Why do you think Soraya hesitates to share her time at Heron Place with her mother?
What do you think of her mother’s response to Soraya being unhappy there?
It is after this altercation that Soraya realizes how much her mother has aged. Do you experience this realization as well?
Soraya is woken up by a dream telling her about a room she hasn’t seen. What do you think the dream is trying to tell her?
Mrs. Hattingh can be found lingering in the kitchen at the start of Chapter Eleven. After asking her questions, she tells Soraya that she cannot return home anymore. What do you think of this? Do you believe that this will make Soraya not want to keep her promise to herself and her mother?
Why do you think Mrs. Hattingh has truly taken this away from Soraya?
Soraya spits into Mrs. Hattingh’s food. Do you think this will satisfy Soraya?
On one of the long days that Soraya is forced to remain at Heron Place, Mrs. Hattingh asks Soraya to massage her neck. What do you think of Mrs. Hattingh’s reaction? Does this perhaps give you an idea of who Rosa’s artist was?
What do you think of Soraya’s dream that follows the massage?
A thin-waisted man came to visit Heron Place to assess Rosa in Chapter Twelve. What do you think of everything Mrs. Hattingh told him about Timothy? Does this make you doubt whether Timothy is truly coming to visit and that he survived the war?
Soraya hears the amount that Mr. Avery is willing to give for Rosa. What do you think of Soraya’s reaction? Do you share her sentiment?
Soraya’s rage is quickly starting to grow in these chapters. Where do you think this anger will lead Soraya?
As Mrs. Hattingh reads Nour’s letter, Soraya realizes something. Mrs. Hattingh has started reading as though she wrote the letter. What do you think this change in voice means for both characters?
Do you think that it is possible that Mrs. Hattingh had something to do with Nour losing his place at the college?
“I am the storyteller, I think, but Nour is the bearer of hope, foolish hope, unreasonable hope, stupid hope” – page 153
In the above quote, Soraya shares something about Nour. Do you know someone like him?
Something is becoming abundantly clear about Mrs. Hattingh; she likes to suggest that she has all these connections, but we never truly see her use these connections. What do you think of this?
Are you surprised that Mrs. Hattingh sent Nour a jumper? What do you make of this?
Soraya has not received a letter from Nour for over a month. What do you think is the cause of this?
In Chapter Thirteen, Kashif comes running to Soraya at Heron Place with devastating news. Why do you think Soraya’s mother forbade anyone from telling Soraya the news?
What do you think of Soraya saying Nour had abandoned her?
Kashif tells Soraya that people believe she is strange and that her job is changing her. What do you think of this?
Soraya’s father left her a gift. What did you think of it—without the usual adornments but still exactly as it needs to be?
Soraya finds herself heavy and tired following the death of her father. She states that she is living underwater. How do you think Soraya’s grief compares to Mrs. Hattingh’s grief and the grief that can be found in the house?
9 responses to “Cape Fever Day Four”
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For fear of judgement?
I mean I get that their finances are tight, so Soraya needs to help by brining money in, but it almost feels like the mother isn’t too concerned with Soraya’s feelings. Instead of a conversation to try and understand, maybe offer advice, or just an ear to listen, she was brushed off.
No I can’t say I do. Maybe it’s noticeable because Soraya hasn’t seen her mother in a while.
To find the room. Maybe she’ll get answers to some of her questions by finding it.
Mrs. Hattingh is manipulative and controlling. I don’t understand what her endgame is here. It’s like she’s trying to isolate Soraya for some reason.
I honestly don’t know. But it’s so wrong!
Gross. But yes. Though I think it’s going to be short lived.
No? I’ve clearly missed something here 😅
I’m not going to lie, her dreams confuse me and I don’t know if they’re messages, warnings or just random dreams that don’t mean anything.
At first I thought Timothy wants nothing to do with his mother. Now I’m thinking he’s died and she’s lying about it. Though I have no idea why.
I was surprised and I think her reaction is understandable.
I think she’s going to actively start looking for answers. At the house. In relation to Nour. All of it. She’ll probably leave once she has them. But there’ll probably be a big blow out/ confrontation between her and Mrs. Hattingh first.
I’m wondering if he has written at all or if Mrs. Hattingh has been communicating with him on Soraya’s behalf. Without Soraya’s knowledge. It might be why his mother’s behaviour was strange. The whole situation is weird.
Yes I do. Though I don’t know how or why.
I do. A few people actually. I think it’s wonderful to have hope like that.
I think she’s full of self-importance.
I am and it’s super weird. Like… why??
Either Mrs. Hattingh has said/ done something to make him stop, or he has written and she’s hiding the letters.
She needs Soraya to keep her job.
I think there’s more to it but I can understand why she thinks this.
I think people already thought she was strange. It just got worse since she started this job.
I think it’s a gift she will cherish. To know that he thought of her while she was away.
I think Mrs. Hattingh is in detail and hasn’t given herself a chance to grieve. Soraya is raw with it. She is also, probably, experiencing a lot of guilt for being gone so long.
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1. Soraya hesitates because she wants to protect her mother from worry.
2. Her mother is upset and worried about losing income. While I don’t fully agree with her response, her anxiety about financial stability is understandable.
3. Yes. Moments like this are emotional reminders of how time passes and the realities of growing older.
4. The dream may be guiding Soraya toward hidden truths in the house, suggesting there’s something she hasn’t yet seen or understood.
5. I’m enraged by Mrs Hattingh. She has taken away Soraya’s freedom, but I don’t believe Soraya will break her promise.
6. Mrs Hattingh is tightening her control over Soraya by isolating her and reducing her support system, increasing her own power over her.
7. It may not truly satisfy Soraya, but spitting into the food is a small act of rebellion in a situation where she has very little power.
8. Mrs Hattingh’s reaction is very uncomfortable, showing her control over Soraya. Bringing up Nour during the neck massage feels like a taunt.
9. Soraya’s dream reflects her intuition and unease. Seeing Mrs Hattingh with Nour feels like a warning that something is definitely wrong.
10. Mrs Hattingh’s account of Timothy feels suspicious. It’s clear she’s hiding something.
11. Soraya’s reaction is completely valid. It’s upsetting to feel that your life is worth less than a piece of art.
12. Soraya’s anger is intense and could push her towards ending Mrs Hattingh’s life.
13. Mrs Hattingh’s voice shift shows her growing obsession with Nour and loss of reality, which is unsettling.
14. Yes.
15. Yes.
16. Yes, I’m surprised. I was worried she would accuse Soraya of theft, and it made me feel uneasy.
17. I think Mrs Hattingh is hiding the letters and not telling Soraya about them.
18. Soraya’s mother likely kept the news from her because she knew Soraya would leave Heron Place immediately, and the family needed her income.
19. Soraya’s feelings are valid and understandable; it’s natural to feel hurt and abandoned when someone important goes silent.
20. In some ways, it may be true. Going through what Soraya endured would change anyone. But those people don’t understand that she has lost all her freedom and autonomy.
21. The gift was perfect for her. Her father clearly knew what she would appreciate, use, and take good care of it.
22. Grief is personal, and comparing it can be difficult. Soraya’s loss is compounded by Mrs Hattingh’s actions, denying her the chance to see her father before his death.
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Bc its become a little more complicated, w the letter writing, Mrs. H sending the jumper of Timothy to Nour.
I think she means well given her likely experience w it in the past.
Fortunately not, I’m aware one day she will pass, as will I, but she doesn’t look a day over 40.
To go look and see what it might hide? I’m not sure.
I’m not sure why she changed her tune, perhaps, she felt that she’s lost some power or control after being likewise invested in the letter writing.
I think she wants to reassert her power.
I think was too much even for Soraya. Under no circumstance should spitting in another’s food ever be permitted. It is the lowest of all the lows.
Does it give us an idea? You think it was Soraya who painted Rosa? That would be incredible if that is the case.
I honestly am confused by all of her dreams; they could mean a myriad of things.
Man! Do you think Timothy is dead and this all a ruse???
I think it is a hard thing to rationalise. How is 7 years’ worth of her labour equivalent ti a painting that likely didn’t take that long to complete and has changed many hands. But that’s the power of art in the right hands it receives its value.
I think she will take it out on someone. But honestly, too much has happened and too short a space of time. From her lover, to her father, it’s too much.
It’s become too personal and less sacred.
Oh, no, I hope not. I sincerely hope not, but perhaps it’s the case and that’s why he stopped responding to her letters. Listen, these hints you’re dropping are blowing my mind if proved to be true!
I am him. Start w hope is a life motto of mine.
I’m not sure, perhaps she had them and doesn’t or perhaps she does, or maybe she believe she does bc she is so delusional.
Yes, I am very surprised, especially bc she said she sent it to her son. Moreover, it seems like an obsession has developed – first w them sharing a birthday, then w here thinking they are the same height and weight and sending the jumper.. it’s strange.
I think Mrs. H must have put something in her last letter since it was written and sent after the jumper incident. Maybe it’s her way of getting back at Soraya.
Perhaps, she thought his healthy would improve and she didn’t want to take Soraya from work since they need the money.
It seems like her has abandoned her. But there is something we aren’t being told and I think Mrs. H is at the heart of it – w whatever she said in the last letter.
I think its been something mentioned several times in the story so its likely that there is a reason for so many people making the same observations about Heron Place. Perhaps something happened to Fatmia while she worked there, too.
I think it was sweet of her father to do.
It’s 10 times heavier I think but maybe its bc she isn’t given the time to properly grieve. She is back at work and has to be present somehow.
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Why do you think Soraya hesitates to share her time at Heron Place with her mother?
1. She must feel as though she can’t because her mother only tells her to stop complaining.What do you think of her mother’s response to Soraya being unhappy there?
2. It is sad but understandable, given what her mother has and is living through.It is after this altercation that Soraya realizes how much her mother has aged. Do you experience this realization as well?
3. Yes, I do.Soraya is woken up by a dream telling her about a room she hasn’t seen. What do you think the dream is trying to tell her?
4. That there are hidden secrets in the house.Mrs. Hattingh can be found lingering in the kitchen at the start of Chapter Eleven. After asking her questions, she tells Soraya that she cannot return home anymore. What do you think of this? Do you believe that this will make Soraya not want to keep her promise to herself and her mother?
5. I think it is a horrible thing for Mrs. Hattingh to do, and I do think that it might anger Soraya so much that she could break that promise.Why do you think Mrs. Hattingh has truly taken this away from Soraya?
6. I think Mrs. Hattingh wants more control.Soraya spits into Mrs. Hattingh’s food. Do you think this will satisfy Soraya?
7. I think in the moment it does, but not in the long term, no.On one of the long days that Soraya is forced to remain at Heron Place, Mrs. Hattingh asks Soraya to massage her neck. What do you think of Mrs. Hattingh’s reaction? Does this perhaps give you an idea of who Rosa’s artist was?
8. Rosa did not cross my mind in that scene.What do you think of Soraya’s dream that follows the massage?
9. I think it happens because Mrs. Hattingh mentions Nour during the massage.A thin-waisted man came to visit Heron Place to assess Rosa in Chapter Twelve. What do you think of everything Mrs. Hattingh told him about Timothy? Does this make you doubt whether Timothy is truly coming to visit and that he survived the war?
10. Yes, it does.Soraya hears the amount that Mr. Avery is willing to give for Rosa. What do you think of Soraya’s reaction? Do you share her sentiment?
11. If I were in her position, then yes, I would.Soraya’s rage is quickly starting to grow in these chapters. Where do you think this anger will lead Soraya?
12. As I said earlier, I think it might lead to her breaking the promise she made to her mother and herself.As Mrs. Hattingh reads Nour’s letter, Soraya realizes something. Mrs. Hattingh has started reading as though she wrote the letter. What do you think this change in voice means for both characters?
13. I think Mrs. Hattingh has become way too invested (has been from the start, really) in the letters. For Soraya, I think it feels like she is losing something of herself.Do you think that it is possible that Mrs. Hattingh had something to do with Nour losing his place at the college?
14. I would not be surprised.“I am the storyteller, I think, but Nour is the bearer of hope, foolish hope, unreasonable hope, stupid hope” – page 153
In the above quote, Soraya shares something about Nour. Do you know someone like him?
15. I’m not sure.Something is becoming abundantly clear about Mrs. Hattingh; she likes to suggest that she has all these connections, but we never truly see her use these connections. What do you think of this?
16. She might just be posturing.Are you surprised that Mrs. Hattingh sent Nour a jumper? What do you make of this?
17. It is surprising and confusing. I had no idea what to make of it.Soraya has not received a letter from Nour for over a month. What do you think is the cause of this?
18. I keep thinking that Mrs. Hattingh must have said something to him in a letter that made him stop writing for some reason.In Chapter Thirteen, Kashif comes running to Soraya at Heron Place with devastating news. Why do you think Soraya’s mother forbade anyone from telling Soraya the news?
19. She was scared that Soraya would lose her job.What do you think of Soraya saying Nour had abandoned her?
20. Well, he hasn’t written in a long time, and then he doesn’t show up for her father’s funeral.Kashif tells Soraya that people believe she is strange and that her job is changing her. What do you think of this?
21. I think that people like to look for things to gossip about.Soraya’s father left her a gift. What did you think of it—without the usual adornments but still exactly as it needs to be?
22. He knew his daughter and gifted her something only he could. It was perfect.Soraya finds herself heavy and tired following the death of her father. She states that she is living underwater. How do you think Soraya’s grief compares to Mrs. Hattingh’s grief and the grief that can be found in the house?
23. It is not entirely dissimilar in certain ways. Mrs. Hattingh has sat with her grief for much longer, but they were both trying to distract themselves, and neither of them could really function properly. In other ways, though, it is different. Mrs. Hattingh has isolated herself and carries a lot of shame, while Soraya has a lot of anger, and her grief is new and raw. -
1. She doesn’t want her mother to worry about her.
2. The family’s financial stability depends on Soraya keeping her job and that’s her mothers main concern; which is valid; but she could have been more compassionate and supporting.
3. Yes and it’s sad that whilst we’re just trying to make a living we’re all getting old.
4. I’m not sure but I think it might be a sign for her to go searching for things that are hidden.
5. Mrs H’s nature of having control knows no bounds! I was infuriated! I don’t think that Soraya will break her promise though.
6. She wants to have all the control over her and have Soraya at her mercy.
7. For the time being maybe but I don’t think for long. Mrs H has a way of pushing Soraya to her limits.
8. It was very awkward and a line has been crossed but I didn’t make the correlation to Rosa in this scene.
9. I think it’s her subconscious thoughts infiltrating her dreams to warn her.
10. Mrs H is definitely not being forthcoming or truthful. I get the feeling there a lot more to it than she wants us to believe.
11. I agree with her reaction because it’s very sad indeed to know how little value can be place on one’s worth.
12. I think it will lead to an outburst of epic proportions!
13. Mrs H is no longer just the writer of Soraya’s letters, she’s putting herself into the narrative which is very concerning!
14. Yes she definitely did!
15. Yes I do.
16. She loves to feel important and needed and like she holds a high position in society.
17. Yes. It’s very odd indeed! I struggled to make sense of it.
18. Either Mrs H said something to him in the last letter that made him stop writing or she’s hiding the letters from Soraya.
19. She didn’t want to make her worry or jeopardise her job/wages.
20. She’s right because he did abandon her when she needed him the most.
21. I think looking in from the outside that the statement is true but I’m saying that they don’t know all that Soraya has gone through.
22. Her father shared a very special bond with her and his gift reflected that. It was perfect.
23. They’re both grieving in their own ways. It’s very sad indeed!
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1. I think that her mother would just think that she is being treated well.
2. I think the mother should’ve asked more questions as to why her daughter is unhappy in what seems to be the ‘perfect’ job.
3. I do experience this.
4. I think the dream is trying to warn her about Mrs Hattingh’s house.
5. I think that Mrs Hattingh keeps getting worse and this could be what Fatima has been warning her about. I do think that this might make her break her promise as she is close with her family and it means that she cannot she Nour.
6. I think Mrs Hattingh is trying to prevent Soraya from leaving her position. If something happens in the family or if she gets the opportunity to see Nour that might make her leave.
7. I think in the moment it satifies her but it won’t make a difference.
8. It didn’t give me an idea on who the artist was.
9. The dream could be telling Soraya about Mrs Hattingh’s intentions with the letters.
10. From this moment I’ve been thinking what if Timothy actually died in war…because why is he constantly delayed in visiting?
11. I do share her sentiment that is a lot of money.
12. I think her rage will lead her to go against her mothers wishes and stand up to Mrs Hattingh.
13. In a way Mrs Hattingh has almost taken over Soraya’s identity and this leads Soraya to lose her identity.
14. I do think so.
15. I know many people like this.
16. She tries to portray herself as something she cannot be.
17. At this point no I’m not surprised but I also think that it’s weird that she tries to hold on to everything that belongs to Timothy but is okay with sending Nour his belongings.
18. I think the cause of it has everything to do with Mrs Hattingh.
19. Her mother knew that Soraya would drop everything – even lose her job – to be near her father in his last moments.
20. I thought this was sad as he wasn’t even there when she needed him.
21. I think that this has everything to do with the letters, maybe Nour has been telling them of some of the weird things being written in it (thanks to Mrs Hattingh).
22. I thought that this was such a thoughtful gift. He knew exactly what she needed.
23. I think of Soraya’s grief as sincere and filled with love. Whereas the grief of Mrs Hattingh and the house is built on anger and a feeling of abandonment. -
Why do you think Soraya hesitates to share her time at Heron Place with her mother?
It didn’t really feel like her mom had sympathy for her difficulties at Heron Place. Soraya likely didn’t want to worry or disappoint her.
What do you think of her mother’s response to Soraya being unhappy there?
Case in point for my previous answer. Even if finances are tight, that’s still your daughter.
It is after this altercation that Soraya realizes how much her mother has aged. Do you experience this realization as well?
Not particularly.
Soraya is woken up by a dream telling her about a room she hasn’t seen. What do you think the dream is trying to tell her?
Perhaps that the room has answers to the difficulties she is facing.
Mrs. Hattingh can be found lingering in the kitchen at the start of Chapter Eleven. After asking her questions, she tells Soraya that she cannot return home anymore. What do you think of this? Do you believe that this will make Soraya not want to keep her promise to herself and her mother?
It made me so mad! Why is she trying to isolate Soraya so much?
Why do you think Mrs. Hattingh has truly taken this away from Soraya?
She is manipulative and it could just be another way for her to exert power over Soraya.
Soraya spits into Mrs. Hattingh’s food. Do you think this will satisfy Soraya?
I think it will be short-lived satisfaction but it sure made me smile.
On one of the long days that Soraya is forced to remain at Heron Place, Mrs. Hattingh asks Soraya to massage her neck. What do you think of Mrs. Hattingh’s reaction? Does this perhaps give you an idea of who Rosa’s artist was?
The reaction was a bit uncomfortable and intimate. Not sure about the artist or how it ties in?
What do you think of Soraya’s dream that follows the massage?
It definitely reflects her unease and unhappiness with her current situation. It also feels like a warning.
A thin-waisted man came to visit Heron Place to assess Rosa in Chapter Twelve. What do you think of everything Mrs. Hattingh told him about Timothy? Does this make you doubt whether Timothy is truly coming to visit and that he survived the war?
For sure.
Soraya hears the amount that Mr. Avery is willing to give for Rosa. What do you think of Soraya’s reaction? Do you share her sentiment?
It’s completely valid. I can imagine it must be very upsetting to hear that your hard work is worth less than a painting.
Soraya’s rage is quickly starting to grow in these chapters. Where do you think this anger will lead Soraya?
I think she wants to act on it but I’m wondering if her commitment to helping her family will stop her.
As Mrs. Hattingh reads Nour’s letter, Soraya realizes something. Mrs. Hattingh has started reading as though she wrote the letter. What do you think this change in voice means for both characters?
It makes Soraya feel more unsettled and uneasy, while Mrs H might be developing a bit of obsession with Nour.
Do you think that it is possible that Mrs. Hattingh had something to do with Nour losing his place at the college?
Absolutely. It could all be part of that power dynamic she insists on lording over Soraya.
“I am the storyteller, I think, but Nour is the bearer of hope, foolish hope, unreasonable hope, stupid hope” – page 153
In the above quote, Soraya shares something about Nour. Do you know someone like him?Yes, a few people in my family make me think of him.
Something is becoming abundantly clear about Mrs. Hattingh; she likes to suggest that she has all these connections, but we never truly see her use these connections. What do you think of this?
She wants Soraya to think she is powerful and well-connected, perhaps scaring Soraya into submission.
Are you surprised that Mrs. Hattingh sent Nour a jumper? What do you make of this?
Yes. It was so weird, especially since she lied about it.
Soraya has not received a letter from Nour for over a month. What do you think is the cause of this?
Mrs. H could be hiding the letters or not sending Soraya’s at all in an attempt to control the narrative around their relationship.
In Chapter Thirteen, Kashif comes running to Soraya at Heron Place with devastating news. Why do you think Soraya’s mother forbade anyone from telling Soraya the news?
She didn’t want her to do anything that might lead to her losing her job.
What do you think of Soraya saying Nour had abandoned her?
It made me really sad, especially since Nour was set up as this really solid guy.
Kashif tells Soraya that people believe she is strange and that her job is changing her. What do you think of this?
It could be because of the rumours floating around about Mrs. H. People may think that because Soraya is working for her, she is also becoming a bit cooky.
Soraya’s father left her a gift. What did you think of it—without the usual adornments but still exactly as it needs to be?
It was a perfect gift for Soraya.
Soraya finds herself heavy and tired following the death of her father. She states that she is living underwater. How do you think Soraya’s grief compares to Mrs. Hattingh’s grief and the grief that can be found in the house?
It’s difficult to say because we so rarely see Mrs. H with her guard down, so we can never really tell what she is feeling. Soraya’s grief is definitely made more difficult to navigate by Mrs. H not allowing her to see her family before her father’s death.
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1) I think she doesn’t want her mom to know how much she’s not enjoying it and she will likely just tell her to be grateful she has a job.
2) she’s just being a mother. Worried about finances and the stability of the family.
3) All the time and it breaks my heart.
4) Maybe her dream is a sort of premonition or something telling her to seek out the room for answers.
5) This was terrible. How can you keep someone from returning home. And when she does go home it’s for a single night. It’s not like she’s away for long. I think Mrs. H is trying to isolate Soraya. It will definitely drive Soraya to breaking point.
6) She wants Soraya to be dependent on her (Mrs. H) and isolate her from her family.
7) No – but i think it’s the start of small acts of defiance.
8) Massages are weirdly intimate and I think it crossed a boundary. I didn’t think it gave us any hint into who painted Rosa.
9) I think her dream is a reflection of her insecurity around the letter writing and the absence of Nour (not being able to see him) – and Mrs. H being the middle man. I think she’s still afraid Mrs. H is twisting her words in the letters.
10) I think he did survive the war but to what extent I’m unsure. It all feels too surreal. Thinly veiled truths.
11) it’s a valid reaction. She’s working so hard and yet this painting that sits and gathers dust is worth more than a years wage.
12) It’s a very slippery slope – I hope it doesn’t lead her somewhere she regrets.
13) The power is still with Mrs. H and Soraya’s presence is dimming.
14) I very much think so.
15) Yes – we all need someone in our lives with with kind of unkempt positivity and hope.
16) she’s trying to make herself seem more important and grand than she actually is. It’s a sign of her insecurities.
17) I was. This is yet another boundary she has crossed with Soraya and her relationship with Nour and it’s really uncomfortable.
18) ooh I believe Mrs. H has something to do with this. I’m afraid she may have said something to him as Soraya (especially about not getting into college and making it seem as if Soraya is disappointed by him and now he doesn’t want to respond)
19) so that she doesn’t disappoint her employer by leaving and potentially losing her job. They clearly need the money from Soraya’s salary.
20) my heart breaks for Soraya. She should have never gone through with the letter writing.
21) I believe that – her job is making her angry.
22) It’s exactly what she needed – showing her she doesnt need all the extravagant things or adornments. She just needs her strong faith and support system to rely on.
23) Everyone’s grief (and how the handle it) is different. Soraya has actually lost her father – this is a very big loss for anyone. Whereas Mrs. H, although he is still alive, has also lost her son – with his absence. And the house has its own grief – neglect & emptiness and a loss of what it once was.
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She probably doesn’t want to worry her mother with tales of just how much she is being exploited by Mrs Hattingh, especially since her mom cares more about how much money is being brought in for the family through Soraya’s job.
I think it’s a reflection of the sad reality of people with a lower socioeconomic status that need to prioritise providing for their family over their happiness or treatment at their job.
I experienced this realisation a few years ago when I looked at my mom and her sisters and was surprised at how many years have flown by and how much smaller they looked compared to my previous memories of them.
It’s trying to tell her that there is something important in that room that she needs to find.
I thought it was surprising and unfair, and although Soraya would still keep her promise to her family, she probably will struggle a lot with this newfound isolation from her family.
I think she’s taken Soraya’s visits to her family away because it gives Soraya more bodily and emotional autonomy away from her dependence on Mrs Hattingh.
I think it will satisfy Soraya momentarily, since it’s a small act of rebellion that doesn’t solve the main issue of Mrs Hattingh exerting more and more control over her.
The neck massage was a new level of servitude I wasn’t expecting, but I wasn’t thinking of Rosa in that scene.
It was quite a hectic dream, with a lot of uncomfortable imagery.
It did cross my mind that Timothy might not have survived the war, which would’ve explained all the delayed visitations and why they weren’t happening (as if it was Mrs Hattingh’s way of living in denial over her son’s death).
Her reaction was so valid and made me consider just how broad and unfair the wealth gap is for her. I definitely shared her sentiment about how much the painting was worth compared to how much the annual salary for her labour was worth.
I initially thought that this bottled up anger would lead Soraya to explode someday, but in a calculated way.
It means that the letters to Nour are becoming less an exchange between Soraya and Nour and more of a product of Mrs Hattingh’s words to Nour. The change in voice signifies the loss of Soraya’s voice not only in Heron Place, but in this situation and in the dynamic between her and Mrs Hattingh.
Oh she most definitely did.
Yes I do. I find their ability to look at the brighter side of life and any situation admirable.
I think she paints a grandiose picture of herself (and of the reach and stability of her connections to other valuable people in her life) that is completely false.
I was surprised by it. Although Mrs Hattingh had been pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable for a while now, it’s only been verbal. Sending the jumper crossed and invaded a physical boundary as well now.
I initially thought that it was because Nour had probably been very busy with work on the farm, or that Mrs Hattingh was withholding one of his letters and forgot about it.
She probably didn’t want to worry Soraya or take her away from her work, since the family needs Soraya’s salary to survive and pay for medication.
It made me start to get suspicious about what exactly Mrs Hattingh had been putting in those letters to Nour. Nour not sending letters for a month had been understandable, but not attending the funeral? Not supporting Soraya when she needed him the most? It was definitely raising some red flags for me, and they were all directed at Mrs Hattingh.
I think it was a cool way to reflect what the girl in the market had warned Soraya of if she continued staying alone in Heron Place with Mrs Hattingh. I also think the isolation and consequences of Mrs Hattingh’s control on Soraya have become so dire that they’re noticeable to her community and family members.
I think that it was a powerful way to tell Soraya to reclaim her voice, agency and life back by following her passions, passions that he’d observed in her as she was growing up and sneaking into his office.
I think that Soraya’s grief is fresh and full of underlying animosity towards Mrs Hattingh. I think her grief, combined with Mrs Hattingh’s grief, will cause the house to feel like a prison for both of them.
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