This is the story of the relationship between "Ada", the Black African housemaid, and her employer, Catherine, the Irish madame of the house. The setting is the beginning of the apartheid era in South Africa. Many people are comparing this book to THE HELP, however, I strongly disagree. This story is much more realistic, dense, riveting, and compelling. Ada's skin causes her to live a "divided life" switching back and forth from rituals and duties of "the house" and the mean streets of oppressed people who are being torn apart by apartheid.I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It sits on my "favorite" shelf. I just finished reading this wonderful book... and am so sorry the story has ended. I was so captivated by it, and invested in the characters. I always love a book set in another country, another culture and another time and The Housemaid's Daughter did not disappoint. The relationships between the characters are rich. The voice of Ada as the narrator puts us easily in her shoes and we root for her throughout her hardships. I would so love to see this made into a film with Lupito Nyong'o and Alison Janney!! Throw in Alicia Keys as the grown up Dawn and it would be sensational!!
What do You think about A Cor Do Coração (2014)?
Good story but I found the writing to be stilted and uninspired.
—ryder_04