Old Woman and Her Maid — Katie Vistas

Sonia and her apartment mates are having a kindle reading session in their lounge.

Mary chooses the eBook 'Old Woman and Her Maid' which was recommended to her by Sheena Thomson, GLC Librarian.

The girls take turns to read aloud the chapters; they would later do the same thing after having posted their reviews.

When Carol gets kicked out of her cleaner's job, she runs into Candice who requests her to become a permanent in-house maid.
Carol, who would soon become homeless, gladly consents, and she starts living with Candice and her daughter Emily.
Things run smoothly in Candice's home until Carol loses her innocence one night.
And soon something terrible happens...

"Good Lord, I never expected this story to...," Mary would say, as the girls look at each other in deep shock.

Sonia immediately asks everyone to hush up. "Stop. Speak no more. If we were to discuss this controversial story we would lose sleep over arguments...especially Lisa and Kim."

The girls agree with Sonia and write their reviews, which they once again take turns to read aloud in the same order.

"Five stars: The story all along has a very subdued tempo; it is as if we are moving into a dull boring village. But that is perfectly understandable as the entire novelette revolves around three very ordinary people: an old widow, her handicapped daughter, and their innocent black maid. Obviously you cannot expect flashy action scenes in the story and understandably there is no humor either. In such a story setting what impresses me are the interior monologues of Carol. And then towards the last three chapters there is that unexpected twist. I don't want to give away spoilers. I stop here. In conclusion, I must say that I enjoyed this novelette. Miss Reliable."

"Three stars: Not my cup of tea. This story makes me sober. There was no a-ha moment. It was engaging though. Goofie."

"One star: Hi, I had a reading session with my chums and I didn't know that this is a lesbian story. Sorry but I'm straight. This author is a pishead. Waaa...Pokehead."

"Four stars. I liked all the interplay that happens inside the mind of the maid Carol. These kind of thoughts run through as undercurrents amongst many blacks. But I also liked the thoughts that run inside Robin Kirby. A lot of whites secretly adore the black skin even though outwardly they may exhibit racist behavior. There was drama towards the end and there was erotic content but it could have been a little bit more arousing! Hence I reduced one star. Princess."

"Four stars. I loved this small story and I felt sorry for Candice. She appears nice and innocent all along. The writing didn't make me to cry though. Moral of the story: Don't be too good in life; especially don't ALWAYS feel sorry for han...No, I don't want to get my review deleted for saying controversial things! Buttercup."

The girls go to bed after that and Sonia once again looks into the eBook.

"Hmm impressive...'Old Woman and Her Maid' by Ashtaan..."

"Ashtaan has been teaching English grammar for more than a decade. She enjoys reading, golfing, and spending quality time with her girlfriend Aisoph."

Sonia yawns, switches off her kindle, and pulls the blanket over her head.