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Now You See Us
Crazy Rich Asians meets The Help! From Reese's Book Club veteran Balli Kaur Jaswal comes a wildly entertaining and sharply observed story of three women who work in the homes of Singapore's elite, and band together to solve a murder mystery involving one of their own.
"Tender and heartfelt, Now You See us also manages to be laugh-out-loud funny. An uplifting story of courage and hope that will keep you enthralled until the very last page."--Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee
"A truly irresistible read. Intricately plotted, propulsive, and provocative, NOW YOU SEE US showcases an author at the peak of her talents."--Kirstin Chen, New York Times bestselling author of Counterfeit
Corazon, Donita, and Angel are Filipina domestic workers--part of the wave of women sent to Singapore to be cleaners, maids, and caregivers.
A veteran domestic worker, Cora had retired back to the Philippines for good, but she has returned to Singapore under mysterious circumstances. Now she's keeping a secret from her wealthy employer, who is planning an extravagant wedding for her socialite daughter.
Barely out of her teens, this is Donita's first time in Singapore, and she's had the bad luck to be hired by the notoriously fussy Mrs. Fann. Brazen and exuberant, Donita's thrown herself into a love affair with an Indian migrant worker.
Working as an in-home caregiver for an elderly employer, Angel is feeling blue after a recent breakup with the woman she loves. She's alarmed when her employer's son suddenly brings in a new nurse who may be a valuable ally...or meant to replace her.
Then an explosive news story shatters Singapore's famous tranquility--and sends a chill down the spine of every domestic worker. Flordeliza Martinez, a Filipina maid, has been arrested for murdering her female employer. The three women don't know the accused well, but she could be any of them; every worker knows stories of women who were scapegoated or even executed for crimes they didn't commit.
Shocked into action, Donita, Corazon, and Angel will use their considerable moxie and insight to piece together the mystery of what really happened on the day Flordeliza's employer was murdered. After all, no one knows the secrets of Singapore's families like the women who work in their homes...
"Tender and heartfelt, Now You See us also manages to be laugh-out-loud funny. An uplifting story of courage and hope that will keep you enthralled until the very last page."--Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee
"A truly irresistible read. Intricately plotted, propulsive, and provocative, NOW YOU SEE US showcases an author at the peak of her talents."--Kirstin Chen, New York Times bestselling author of Counterfeit
Corazon, Donita, and Angel are Filipina domestic workers--part of the wave of women sent to Singapore to be cleaners, maids, and caregivers.
A veteran domestic worker, Cora had retired back to the Philippines for good, but she has returned to Singapore under mysterious circumstances. Now she's keeping a secret from her wealthy employer, who is planning an extravagant wedding for her socialite daughter.
Barely out of her teens, this is Donita's first time in Singapore, and she's had the bad luck to be hired by the notoriously fussy Mrs. Fann. Brazen and exuberant, Donita's thrown herself into a love affair with an Indian migrant worker.
Working as an in-home caregiver for an elderly employer, Angel is feeling blue after a recent breakup with the woman she loves. She's alarmed when her employer's son suddenly brings in a new nurse who may be a valuable ally...or meant to replace her.
Then an explosive news story shatters Singapore's famous tranquility--and sends a chill down the spine of every domestic worker. Flordeliza Martinez, a Filipina maid, has been arrested for murdering her female employer. The three women don't know the accused well, but she could be any of them; every worker knows stories of women who were scapegoated or even executed for crimes they didn't commit.
Shocked into action, Donita, Corazon, and Angel will use their considerable moxie and insight to piece together the mystery of what really happened on the day Flordeliza's employer was murdered. After all, no one knows the secrets of Singapore's families like the women who work in their homes...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2023
316 people are currently reading
17003 people want to read
About the author
Balli Kaur Jaswal
18 books2,557 followersBalli Kaur Jaswal's latest novel is The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters (Harper Collins/William Morrow). Her previous novels include Inheritance, which won the Sydney Morning Herald’s Best Young Australian Novelist Award, and Sugarbread, a finalist for the Epigram Books Fiction Prize and the Singapore Literature Prize. Her third novel Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows was translated into 15 languages and chosen by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine book club.
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June 5, 2023Oh this is great. A howl of rage, mostly against the abusive, exploitative treatment of Filipino women domestic workers in Singapore, but also against shitty men, the murderous regime of Duterte in the Philippines, religious bigots, homophobic and transphobic bigots, the spoiled selfish rich, and the systems that allow all the above to get away with ruining people's lives.
That's a lot of anger for a book, but that's fine, we have a bottomless well.
It's a really powerful, heartfelt read, and also really human. The three main women are people who make mistakes and have unpleasant feelings: they are full characters with complex lives, not victims. There's decency and love here too, from all sides. There's some absolutely excellent score-settling. But at no point are we allowed to forget the gross injustice of the situation, and how precarious so many people's lives are rendered by other people's casual greed or lack of care. I think possibly the most striking parts are the pitch-perfect extracts from a FB group of employers complaining about their maids: horrifying in the banality of its cruelty.
It's not just political: it's a very entertaining story and contains a neat little murder mystery (though that is not the focus, just the set-up) as well as an understated queer romance and lots of hope. A terrific compelling read that I absolutely wolfed.
That's a lot of anger for a book, but that's fine, we have a bottomless well.
It's a really powerful, heartfelt read, and also really human. The three main women are people who make mistakes and have unpleasant feelings: they are full characters with complex lives, not victims. There's decency and love here too, from all sides. There's some absolutely excellent score-settling. But at no point are we allowed to forget the gross injustice of the situation, and how precarious so many people's lives are rendered by other people's casual greed or lack of care. I think possibly the most striking parts are the pitch-perfect extracts from a FB group of employers complaining about their maids: horrifying in the banality of its cruelty.
It's not just political: it's a very entertaining story and contains a neat little murder mystery (though that is not the focus, just the set-up) as well as an understated queer romance and lots of hope. A terrific compelling read that I absolutely wolfed.
April 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this! I don't even know quite how to classify it as there is a murder mystery here but it also has elements of and reads like either contemporary or women's fiction.
From the Authors Note: "A quarter of the world's 11.5 million migrant domestic workers are women from the Philippines"
The stories of Cora, Angel and Donita, all Filipina domestic workers was so engaging. Cora has a broken heart over the death of her nephew Raymond. She was for all intents and purposes the only parent he had and her grief for his loss weighs on her and has changed her. Her new position is very good but Cora's not inclined to engage or trust anything or anyone. She just wants to do her work and be left alone. Angel, has a position that has been good but circumstances in the household have changed and she now is not only uncomfortable, but she is also unsafe. Rounding out the trio of friends is the youngest, Donita. She has the worst placement by far, with an employer who is straight up abusive. Still, Donita holds her head high and refuses to give Mrs. Fann the complete deference she craves.
Donita's friend, Flordeliza is accused of murdering her employer after being found to have tried to steal. Donita knows Flor didn't do it because, at the time of the killing, Donita saw Flor out and about. But Flor apparently isn't talking, though by all indications, even if she tried, she wouldn't be listened to or believed. Donita takes up the cause and embarks on finding out the truth, with Angel and even reluctant Cora along the trail. This is a very good thread to the story and the situation set up according to the author, was inspired by a real case which culminated in the execution of the accused and convicted domestic. The author had lived in Singapore when the case happened but later moved to the Philippines and there got a whole different view of the story. Beyond the murder, this story gives a searing look at power and wealth. How power can be wielded, wrested and won. How wealth can insulate and shield but also its limits. I didn't want to put this down and when I had to, I thought about it.
I don't want to spoil this by giving too many details because it was such a great read. All the characters were well done, from those I cheered for to those I really wished for bad things to happen to. I very much enjoyed the snippets from the chat group the employers had. Pretty much on brand that the complainers were just the worst. I was often shocked by the rudeness, disrespect and abuse levelled at other human beings on display. I don't care what job someone is doing for another, decency and respect are required. It seemed that many thought their wage payment granted them the right to mistreat people and you just knew it was even worse because they knew they'd have no consequences. This is spoilery, but all the love to Mr. Vijay and his well swung racquet!
I quite liked how everything resolved for the characters. I have to up my rating to 5 stars from 4 for this because it deserves to be a favourite for me. This was a library read for me but I've ordered a copy to keep because I just loved it that much. My only regret is that this is usually the sort of book I like to save for vacation (which I realized as I was reading but surely was not going to put it down for later!) and now I won't be taking this on my summer trip.
Recommended.
From the Authors Note: "A quarter of the world's 11.5 million migrant domestic workers are women from the Philippines"
The stories of Cora, Angel and Donita, all Filipina domestic workers was so engaging. Cora has a broken heart over the death of her nephew Raymond. She was for all intents and purposes the only parent he had and her grief for his loss weighs on her and has changed her. Her new position is very good but Cora's not inclined to engage or trust anything or anyone. She just wants to do her work and be left alone. Angel, has a position that has been good but circumstances in the household have changed and she now is not only uncomfortable, but she is also unsafe. Rounding out the trio of friends is the youngest, Donita. She has the worst placement by far, with an employer who is straight up abusive. Still, Donita holds her head high and refuses to give Mrs. Fann the complete deference she craves.
Donita's friend, Flordeliza is accused of murdering her employer after being found to have tried to steal. Donita knows Flor didn't do it because, at the time of the killing, Donita saw Flor out and about. But Flor apparently isn't talking, though by all indications, even if she tried, she wouldn't be listened to or believed. Donita takes up the cause and embarks on finding out the truth, with Angel and even reluctant Cora along the trail. This is a very good thread to the story and the situation set up according to the author, was inspired by a real case which culminated in the execution of the accused and convicted domestic. The author had lived in Singapore when the case happened but later moved to the Philippines and there got a whole different view of the story. Beyond the murder, this story gives a searing look at power and wealth. How power can be wielded, wrested and won. How wealth can insulate and shield but also its limits. I didn't want to put this down and when I had to, I thought about it.
I don't want to spoil this by giving too many details because it was such a great read. All the characters were well done, from those I cheered for to those I really wished for bad things to happen to. I very much enjoyed the snippets from the chat group the employers had. Pretty much on brand that the complainers were just the worst. I was often shocked by the rudeness, disrespect and abuse levelled at other human beings on display. I don't care what job someone is doing for another, decency and respect are required. It seemed that many thought their wage payment granted them the right to mistreat people and you just knew it was even worse because they knew they'd have no consequences. This is spoilery, but all the love to Mr. Vijay and his well swung racquet!
I quite liked how everything resolved for the characters. I have to up my rating to 5 stars from 4 for this because it deserves to be a favourite for me. This was a library read for me but I've ordered a copy to keep because I just loved it that much. My only regret is that this is usually the sort of book I like to save for vacation (which I realized as I was reading but surely was not going to put it down for later!) and now I won't be taking this on my summer trip.
Recommended.
March 14, 2023
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Scene of the Crime, William Morrow, and Balli Kaur Jaswal for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 3.7!!**
A slow-burn, character driven commentary on class distinction...with just a dash of mystery thrown in!
Three maids (Corazon 'Cora", Donita, and Angel) have been stationed by Merry Maids on the luxurious island of Singapore, but they are all in vastly different situations. Cora has come out of semi-retirement in order to protect a dangerous secret, which she is determined to keep from her employer, Elizabeth....and keep Elizabeth's wealthy daughter Josephine in the dark as well. Donita is brassy, sassy, and isn't afraid to act like the impetuous 20-something that she is...but some romantic rendezvous with an Indian construction worker have not gone unnoticed by her boss, the uppity Mrs. Fann. Angel is recovering from heartbreak after losing her girlfriend, Suzan, but she doesn't have much time to dwell when a new in-home care worker threatens her position in the household.
These women are about to bond in an unexpected way, however...yet another maid, Flordeliza, has been accused of murder...and murdering her EMPLOYER, no less. The trio jump into action, convinced of her innocence, and Donita in particular swears that it could not have been Flordeliza....she SAW her the very same evening. But with their voices stifled by their ma'ams and society itself, can strength in numbers save an innocent woman from a terrible fate?
I was sold on this premise pretty quickly, and from early chapters narrated by Cora, I felt as though I was instantly a part of this intriguing (and sometimes maddening) culture in Singapore. Cora's voice is clear and wise, and it was easy to root for her early on as well. As the narrative moved to some of the other perspectives, however, I'm not sure if some of the other personalities were as intriguing or easy to relate to as hers. Angel's character development seemed to center almost solely around the fact that she had a lesbian relationship and Donita, being a bit of a wild child, also felt redundant in a lot of her sections.
I appreciated the aspect of social commentary on the wealthy vs. the maid class, and the author made some solid points...but after a while, they got a bit repetitive. For instance, the maids discover a Facebook group where many of Singapore's elite with workers in their homes tell story after story about how they are convinced their maid was stealing, cheating with the husband of the house, etc. and after a while, these just got tiresome to read. They were also always placed at the end of a chapter, so it took an already slow-moving narrative and slowed it down even further.
The mystery angle itself is also probably the least important part of the book (in some ways) so if you're eager to play detective, I'd look elsewhere. Not saying you can't put your detective cap on and have a go at it but the perp is a bit predictable and even the eventual discovery isn't really the meat and potatoes of this story. The title alone is honestly enough to give you a sense of the overarching theme of this one, however, so in some ways I didn't feel like I needed to actually READ the book to 'get the point'.
Despite a strong and promising start, this trio of empowered females lacked the oomph I was hoping to find in these pages and left me feeling unfulfilled as a reader. And in a sad parallel to the real-life circumstances that inspired this book? In both instances, there is still a LONG way yet to go.
3.5 stars
A slow-burn, character driven commentary on class distinction...with just a dash of mystery thrown in!
Three maids (Corazon 'Cora", Donita, and Angel) have been stationed by Merry Maids on the luxurious island of Singapore, but they are all in vastly different situations. Cora has come out of semi-retirement in order to protect a dangerous secret, which she is determined to keep from her employer, Elizabeth....and keep Elizabeth's wealthy daughter Josephine in the dark as well. Donita is brassy, sassy, and isn't afraid to act like the impetuous 20-something that she is...but some romantic rendezvous with an Indian construction worker have not gone unnoticed by her boss, the uppity Mrs. Fann. Angel is recovering from heartbreak after losing her girlfriend, Suzan, but she doesn't have much time to dwell when a new in-home care worker threatens her position in the household.
These women are about to bond in an unexpected way, however...yet another maid, Flordeliza, has been accused of murder...and murdering her EMPLOYER, no less. The trio jump into action, convinced of her innocence, and Donita in particular swears that it could not have been Flordeliza....she SAW her the very same evening. But with their voices stifled by their ma'ams and society itself, can strength in numbers save an innocent woman from a terrible fate?
I was sold on this premise pretty quickly, and from early chapters narrated by Cora, I felt as though I was instantly a part of this intriguing (and sometimes maddening) culture in Singapore. Cora's voice is clear and wise, and it was easy to root for her early on as well. As the narrative moved to some of the other perspectives, however, I'm not sure if some of the other personalities were as intriguing or easy to relate to as hers. Angel's character development seemed to center almost solely around the fact that she had a lesbian relationship and Donita, being a bit of a wild child, also felt redundant in a lot of her sections.
I appreciated the aspect of social commentary on the wealthy vs. the maid class, and the author made some solid points...but after a while, they got a bit repetitive. For instance, the maids discover a Facebook group where many of Singapore's elite with workers in their homes tell story after story about how they are convinced their maid was stealing, cheating with the husband of the house, etc. and after a while, these just got tiresome to read. They were also always placed at the end of a chapter, so it took an already slow-moving narrative and slowed it down even further.
The mystery angle itself is also probably the least important part of the book (in some ways) so if you're eager to play detective, I'd look elsewhere. Not saying you can't put your detective cap on and have a go at it but the perp is a bit predictable and even the eventual discovery isn't really the meat and potatoes of this story. The title alone is honestly enough to give you a sense of the overarching theme of this one, however, so in some ways I didn't feel like I needed to actually READ the book to 'get the point'.
Despite a strong and promising start, this trio of empowered females lacked the oomph I was hoping to find in these pages and left me feeling unfulfilled as a reader. And in a sad parallel to the real-life circumstances that inspired this book? In both instances, there is still a LONG way yet to go.
3.5 stars
November 22, 2023
I liked this novel about three Filipina domestic workers in Singapore. Their labor is generally unseen and their working conditions are often poor. Then, a shocking murder accusation is made against one of their friends which disrupts their day-to-day status quo. Each of these women has secrets to keep and allegiances to maintain, though in part through their connection to one another they also gather the strength to challenge the structures that have silenced them for so long.
Balli Kaur Jaswal does a nice job of mixing aspects of different genres in this novel. On one hand, there’s a thriller element about the murder that runs throughout the plot. At the same time, Now You See Us thoroughly interrogates labor conditions of Filipina domestic workers in Singapore and the constraints imposed upon their autonomy. I liked that each of the three protagonists felt distinct in their challenges and desires and for the most part in their voices. I felt that Jaswal effectively captured their struggles while also highlighting their resiliency and capacity to support one another and resist their oppression. She doesn’t minimize their suffering though and how people with power mistreat them. I appreciated that she didn’t sugarcoat the workplace abuse they face. The final two pages brought me to near tears in relation to one of the protagonist’s journey with her grief.
I liked reading how she interviewed Filipina domestic workers in the acknowledgements section. While I didn’t love this book as much as Jaswal’s Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows , I can’t deny that she has a talent for storytelling and can write a relatively complex set of plotlines smoothly. The book jacket describes this novel as Crazy Rich Asians meets The Help, and while I haven’t read the former, I’d say this book is definitely less problematic than The Help - so maybe a less problematic version of The Help blended with Big Little Lies .
Balli Kaur Jaswal does a nice job of mixing aspects of different genres in this novel. On one hand, there’s a thriller element about the murder that runs throughout the plot. At the same time, Now You See Us thoroughly interrogates labor conditions of Filipina domestic workers in Singapore and the constraints imposed upon their autonomy. I liked that each of the three protagonists felt distinct in their challenges and desires and for the most part in their voices. I felt that Jaswal effectively captured their struggles while also highlighting their resiliency and capacity to support one another and resist their oppression. She doesn’t minimize their suffering though and how people with power mistreat them. I appreciated that she didn’t sugarcoat the workplace abuse they face. The final two pages brought me to near tears in relation to one of the protagonist’s journey with her grief.
I liked reading how she interviewed Filipina domestic workers in the acknowledgements section. While I didn’t love this book as much as Jaswal’s Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows , I can’t deny that she has a talent for storytelling and can write a relatively complex set of plotlines smoothly. The book jacket describes this novel as Crazy Rich Asians meets The Help, and while I haven’t read the former, I’d say this book is definitely less problematic than The Help - so maybe a less problematic version of The Help blended with Big Little Lies .
May 11, 2024
I picked up this book on my weekly visit to my local public library for books. I was interested in reading this author because I really enjoyed her book, “Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sometimes you never know if an author can recreate the energy they brought to their writing for their third novel, but I was ready to find out.
Once again, the author takes us into a story with strong and relatable characters and an engaging plot.
It is also seeped with a compelling message that explores oppression and class disparities amongst domestic workers and their employers and the exploitation of immigrant labor.
And then of course, throw in a bit of a murder mystery, and it becomes even more intriguing with sleuthing maids.
Disturbing. Challenging. And yet…a story of courage and hope. A must read!
Sometimes you never know if an author can recreate the energy they brought to their writing for their third novel, but I was ready to find out.
Once again, the author takes us into a story with strong and relatable characters and an engaging plot.
It is also seeped with a compelling message that explores oppression and class disparities amongst domestic workers and their employers and the exploitation of immigrant labor.
And then of course, throw in a bit of a murder mystery, and it becomes even more intriguing with sleuthing maids.
Disturbing. Challenging. And yet…a story of courage and hope. A must read!
April 16, 2024
Told from the point of view of several Filipina housekeepers in Singapore, this story was poignant and heartbreaking. It will stay with me a long time. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 12, 2022
The primary focus of this novel is the real star--looking at the lives of Filipina maids in Singapore--though the maids' individual stories don't come together as much as I'd like. Still, there is a lot to like and I suspect many American readers will be finding out about the issues with domestic workers in other parts of the world for the first time, so it's nice to see the attention. For the most part it threads the needle of light and heavy, showing a variety of experiences. It gets a little melodramatic and the mystery storyline doesn't really work but that wasn't what I was there for.
July 26, 2023
Poignantly crafted novel that sheds an unvarnished light to the plight of pitiable female workers who mange to find work in countries far from home. A touching tale of hope, sacrifice, grief, resolve and morality.
May 5, 2023
I found NOW YOU SEE US by Balli Kaur Jaswal on the Libby app. Check for your local library on the app and read great books for free!📚
Mini-review: I would love to tell you what this book is about, in a front to end sense, but the plot was really convoluted and I had trouble following it the whole way through. For me, the point of most significance is the experience of the domestic staff workers in Singapore and the sometimes torturous conditions they endure.
Full review coming soon!
Rating: 🛁🛁.5 / 5 sparkling bathtubs
Recommend? Yes, for the themes
Finished: May 4 2023
Format: Audiobook (Libby)
Read this if you like:
🏡 Domestic thriller
🔌 Contemporary fiction
🗣 Dialogue (like tons of it)
🇸🇬 Books set in Singapor
🧹 Books about domestic workers
Mini-review: I would love to tell you what this book is about, in a front to end sense, but the plot was really convoluted and I had trouble following it the whole way through. For me, the point of most significance is the experience of the domestic staff workers in Singapore and the sometimes torturous conditions they endure.
Full review coming soon!
Rating: 🛁🛁.5 / 5 sparkling bathtubs
Recommend? Yes, for the themes
Finished: May 4 2023
Format: Audiobook (Libby)
Read this if you like:
🏡 Domestic thriller
🔌 Contemporary fiction
🗣 Dialogue (like tons of it)
🇸🇬 Books set in Singapor
🧹 Books about domestic workers
March 17, 2023
Now, this is how you write a book set in the Singapore that I know and love.
I felt myself being transported to the eclectic shophouses in Chinatown and Jalan Besar, envisioned strolling past the private landed estates of Marine Parade, and could vividly picture the swanky Marina Bay Sands skyscrapers in front of me. But it's not just the geography and culture that the author has nailed.
It's also the social and class divide, the classism and elitism and casual racism, the nation's reliance on a foreign workforce, our treatment and perception of these migrant workers, and a whole plethora of issues that tend to get swept beneath Singapore's glitz and glamour.
I love how this book is told through the alternating POVs of three migrant women in Singapore and enjoyed getting to know them, as it gave me a greater understanding of what workers like them are actually going through in reality.
Cora's grief and how she has been impacted by the Philippine Drug War, Donita's blossoming romance and the savage remarks that she delivers when standing up for herself, Angel trying to better herself... their experiences have all touched me deeply.
There were parts that made me laugh and scenes that filled me with indignance on behalf of the characters. But most of all, I felt quite ashamed after reading this book... in a good way.
Thank you to William Morrow for the Netgalley ARC.
Favorite quotes:
✨ "She knows it's all the little things added up that makes you really want to hurt a person.
✨ "He told her that a domestic worker needed to swallow her pride... but how? If Donita sets aside her pride now, she loses something precious, and look... look at her life scattered across this room. How many precious things does she have to lose?
✨ "...where they have to fight for space with all the other foreign workers in the few tiny public spaces and the even fewer private spaces they are allowed to inhabit."
I felt myself being transported to the eclectic shophouses in Chinatown and Jalan Besar, envisioned strolling past the private landed estates of Marine Parade, and could vividly picture the swanky Marina Bay Sands skyscrapers in front of me. But it's not just the geography and culture that the author has nailed.
It's also the social and class divide, the classism and elitism and casual racism, the nation's reliance on a foreign workforce, our treatment and perception of these migrant workers, and a whole plethora of issues that tend to get swept beneath Singapore's glitz and glamour.
I love how this book is told through the alternating POVs of three migrant women in Singapore and enjoyed getting to know them, as it gave me a greater understanding of what workers like them are actually going through in reality.
Cora's grief and how she has been impacted by the Philippine Drug War, Donita's blossoming romance and the savage remarks that she delivers when standing up for herself, Angel trying to better herself... their experiences have all touched me deeply.
There were parts that made me laugh and scenes that filled me with indignance on behalf of the characters. But most of all, I felt quite ashamed after reading this book... in a good way.
Thank you to William Morrow for the Netgalley ARC.
Favorite quotes:
✨ "She knows it's all the little things added up that makes you really want to hurt a person.
✨ "He told her that a domestic worker needed to swallow her pride... but how? If Donita sets aside her pride now, she loses something precious, and look... look at her life scattered across this room. How many precious things does she have to lose?
✨ "...where they have to fight for space with all the other foreign workers in the few tiny public spaces and the even fewer private spaces they are allowed to inhabit."
June 10, 2024
*Scapegoat*
**3.5 Stars**
This book I felt was a slow burn. It picked up when a friend of the main characters was accused of a crime.
We have 3 main characters Cora, Angel and Donita from the Philippines. They arrive in Singapore to work and the one thing they all share are the rules of being a maid.
No smoking
No boyfriends
No visitors
Be invisible
The women all share their experiences and within the four walls of each household there are secrets that must
be kept. The maids are to be seen and not heard.
When a friend of the maids is accused of the murder of her employer things change. The trouble is the law enforcement seem to arrest, lock up and execute on very flimsy evidence. The maids are easy targets and often this is done to cover up the real crimes.
What will the maids do about it? They know it is unjust and at the same time they could risk their jobs and even their own lives. Is it time to make a stand no matter the consequences?
The latter half of the book was better for me and this book exposed some of the mistreatment of the maids that still happens today.
**3.5 Stars**
This book I felt was a slow burn. It picked up when a friend of the main characters was accused of a crime.
We have 3 main characters Cora, Angel and Donita from the Philippines. They arrive in Singapore to work and the one thing they all share are the rules of being a maid.
No smoking
No boyfriends
No visitors
Be invisible
The women all share their experiences and within the four walls of each household there are secrets that must
be kept. The maids are to be seen and not heard.
When a friend of the maids is accused of the murder of her employer things change. The trouble is the law enforcement seem to arrest, lock up and execute on very flimsy evidence. The maids are easy targets and often this is done to cover up the real crimes.
What will the maids do about it? They know it is unjust and at the same time they could risk their jobs and even their own lives. Is it time to make a stand no matter the consequences?
The latter half of the book was better for me and this book exposed some of the mistreatment of the maids that still happens today.
July 20, 2023
A superbly written and oh so good audio book version. I loved the accents.
This book is not as light hearted as I first thought, it’s much deeper.
Filipina women, Working as domestic in Singapore. It has a mystery going through it which was very attention grabbing however the lives of these poor domestics were unbelievably difficult, made worse by the Singapore women of the house.
Accused of stealing, being made to spread they’re legs for inspection.
Days off? What for?!
I liked how the author wrote this book and the statement left in the back of the book telling how and why she wrote this topic.
This book is not as light hearted as I first thought, it’s much deeper.
Filipina women, Working as domestic in Singapore. It has a mystery going through it which was very attention grabbing however the lives of these poor domestics were unbelievably difficult, made worse by the Singapore women of the house.
Accused of stealing, being made to spread they’re legs for inspection.
Days off? What for?!
I liked how the author wrote this book and the statement left in the back of the book telling how and why she wrote this topic.
November 2, 2022
Balli Kaur Jaswal's NOW YOU SEE US manages to be laugh-out-loud funny at times while offering searing commentary on misogyny, race and class. Beneath the propulsive pulse of the murder mystery is Jaswal's subtle illumination of the many indignities that the powerless must endure in this tender and heartfelt novel. An uplifting story of courage, hope and the power of love that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.
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May 14, 2025A fantastic read that is both compelling and discursive. This book is a sociocultural gem, one that felt personal too because I have family abroad who have maids - and what is portrayed in this book feels representative of how domestic workers are seen and perceived among the rich elite who employ them.
About three Filipino maids who work in Singapore and work together to solve the mystery of their friend who is falsely accused of murder, while also exploring the exploitative and abusive system of oppressed domestic workers.
Reading this, I kept thinking about Anthony Bourdain's conversation with Singaporeans about laundry and the bourgeoisie.
About three Filipino maids who work in Singapore and work together to solve the mystery of their friend who is falsely accused of murder, while also exploring the exploitative and abusive system of oppressed domestic workers.
Reading this, I kept thinking about Anthony Bourdain's conversation with Singaporeans about laundry and the bourgeoisie.
October 17, 2025
Enjoyed the book. Opened my eyes on how house helps are getting treated and how they (mostly females) are taken advantage of. They are easy targets and sensing their desperation to find jobs, they are made criminals even when they are innocent.
Loved the characters. The side characters are quite a handful but they manage to get themselves hated and remembered! Credit goes to the writing!
The characters are quite realistic. The story ends with a good closure and you will enjoy it.
Loved the characters. The side characters are quite a handful but they manage to get themselves hated and remembered! Credit goes to the writing!
The characters are quite realistic. The story ends with a good closure and you will enjoy it.
February 17, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up!
Balli Kaur Jaswal’s Now You See Us shows a side of Singapore that’s different from its glossy depiction in the well-known Crazy Rich Asians. Told from the points of view of three Filipina domestic workers, readers see the clash between the wealthy and the servant class; between traditional values and more modern, progressive attitudes; and between following one’s heart and conscience and following societal norms. Cora, Angel, and Donita each have their own struggles and secrets as well as differing conflicts with their employers, but they are all connected by a sense of loss—loss of family, independence, and identity as they live and work in a country that is not theirs.
I enjoyed seeing this more diverse, grittier portrayal of the country. I also appreciated that the author shined a light on the poor treatment of overseas domestic workers and the Philippines’ controversial war on drugs. But, unfortunately, there was some heart missing in the novel. I didn’t feel connected to the characters, and their friendship with each other seemed lacking and even a bit forced at times. The big murder mystery that brought them together wasn’t executed in a compelling way. To be honest, it was the least interesting part of the novel to me and I wish more time was spent on their background stories and developing bond so I could really grow to care about them and their respective journeys. Nonetheless, I do think this is an important story and worthwhile to read.
Thank you for William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Balli Kaur Jaswal’s Now You See Us shows a side of Singapore that’s different from its glossy depiction in the well-known Crazy Rich Asians. Told from the points of view of three Filipina domestic workers, readers see the clash between the wealthy and the servant class; between traditional values and more modern, progressive attitudes; and between following one’s heart and conscience and following societal norms. Cora, Angel, and Donita each have their own struggles and secrets as well as differing conflicts with their employers, but they are all connected by a sense of loss—loss of family, independence, and identity as they live and work in a country that is not theirs.
I enjoyed seeing this more diverse, grittier portrayal of the country. I also appreciated that the author shined a light on the poor treatment of overseas domestic workers and the Philippines’ controversial war on drugs. But, unfortunately, there was some heart missing in the novel. I didn’t feel connected to the characters, and their friendship with each other seemed lacking and even a bit forced at times. The big murder mystery that brought them together wasn’t executed in a compelling way. To be honest, it was the least interesting part of the novel to me and I wish more time was spent on their background stories and developing bond so I could really grow to care about them and their respective journeys. Nonetheless, I do think this is an important story and worthwhile to read.
Thank you for William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
Now You See Us е чудесен пример за това как съвременните общества продължават традицията от миналото да си играят на господар и подчинен. Как все още / в жадно чакания 21 - ви век!!! / едни хора се възприемат за по - висши от други. Има класи, касти и прослойки. И отношенията между служител и работодател може да са като между господар и роб .
Сингапур днес. Място от другата страна на земното кълбо. Със собствени обществени порядки и традиции. Там е нещо напълно нормално семейство да наеме прислужница. Домашна помощница. Гувернантка. И дори жена, която да обгрижва... кучето. И в по - добре устроената страна се наемат служители от Филипините, Индия, Пакистан и Индонезия. Хора разни , характер- също, а оттам и отношенията и условията.
Съвсем реални образи и достоверно описана социална система, където един трудов емигрант играе на зарове с късмета си - на какъв работодател ще попадне и какъв дял може да му се стовари от семейните тайни, дразги и проблеми? Дали няма да бъде обект на сексуално посегателство, физическо малтретиране, унижение или ще бъде обвинен в най - нелепо прегрешение?
Единственото, което спасява хората, когато са на хиляди километри от родина и дом , е поддръжката. Да се държат един за друг - като общност, като бранш или като човеци. И в миналото, и сега , протегнатата ръка е най -здравото въже, за което да се хванат в бурята на нелеката си съдба.
Наблюдавайки собствената ни действителност, а сега и четейки Now You See Us, разбирам, че онези, които ще променят най - нелепите неписани правила на обществените порядки, няма да сме ние с годините опит зад гърба си. Ние, които сме гледали собствените си борби и усилия безмилостно убити от действителността. Отчаяни от решенията си да вървим по отъпкани, макар и не преки , пътища. Големите борби ще се водят от младите хора. Във всяка страна по света. Примери виждаме и днес, щом включим новинарска емисия. Ще търсят правата си и ще изискват справедливост не с наведена в покорство глава , а със сведен от упоритост и готовност за атака поглед. Като Донита.
Така младостта прави възможно да бъде забелязан всеки глас срещу справедливостта!
* " ... има повече спокойствие в това да не задавате въпроси. "
/ Now You See Us
Сингапур днес. Място от другата страна на земното кълбо. Със собствени обществени порядки и традиции. Там е нещо напълно нормално семейство да наеме прислужница. Домашна помощница. Гувернантка. И дори жена, която да обгрижва... кучето. И в по - добре устроената страна се наемат служители от Филипините, Индия, Пакистан и Индонезия. Хора разни , характер- също, а оттам и отношенията и условията.
Съвсем реални образи и достоверно описана социална система, където един трудов емигрант играе на зарове с късмета си - на какъв работодател ще попадне и какъв дял може да му се стовари от семейните тайни, дразги и проблеми? Дали няма да бъде обект на сексуално посегателство, физическо малтретиране, унижение или ще бъде обвинен в най - нелепо прегрешение?
Единственото, което спасява хората, когато са на хиляди километри от родина и дом , е поддръжката. Да се държат един за друг - като общност, като бранш или като човеци. И в миналото, и сега , протегнатата ръка е най -здравото въже, за което да се хванат в бурята на нелеката си съдба.
Наблюдавайки собствената ни действителност, а сега и четейки Now You See Us, разбирам, че онези, които ще променят най - нелепите неписани правила на обществените порядки, няма да сме ние с годините опит зад гърба си. Ние, които сме гледали собствените си борби и усилия безмилостно убити от действителността. Отчаяни от решенията си да вървим по отъпкани, макар и не преки , пътища. Големите борби ще се водят от младите хора. Във всяка страна по света. Примери виждаме и днес, щом включим новинарска емисия. Ще търсят правата си и ще изискват справедливост не с наведена в покорство глава , а със сведен от упоритост и готовност за атака поглед. Като Донита.
Така младостта прави възможно да бъде забелязан всеки глас срещу справедливостта!
* " ... има повече спокойствие в това да не задавате въпроси. "
/ Now You See Us
July 18, 2023
I first heard about Balli Kaur Jaswal thanks to her novel Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows and although I haven't read it yet, I am looking forward to it even more now. Now You See Us has a mystery element but it ended up being a lot heavier than I expected it to be. There are definitely funny moments, but in my opinion, this is not a lighthearted read. Through the eyes of 3 different Filipina women, we see what it is like to be a domestic worker (specifically in Singapore), and a lot of it is not pretty. I am sure that the author had to do plenty of research in order to write this novel, and I loved the way the MCs come together to catch a killer, even if it is just a small piece of the overall story. I think I enjoyed Cora’s story the most, but I really liked getting to know each of the women and I was glad I got an insight into what it is like to be a female domestic worker outside of your own country. Something I can’t even imagine as a white woman living in America.
I do rather wish there had been 3 different narrators for the audio (if not 4), but I still thought Angela Lin did a fantastic job and I thoroughly enjoyed her narration for this book. I loved the mixed media that Jaswal decided to include in Now You See Us, and it was a great addition on top of the different POVs. The pacing is pretty steady throughout and it would have been incredibly easy for me to make this a one-sitting read if I had the time. There are only about 300 pages although the audiobook itself was a little over 11 hours, but it goes really quickly, and I didn’t want to put it down. I definitely enjoyed the author's writing style as well as the emotion she was able to exude in the storyline. I will be looking forward to reading more of her novels as well as going through her backlist now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I do rather wish there had been 3 different narrators for the audio (if not 4), but I still thought Angela Lin did a fantastic job and I thoroughly enjoyed her narration for this book. I loved the mixed media that Jaswal decided to include in Now You See Us, and it was a great addition on top of the different POVs. The pacing is pretty steady throughout and it would have been incredibly easy for me to make this a one-sitting read if I had the time. There are only about 300 pages although the audiobook itself was a little over 11 hours, but it goes really quickly, and I didn’t want to put it down. I definitely enjoyed the author's writing style as well as the emotion she was able to exude in the storyline. I will be looking forward to reading more of her novels as well as going through her backlist now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 8, 2023
A Well Crafted Women's Fiction.....................
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal is a well crafted women's fiction, taking a dig at the issues faced by the immigrant workers. Reading the book was an overwhelming experience for me. The author has significantly outlined the pain and harassment faced by the immigrant workers. Apart from that, there is a mystery and thrill which enriches the plot with its brilliance. If you are looking for a book with strong women characters, then the book serves just right. Its women characters try to break all the stereotypes and their persona grows over the story. It is not that they are perfect, but, they have flaws and due to that fact they look very real. I felt that the characters are just the one who we encounter in our daily life all the time. And, the most enjoyable thing about the book is that it throws a light on our societal norms, how we have lost empathy and respect for people and How people are divide by borders and presumptions about cultures.
Definitely, a 5 star book. Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow Publishers for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal is a well crafted women's fiction, taking a dig at the issues faced by the immigrant workers. Reading the book was an overwhelming experience for me. The author has significantly outlined the pain and harassment faced by the immigrant workers. Apart from that, there is a mystery and thrill which enriches the plot with its brilliance. If you are looking for a book with strong women characters, then the book serves just right. Its women characters try to break all the stereotypes and their persona grows over the story. It is not that they are perfect, but, they have flaws and due to that fact they look very real. I felt that the characters are just the one who we encounter in our daily life all the time. And, the most enjoyable thing about the book is that it throws a light on our societal norms, how we have lost empathy and respect for people and How people are divide by borders and presumptions about cultures.
Definitely, a 5 star book. Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow Publishers for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
February 10, 2023
This is billed as a cross between Crazy Rich Asians and The Help, both of which I liked, so I thought I'd try it. It is true to the marketing campaign, being similar to both books, but it fell short for me.
The story focuses on three Filipina domestic workers and their situations working in Singapore, Cora, Donita and Angel work for very different families. Donita's ma'am, Mrs. Fann is suspicious and abusive to the young Donita; Cora has a hard time setting boundaries between her and ma'am Elizabeth and Angel, who is supplanted in her role as a caregiver by a newly hired nurse, battles the nurse for control of the household. When a fourth worker, Flordeliza, is arrested for murdering her employer, the three band together to prove her innocence.
Much of the book is spent on the role of foreign workers in Singapore society. Some, like Donita, are abused, and almost all are treated like second-class citizens: tolerated and unacknowledged. The title of the book reflects how invisible they are until the three main characters band together to right a wrong. While the book gives an interesting snapshot of the situation faced by poor workers trying to follow the acknowledged and unacknowledged rules of a culture in which they are trying to assimilate, I kept waiting for more action. It wasn't until the very end that things picked up and the three banded together to draw attention to the miscarriage of justice. The book makes an important statement on the treatment of workers, but I felt it could have been a better book if it was wound up more quickly. 3.5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy for review. The publication date is March 7, 2023.
The story focuses on three Filipina domestic workers and their situations working in Singapore, Cora, Donita and Angel work for very different families. Donita's ma'am, Mrs. Fann is suspicious and abusive to the young Donita; Cora has a hard time setting boundaries between her and ma'am Elizabeth and Angel, who is supplanted in her role as a caregiver by a newly hired nurse, battles the nurse for control of the household. When a fourth worker, Flordeliza, is arrested for murdering her employer, the three band together to prove her innocence.
Much of the book is spent on the role of foreign workers in Singapore society. Some, like Donita, are abused, and almost all are treated like second-class citizens: tolerated and unacknowledged. The title of the book reflects how invisible they are until the three main characters band together to right a wrong. While the book gives an interesting snapshot of the situation faced by poor workers trying to follow the acknowledged and unacknowledged rules of a culture in which they are trying to assimilate, I kept waiting for more action. It wasn't until the very end that things picked up and the three banded together to draw attention to the miscarriage of justice. The book makes an important statement on the treatment of workers, but I felt it could have been a better book if it was wound up more quickly. 3.5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy for review. The publication date is March 7, 2023.
Want to read
January 24, 2023A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
April 19, 2023
The story is about female domestic workers from the Philippines in Singapore. Some are treated well and some are treated very badly. I liked the Singaporean setting. 3.5 stars.
May 12, 2023
Now You See Us is a novel about three Filipino women who are domestic workers in Singapore. When a friend is accused of murder, they band together to investigate and exonerate her. Corazon, Donita, and Angel are cleaners, maids, and caregivers. Because of how the women are treated, they realize it could happen to any of them so they go on a mission to prove their friend is innocent. It's a story about abuse and injustice, but it is also a mystery surrounded by friendship and compassion.
The author does such an excellent job with setting scenes. The book was so visual that I felt I could picture Singapore. All of the little moments were so real. With so much spotlight on privilege and wealth, I think this narrative is critical and gives an interesting insight into the social commentary around a different class and culture.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
The author does such an excellent job with setting scenes. The book was so visual that I felt I could picture Singapore. All of the little moments were so real. With so much spotlight on privilege and wealth, I think this narrative is critical and gives an interesting insight into the social commentary around a different class and culture.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
May 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book set in Singapore and told from the perspectives of various Filipino home workers/service workers. A murder mystery is at the heart of the story but sometimes I lost sight of that because the characters are very well developed and had separate full lives outside of their common connection to the murder mystery. It was funny to me how the rich Singaporean women were portrayed because they were just like how the wealthy rich white women are described by the service workers in the US so that was super amusing to me. I recommend this text to anyone interested in reading stories from the Asian diaspora.
April 17, 2023
I appreciate the ways Now You See Us sheds light on issues affecting immigrant workers in Singapore, particularly Filipina women that are hired as maids, but the pacing, the mystery, and the characters aren't given enough time to breathe. The relationships between the women and the various issues in their lives were muddled because so many things were put into this book with not enough time to meaningfully explore many of them. The result is a story that feels very rushed and message-first rather than couching it in the lives of these characters.
March 13, 2023
I won this book in a giveaway (thank you). I really was looking forward to this one because of the author’s previous books. However, this book was a bit long and lacked substance. Couldn’t connect with any characters, especially the shallow/depth-less one. I wish the ending could have been the saving grace but just wasn’t for me.
May 27, 2025
I think I may have found a new favorite author 👀
I really love when a book opens my eyes to things I previously was unaware of and this book did that. Things started out a bit slow but I gradually became immersed in the story and invested in these three women’s lives and struggles. The tone of this is so different from “Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows” but I really enjoyed it.
I really love when a book opens my eyes to things I previously was unaware of and this book did that. Things started out a bit slow but I gradually became immersed in the story and invested in these three women’s lives and struggles. The tone of this is so different from “Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows” but I really enjoyed it.
March 28, 2023
Once I read Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, I knew I was a fan of Jaswal. She has an amazing knack for capturing a community and it's uniqueness but at the same time making her characters so relatable. This book was completely different (Singapore vs London) but similarly presenting the perspective of a marginalized group (here domestic--mostly Filipino--staff, vs forgotten older women in Erotic Stories).
A talented, brilliant writer, a compelling mystery and so much human insight. A great read. Five enthusiastic stars.
A talented, brilliant writer, a compelling mystery and so much human insight. A great read. Five enthusiastic stars.
April 3, 2023
"It sheds light on the lives of so many women—women who usually remain unseen."
Here's what the #ReadWithMC community thought about Balli Kaur Jaswal's 'Now You See Us': https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/b...
Here's what the #ReadWithMC community thought about Balli Kaur Jaswal's 'Now You See Us': https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/b...
March 19, 2025
I really enjoy fun books about heavy topics done well, and this one totally qualifies. I enjoyed it more than Kaur Jaswal's previous hit Erotic Novels for Punjabi Widows, which was good enough to make me want to pick this one up. The novel centers around three Filipino maids working in Singapore, and their involvement in trying to investigate when another maid is accused of murder. The three women - one in her 20s, one in her 30s and one in her 40s - face different challenges in work and life, and the book uses this to shed light on the worlds of foreign domestic workers, who often work 16 hour days, are underfed and have their movements and relationships tightly controlled. And yest, even given the shocking conditions, many are able to pull families out of desperate poverty as a result. Kaur Jaswal also touches on Duterte and the impact of his state driven violence on the economically vulnerable.
But this, despite the topic, is a feel good novel where you are justified in knowing the ending for our characters will leave them happier than before, and where the friendships between them - and the FDW community in general - provide much of the heart of the book. There is no lingering in misery, and scenes focus on resistance and rebellion (even of the silent mental kind) over the drama of abuse.
There were a few minor pacing issues in the middle of the book - caused in part by the number of threads, all fascinating, Kaur Jasawl gives us, but overall I really loved this and will be digging out her earlier books in the hope they are this good.
But this, despite the topic, is a feel good novel where you are justified in knowing the ending for our characters will leave them happier than before, and where the friendships between them - and the FDW community in general - provide much of the heart of the book. There is no lingering in misery, and scenes focus on resistance and rebellion (even of the silent mental kind) over the drama of abuse.
There were a few minor pacing issues in the middle of the book - caused in part by the number of threads, all fascinating, Kaur Jasawl gives us, but overall I really loved this and will be digging out her earlier books in the hope they are this good.
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