Scan barcode
A review by jessietn
The Maid by Nita Prose
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was sweet. I can understand some of the criticisms, but I don’t agree that Molly misrepresented neurodivergence. Rather, I think the story was intentionally whimsical, which reflected on all of the characters and exaggerated her traits.
I found the use of colours for surnames interesting, with Molly’s surname being Gray, while those around her are Black, Snow, Green or Brown (among other non-colours). One symptom atypical people experience is black-and-white thinking. Using these names could point to the fact that neurotypicals can be equally as binary in their thought processes, but the characters make more problematic decisions as a result.
While the mystery element of the story was somewhat lacking and the ‘twist’ ending was nothing radical, I didn’t mind it and thought it was fitting. Molly displayed her ability to make morally grey decisions by helping and keeping the secret of Mrs Black. I didn’t find there to be enough chemistry between Molly and Juan Manuel for there to be a romance, and felt the ending could have been just as cute if they had remained good friends.
I found the use of colours for surnames interesting, with Molly’s surname being Gray, while those around her are Black, Snow, Green or Brown (among other non-colours). One symptom atypical people experience is black-and-white thinking. Using these names could point to the fact that neurotypicals can be equally as binary in their thought processes, but the characters make more problematic decisions as a result.
While the mystery element of the story was somewhat lacking and the ‘twist’ ending was nothing radical, I didn’t mind it and thought it was fitting.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Murder