The Housemaid
Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, power dynamics, and the haunting shadows of past secrets. The narrative follows Millie Calloway, a young woman with a troubled history, who secures a live-in housekeeping position with the affluent Winchester family. As she navigates her new role, Millie uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her perceptions and safety.
“Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…
Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.
I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.
I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.
But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.
They don’t know what I’m capable of…
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Fun Facts about the book.
Fun Facts About The Housemaid
Bestselling Success: The Housemaid has achieved significant acclaim, becoming a bestseller and solidifying McFadden’s reputation in the thriller genre.
Upcoming Film Adaptation: The novel is being adapted into a film starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, bringing the suspenseful tale to the big screen.
Author’s Dual Career: Freida McFadden balances her writing with a medical career, specializing in brain injury medicine.
Drink Pairings
Enhance your reading experience with these thematic beverages:
Red Wine: A glass of deep red wine complements the novel’s rich and dark undertones.
Espresso Martini: This cocktail mirrors the book’s sharp twists and invigorating suspense.
Chamomile Tea: For a calming contrast, chamomile tea offers a soothing balance to the story’s tension.
Book Club Outfit Inspiration
Set the mood for your book club meeting with an ensemble that reflects the novel’s themes:
Classic Black Dress: Timeless and elegant, mirroring the story’s sophistication.
Statement Jewelry: Pieces that add intrigue, much like the plot’s unexpected turns.
Comfortable Flats: Practical yet stylish, suitable for an evening of deep discussion.
Bookclub Questions
What were your first impressions of Millie as a narrator? Did your perception of her change throughout the story?
How does Millie’s past influence her decisions throughout the novel?
Discuss the dynamics between Millie and the Winchester family. What power structures are evident?
What role does the setting play in building suspense?
How are themes of trust and betrayal portrayed?
In what ways does the novel challenge or reinforce societal perceptions of class and privilege?
How does the author use suspense and pacing to maintain tension in the book? Were there moments you had to stop and process?
Were there any red flags in the Winchesters’ behavior that stood out to you early on? How did your opinions evolve?
How do the power dynamics between employer and employee shape the events of the story?
What role does the house itself play as a character in the story? How did the setting influence your experience as a reader?
Do you think Millie made the right choices at key turning points in the book? Why or why not?
How does the author play with the theme of appearances versus reality? What scenes best illustrated this theme?
What do you think the book says about trust? Who can be trusted in this story—and who can’t?
How does The Housemaid compare to other psychological thrillers you’ve read? What made it stand out or fall short?
If you could ask Freida McFadden one question about the book, what would it be?
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