Maid in Singapore by Kishore Modak - A Book Review

"Families are all unique, especially dysfunctional ones, which are shaped by the excesses of their members. Maid in Singapore, a tale based on true events, relives the bizarre and often troubling journey of a family consisting of an Indian woman and her British banker husband, forced to move to Singapore from their home in London. Their chemistry quickly turns acidic with the hiring of a maid who enters their web of carnal excesses, redefining the rest of their lives. The blows dealt on each member are enough for any to give up, choosing actions that are shocking, as only true events can be"

There are quite a few instances when one hears of extra-marital affairs but hardly does one hear of its impact on the family - how the cheated upon spouse (mostly the wife, as is also the case in the novel) and children deal with it. People spend time raising fingers and gossiping.

Maid in Singapore acquaints you with the inner turmoil which the wife and child go through when the husband has an extra marital affair. The book is written mainly from the Wife's point of view. However, there is a twist in the end. While I feel the way the wife has written the story is fine, I wished at times that she was more expressive. She holds the family together, assisting her husband whenever he needs her. In many ways, you can see that each character falls or sees some setbacks that they can't overcome. But the wife, the one whom one can say suffers the most, is strongest till the end. She holds the family together inspite of setbacks but dysfunction causes an irreversible turn of events.

What I like most about this book is the way in which it is written. The vocabulary and flow of language is absolutely delightful! The story is unusual and conveys how a dysfunctional family works very well. The only thing I didn't like is a little less expression of emotion from the cheated upon wife but then its subjective. There is a lot going in the book and its difficult to keep it down till you reach the very end.

If you want to read an unusual story that touches upon themes such as life in a new country, cheating, sadomasochism, gender identity - then Maid in Singapore is a perfect read!


Other Related Information:-

• Author: Kishore Modak
• Publisher: Grapevine India Publishers
• Publication Year: 2012
• ISBN-13: 9789381841235
• ISBN-10: 9381841233
• Language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of Pages: 240 Pages