family!! and the book is very clear on how this actually makes it very awkward for your employee who does Not want to be your friend
Idk though this whole book is sort of written for the Nice Singaporean Liberal perspective? Like, you're meant to hmm and ahhh at how sad things are instead of any sort of messaging towards liberation (like prosecution for abusive employers??? an end to tying the visa system to specific employers!). Even the show of solidarity at the end rings kind of false bc the employer who literally ignored her brother's sexual harassment of Angel joins in lmfao...
But I guess for that demographic it Raises Awareness and maybe we will have some donations to migrant worker assistance nonprofits or people will treat their workers better idk
Not every book has to be a searing indictment of our capitalist society............ I guess..............
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A compelling read that invites readers into a Singapore through the lens of the invisible communities living in it. I enjoyed this read from start to end - such a beautiful story 🥹
The novel unpacks the daily realities of domestic workers living and working in SG. Balli’s masterful craft in characterisation comes through, which makes the reading experience exciting and memorable. The portrayal of each character challenges every stereotypical depiction of domestic workers, making it such a powerful work of literature.
Through this character-driven novel, Balli holds up a mirror to readers, urging us to reflect on the Singapore that we are familiar with. There are also fictionalised events that brought the home I know to life in the whole book. Reading this book was an illuminating and unforgettable journey.
The novel unpacks the daily realities of domestic workers living and working in SG. Balli’s masterful craft in characterisation comes through, which makes the reading experience exciting and memorable. The portrayal of each character challenges every stereotypical depiction of domestic workers, making it such a powerful work of literature.
Through this character-driven novel, Balli holds up a mirror to readers, urging us to reflect on the Singapore that we are familiar with. There are also fictionalised events that brought the home I know to life in the whole book. Reading this book was an illuminating and unforgettable journey.
Balli Kaur Jaswal has done it again with Now You See Us, delivering a compelling, heartfelt, and thought-provoking story that keeps you hooked from the first page. This novel showcases her signature ability to immerse readers in complex characters and vivid settings while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and injustice.
Set in Singapore, Now You See Us follows three Filipina domestic workers—Corazon, Donita, and Angel—whose lives intersect when one of their own is accused of murder. Through their alternating perspectives, Jaswal paints a nuanced portrait of their struggles, joys, and the hidden challenges faced by domestic workers in a rigidly hierarchical society. Each woman is vividly rendered, with her own distinct voice and backstory, making it impossible not to feel invested in their journeys.
Corazon is the veteran, navigating her demanding employer’s expectations while grappling with past regrets. Donita, the bold and brash young woman, provides much-needed humor and perspective as she dreams of a better future. Angel, the mysterious newcomer, carries secrets that unfold in unexpected ways. Together, their stories shed light on the injustices and humanity of an often invisible workforce, challenging societal stereotypes and highlighting the quiet strength of women who refuse to be silenced.
Jaswal’s storytelling is masterful—she balances moments of humor, suspense, and profound emotion seamlessly. Her attention to detail brings Singapore to life, from the glittering wealth of the expat communities to the hidden corners where the domestic workers bond and find solace. The mystery at the heart of the novel adds a layer of intrigue, driving the narrative forward while allowing deeper exploration of themes like class, race, and gender dynamics.
This is the third book I’ve read by Balli Kaur Jaswal, and once again, I’m struck by her ability to draw the reader into the lives of her characters, making their triumphs and heartbreaks feel personal. Now You See Us is a celebration of resilience and sisterhood, a gripping mystery, and an eye-opening exploration of marginalized voices. Highly recommended for fans of thought-provoking fiction that stays with you long after the final page.
If you’ve read Jaswal before, you’ll find her voice here as captivating as ever. If this is your first time picking up one of her novels, Now You See Us will undoubtedly leave you eager to explore her other works.
Set in Singapore, Now You See Us follows three Filipina domestic workers—Corazon, Donita, and Angel—whose lives intersect when one of their own is accused of murder. Through their alternating perspectives, Jaswal paints a nuanced portrait of their struggles, joys, and the hidden challenges faced by domestic workers in a rigidly hierarchical society. Each woman is vividly rendered, with her own distinct voice and backstory, making it impossible not to feel invested in their journeys.
Corazon is the veteran, navigating her demanding employer’s expectations while grappling with past regrets. Donita, the bold and brash young woman, provides much-needed humor and perspective as she dreams of a better future. Angel, the mysterious newcomer, carries secrets that unfold in unexpected ways. Together, their stories shed light on the injustices and humanity of an often invisible workforce, challenging societal stereotypes and highlighting the quiet strength of women who refuse to be silenced.
Jaswal’s storytelling is masterful—she balances moments of humor, suspense, and profound emotion seamlessly. Her attention to detail brings Singapore to life, from the glittering wealth of the expat communities to the hidden corners where the domestic workers bond and find solace. The mystery at the heart of the novel adds a layer of intrigue, driving the narrative forward while allowing deeper exploration of themes like class, race, and gender dynamics.
This is the third book I’ve read by Balli Kaur Jaswal, and once again, I’m struck by her ability to draw the reader into the lives of her characters, making their triumphs and heartbreaks feel personal. Now You See Us is a celebration of resilience and sisterhood, a gripping mystery, and an eye-opening exploration of marginalized voices. Highly recommended for fans of thought-provoking fiction that stays with you long after the final page.
If you’ve read Jaswal before, you’ll find her voice here as captivating as ever. If this is your first time picking up one of her novels, Now You See Us will undoubtedly leave you eager to explore her other works.
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
By 2 hours in, I was bored and where I am in my reading/listening journey, I could not finish it. I know others who loved this book so I will reattempt listening at a later time this year. Maybe then I will get more into it.