When Soraya finds Master Timothy’s picture in the drawer, Mrs. Hattingh catches Soraya holding it. This leads to a conversation about superstition. How do you interpret Mrs. Hattingh’s contradiction—being superstitious enough to hide the photo while condemning Mrs. Lockday for seeking someone who speaks to the spirits?
Mrs Hattingh becomes obsessive in the days leading up to her son’s possible return. What do you think of her using the death of the boys as a reason that no one visits her?
As we learn more about the family, why do you think Master Timothy now resides in London?
“In the same way that she wants me to be one thing, a servant, no more, I want her to be one thing. Let us stay this way. I will be the silent figure in her house, listener to her endless chatter; I will bring her tea and turn down the covers. This is enough. This is enough”
In the quote above, Soraya says that she and Mrs. Hattingh will be no more than what they are. Do you think that their relationship will stay this simple?
Mrs. Hattingh quickly realises that she has been talking about her son nonstop and asks Soraya about her family. How do Mrs. Hattingh’s responses reveal her character? Why might Soraya limit herself to sharing only “what she can stand to say“?
Why do you think Fatima fully revealed herself after the above conversation?
At the start of Chapter Five, Soraya notices that Mrs Hattingh has packed away the knives and used her good paper to close the gap in the window. Soraya believes that this is so that Mrs Hattingh can punish her on her return. What do you think of Mrs Hattingh’s behaviour?
Upon Soraya’s return, she looks for Nour. Who or what is the first thing you seek out when you return home?
We are given a brief insight into Soraya’s previous employer. As the story unfolds, will we learn more about Soraya’s past and inner thoughts?
How does the contrast between Soraya handling the meat and Fatima’s help in preparing it affect the scene?
Mrs. Hattingh offers to write letters on Soraya’s behalf. Why do you think she offers this?
Do you think Soraya will come to regret agreeing to Mrs. Hattingh’s offer?
What is the significance behind this line “we are, for once, at exactly eye level“?
After writing the first letter, Soraya feels unsettled. She tells Rosa a story. How do you interpret both the story itself and Rosa’s reaction to it?
12 responses to “Cape Fever Day Two”
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1) Mrs. H seems to be a walking contradiction – having the notion that whatever she believes is right is right, and what others believe is wrong, even if it they are more or less the same thing – basically thinking she [Mrs. H] can do no wrong.
2) I think it’s very cowardly to use the death of the boys (all her “friends’” sons) as an excuse… I don’t think she wants to acknowledge what the real reason could be (Don’t ask me what that is though)
3) To be honest, I don’t think he wants much to do with his mother or his “roots” in South Africa.
4) I don’t think their relationship will stay so black & white – to be the only other person as a constant in Mrs. H’s life, I think it will definitely become a lot more complicated and the lines will blur.
5) Her responses show that she “thinks she knows” about different cultures or assumes some knowledge she possesses is the truth. Ah, the word is self-righteous. I think it is good that Soraya shares very little, who knows how Mrs. H may use it against her at a later stage.
6) I think Fatima appears as a warning but also to mock Mrs. H – to show that she doesn’t really know what she’s talking about, she only thinks she does. I think she appears as a warning to Soraya – to warn her not to reveal too much, to steer the conversation elsewhere, and not be fooled by all she [Mrs. H] says.
7) She behaves almost childishly – trying to find ways to “catch” Soraya doing something wrong, when in fact she hasn’t.
8) Definitely family.. and then pets.
9) I think so – I think her previous employers actions might play a big part in what she will do at Heron Place.
10) Fatima’s input into preparing the meat makes it a bit more of an event, she’s not preparing a meal just for Mrs. H. It gives a bit more weight to Fatima’s character.
11) I don’t know – I definitely think she has ulterior motives to this offer.
12) Yes, I think she will regret it – especially as she does seem hesitant. Her gut feeling is to decline – but also to decline your employer (in that day and age) wouldn’t bode well.
13) The significance of “we are, for once, at exactly eye level” could be an indication of equality – but it doesn’t last very long.
14) It is a bit of an odd story – I think Rosa enjoyed the story, especially at the end when Soraya says it’s about the miracle of love. That with love, anything is possible, even creating something from nothing. If there is love, there is life.
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1. I am not a mother, but I have a mother and I know mothers, and I can understand how one can be both sceptical and hopeful at the same time in extreme circumstances.
2. I think that it is, possibly, a convenient way for her to feel less embarrassed about not receiving visits often (whether that is due to her own reluctance to invite people over or to other people staying away anyway).
3. I think he prefers it there.
4. I don’t think it is ever that easy. Humans are not built that way.
5. Mrs. Hattingh’s responses reveal more of her poor character. She has many prejudices and biases. Soraya does not want herself or her family to be subjected to the horrible things Mrs. Hattingh will inevitably say.
6. If she is a Gray Woman (one of those who linger because they have a score to settle), then I would imagine that she had many experiences like this with Mrs. Hattingh and was furious but could do nothing about it.
When Mrs. Hattingh spoke to Soraya that way, and came out with that particular piece of nonsense about her own father ‘’the tireless campaigner’’ and everything she was implying with that statement, Fatima, as a Gray Woman now, could finally show her rage.I mean, absolutely everything about what Mrs. Hattingh said during and after that conversation was infuriating so it’s no wonder Fatima fully revealed herself at this point.
7. Honestly, it is not surprising at this point. We already know that Mrs Hattingh is not truly a good person, or that is my opinion at least.
8. My husband, Alex, and my animals.
9. I think we will, yes.
10. For me, it changed the scene from one of disgust and discomfort to one of calm and peacefulness.
11. I think it is because she wants to show Soraya she is a ‘good person’ because she is offering to do it for free. I also think it is because she is bored and lonely and wants to use Soraya’s personal life as a source of entertainment and companionship.
12. Yes, I do.
13. There is a moment of equality between them.
14. Honestly, I struggled to interpret the story. Soraya might have been the Soap Woman and Mrs. Hattingh the Visitor in Blue, but I’m not sure. Rosa seems to like the story.
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When Soraya finds Master Timothy’s picture in the drawer, Mrs. Hattingh catches Soraya holding it. This leads to a conversation about superstition. How do you interpret Mrs. Hattingh’s contradiction—being superstitious enough to hide the photo while condemning Mrs. Lockday for seeking someone who speaks to the spirits?
It’s not the first time she contradicts herself in favour of putting others down. I think she believes she is always right, especially when she disagrees with the ideas of others, even when she has done similar things.
Mrs Hattingh becomes obsessive in the days leading up to her son’s possible return. What do you think of her using the death of the boys as a reason that no one visits her?
She either doesn’t want to be honest about the real reason or doesn’t know what it is and feels the need to justify her lack of friends to Soraya.
As we learn more about the family, why do you think Master Timothy now resides in London?
His mom seems quite controlling and snobbish. He might have wanted to escape her opinions and lifestyle.
“In the same way that she wants me to be one thing, a servant, no more, I want her to be one thing. Let us stay this way. I will be the silent figure in her house, listener to her endless chatter; I will bring her tea and turn down the covers. This is enough. This is enough”
In the quote above, Soraya says that she and Mrs. Hattingh will be no more than what they are. Do you think that their relationship will stay this simple?I don’t think so, especially since Mrs H will now have an active part in an intimate part of Soraya’s life.
Mrs. Hattingh quickly realises that she has been talking about her son nonstop and asks Soraya about her family. How do Mrs. Hattingh’s responses reveal her character? Why might Soraya limit herself to sharing only “what she can stand to say“?
I got the sense that Mrs H is embarrassed about how much she shared and how ‘human’ it would have made her seem to Soraya when she likely wants to keep this façade that she is above Soraya in some way.
Why do you think Fatima fully revealed herself after the above conversation?
Perhaps she was in a similar situation that led to her death, and she feels like she must save Soraya before she can find peace.
At the start of Chapter Five, Soraya notices that Mrs Hattingh has packed away the knives and used her good paper to close the gap in the window. Soraya believes that this is so that Mrs Hattingh can punish her on her return. What do you think of Mrs Hattingh’s behaviour?
It’s childish but not unexpected at this point.
Upon Soraya’s return, she looks for Nour. Who or what is the first thing you seek out when you return home?
My husband and puppy.
We are given a brief insight into Soraya’s previous employer. As the story unfolds, will we learn more about Soraya’s past and inner thoughts?
I think so.
How does the contrast between Soraya handling the meat and Fatima’s help in preparing it affect the scene?
It brought a sense of calm and order in a scene that felt quite chaotic and panic-stricken.
Mrs. Hattingh offers to write letters on Soraya’s behalf. Why do you think she offers this?
I’m hoping to find out more about her motives, but it did give me a weird feeling. It might be another tactic of Mrs H to control Soraya’s life.
Do you think Soraya will come to regret agreeing to Mrs. Hattingh’s offer?
Yes, for sure.
What is the significance behind this line “we are, for once, at exactly eye level“?
Soraya, perhaps for the first time ever, feels equal to her employer, which could give her a sense of power.
After writing the first letter, Soraya feels unsettled. She tells Rosa a story. How do you interpret both the story itself and Rosa’s reaction to it?
I struggled to make sense of the story but I think Rosa enjoyed it.
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1. When Soraya finds Master Timothy’s picture in the drawer, Mrs Hattingh catches Soraya holding it. How do you interpret Mrs Hattingh’s contradiction – being superstitious enough to hide the photo while condemning Mrs Lockday for seeking someone who speaks to the spirits?
I think Mrs Hattingh is quick to judge anything that falls outside of what she personally considers acceptable. She condemns others for beliefs or behaviours she views as improper, yet her own actions suggest she is not entirely free from superstition herself. This contradiction highlights her hypocrisy.
2. Mrs Hattingh becomes obsessive in the days leading up to her son’s possible return. What do you think of her using the death of the boys as a reason no one visits her?
I feel like Mrs Hattingh is incapable of recognising the error in her own behaviour. She seems to believe her views and opinions are simply facts, without considering how her words or actions might affect others. Given her personality, it’s possible that she may have said something insensitive to the grieving mothers. Rather than reflecting on this, she frames herself as the victim, using their loss as an explanation for why no one visits her.
3. As we learn more about the family, why do you think Master Timothy resides in London?
I don’t think he is ready to return home after the trauma of surviving the war. Coming back would likely force him to confront painful memories and expectations he may not feel prepared to face.
4. “In the same way that she wants me to be one thing, a servant, no more, I want her to be one thing. Let us stay this way. I will be the silent figure in her house. Listener to her endless chatter; I will bring her tea and turn down the covers. This is enough. This is enough.” Do you think their relationship will stay this simple?
Not at all. Mrs Hattingh is incredibly nosy and constantly interrogates Soraya about her life, family, and fiancé. She comes across as manipulative, often pushing boundaries until she gets the answers she wants, regardless of Soraya’s discomfort. This already feels like a recipe for a complicated relationship, rather than the simple arrangement Soraya hopes for.
5. Mrs Hattingh quickly realises that she’s been talking about her son nonstop and asks Soraya about her family. How do Mrs Hattingh’s responses reveal her character? Why might Soraya limit herself to sharing only “what she can stand to say”?
Mrs Hattingh always seems to find a way to insert a subtle insult, often making condescending remarks about Soraya, her family, or referring to “your people.” Her responses reveal how deeply prejudiced and patronising she is, even when she appears to be showing interest.
6. Why do you think Fatima fully revealed herself after the above conversation?
Since Mrs Hattingh was taking credit for freeing slaves, I think Fatima’s full reveal serves as a very clear warning. Her presence may be a way to challenge Mrs Hattingh’s version of events.
7. At the start of Chapter 5, Soraya notices that Mrs Hattingh has packed away the knives and used her good paper to close the gap in the window. Soraya believes that this is so that Mrs Hattingh can punish her on her return. What do you think of Mrs Hattingh’s behaviour?
It feels like every time Soraya takes her day off, Mrs Hattingh becomes increasingly unhappy about it. It’s as if she is trying to create consequences around Soraya leaving, working towards limiting her freedom. It seems possible that she hopes Soraya will eventually stop visiting her family if each visit results in conflict or punishment.
8. Upon Soraya’s return, she looks for Nour. Who or what is the first thing you seek out when you return home?
When I return to my own home, it’s my kids I look for first. When I return to my mother’s home, it’s my mother.
9. We are given a brief insight into Soraya’s previous employer. As the story unfolds, will we learn more about Soraya’s past and inner thoughts?
The little reveal about her previous employer was unsettling, and I hope we get to read more about it. Soraya clearly experienced something dark with her previous employer.
10. How does the contrast between Soraya handling the meat and Fatima’s help in preparing it affect the scene?
The supper turns out perfectly, and Mrs Hattingh is very pleased with it.
11. Mrs Hattingh offers to write letters on Soraya’s behalf. Why do you think she offers this?
I think it’s a means of control and a way for Mrs Hattingh to insert herself further into Soraya’s life. It creates a sense of obligation or indebtedness, perhaps preparing the ground for whatever Mrs Hattingh has planned next.
12. Do you think Soraya will come to regret agreeing to Mrs Hattingh’s offer?
Yes! Absolutely, unequivocally YES!
13. What is the significance behind this line: “we are for once, at exactly eye level,” given the hierarchy and the nature of the relationship between servant and employer?
It highlights a rare moment of equality between Soraya and Mrs Hattingh.
14. After writing the first letter, Soraya feels unsettled. She tells Rosa a story. How do you interpret both the story itself and Rosa’s reaction to it?
The story feels as if it reflect Soraya’s own unease and misgivings about Mrs Hattingh. The line, “but Soap Woman noticed how easily an angel becomes a thief,” suggests that Soraya is highlighting how quickly people can turn against you.
Rosa appreciates the story and thanks her for it. By cupping her hands, she may also be suggesting that prayer or reflection is needed in response to the warning.
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Well, I think since she kept her child and Lockday lost all 4 of her sons she probably thinks her approach or strategy is the right one.
I think it’s a likely explanation. It probably explains why her son also has not returned. To be reminded of your lost friends day in and day out would be too much. And the guilt of surviving when they didn’t would also be too much. So, I understand why she would be hesitant to, I mean grieving the loss of a child is next level. As evidenced Baby and Soraya’s mum.
No, it will evolve.
I think there is naturally some level of mistrust between them. I mean the othering we saw before is part of it, and I think Soraya put it aptly, they dictate what we should do w the exterior, we should limit their access to our interior.
She probably shares the same sentiment as Soraya and appears to help Soraya navigate the relationship and the balance between what should be shared and what not.
I think she’s a little passive aggressive and likely asked to search Soraya’s bag as her own form of punishment – humiliation.
My friends, and then my family and then a boy. But usually, I leave him behind to come home so I guess just my mates and my family.
Certainly.
As I said before I think Fatima will come on as a guide of sorts, and this is proof of that.
Perhaps, she is just a lover of love, and having lost her own husband wants to live vicariously through Sorya as she will not doubt read his responses to her.
Yes, I do think she will. One should always trust their gut and that pit in her stomach is a sign she shouldn’t have ignored.
Finally, they are equal. In this matter we are all equal. Wanting to experience and express love.
There is some foreshadowing I daresay. But let’s see how we go.
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1. Mrs Hattingh always thinks she knows best – and if someone does something else then it’s wrong.
2. I think that that is what she tells herself to justify why no one visits her.
3. I think he resides in London because of Mrs Hattingh…she’s not exactly easy to live with 😅 I also think it has to do with the war seeing as many of the boys he was close to survived.
4. I don’t think that their relationship will always stay that simple. The fact that Mrs Hattingh would know everything that Soraya puts in her letters already crosses a boundary.
5. It reveals that even when she doesn’t talk about herself, she still revolves the story around her. And she tries to emphasise that her family was involved in the abolishment of slavery like she wants a thank you from Soraya.
6. I think that she was trying to warn Soraya of Mrs Hattingh’s stories. It was almost as if she kept saying “lies”. And the word “amok” being used could be her not getting her freedom from Mrs Hattingh.
7. I do think it’s Mrs Hattingh’s way of being petty that Soraya is leaving to see her family. If there was no ulterior motive then things would’ve gone on like normal.
8. My family, my room and food 😂
9. I do think we will learn more about her past and inner thoughts – especially when living under Mrs Hattingh’s roof.
10. I thought that this was such a big moment in the book, one generation helping another in a predicament that could’ve gone wrong fast! If Soraya didn’t cook that expensive meat properly imagine how that would’ve turned out.
11. I think Mrs Hattingh just wants to find out more about Soraya, her life, and what she is saying about her employment in the house. I definitely think there’s something underneath all of this. Why would she be paying for everything when she’s already ‘poor’.
12. I definitely think that this offer will be used as blackmail once Soraya stands up to Mrs Hattingh or tries to leave.
13. This was such a powerful line because it would be rare for the owner of the house to actually talk to the person helping them, and to look at them on the same level as they are never doing the same thing – like all the examples.
14. Because she says that she can’t write the real names of people and addresses, I think it’s the story is of Soraya or the people of the Quarter and the constant demands that they have to go through with employers like Mrs Hattingh, but it also talks about the comfort in familiar people which could be her family or even comforting herself to the demands. I think Rosa understands and feels connected to the story.
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I think her reaction to the picture indicates something more that she doesn’t want to acknowledge. Why is the photo hidden? Its odd behavior and her superstition, is it her way of covering up her reaction to seeing the photo on Soraya’s hands… Mrs. Hattingh is very judgmental and continually reflects on what she says are flaws in others…could they be indirectly a flaw in her too
I think she seems to be avoiding something and more likely having them visit will make her think too much about her own son and memories of him with his friends who have all died.
To be honest m, I cant say why Timothy resides in London
I dont think Mrs. Hattingh cares about such boundaries as she continually tries to pry information from Soraya about her life. I don’t think when be asked relentlessly about things, whilst trying to remain respectful and therefore not verbally establishing this boundary the relationship will get more complicated.
Mrs. Hattingh seems to often be responding in a way to to benefit herself or her own interests, asking her not to abandon her when she gets married and that can’t have kids for the first year, which I don’t feel something Mrs. Hattingh should have any input on.
I think Soraya is wanting to make her work life as pleasant as possible by indulging Mrs. Hattingh’s questions but is also trying to keep some things private and not divulging too much of her personal life to her employer. To keep some boundaries between them.
I think there is a kinship between Soraya and Fatima, where a Fatima possibly experienced similar responses from Mrs. hattingh
I found this behavior really uncalled for and appalling. Just another way to make Soraya feel powerless.
I seek out the ones I love and want to reconnect with them, sharing stories from our time apart and just reconnecting.
Soraya seems fairly secretive about some of her past, so not sure we will get much insight into her past but I think we will hopefully get more of her inner thoughts on things.
It feels like Fatima is helping her to feel more comfortable handling and preparing the meat dishes
I think it is a way for Mrs. Hattingh to have greater control and get Soraya to trust her whilst also making Soraya feel indebted to her
I think Soraya will regret it
It feels like there is a meeting of minds, where she for the time feels like an equal.
To make something from what others discard and create something new and beautiful. How the miracle of love can be a powerful thing. Rosa seems to appreciate the story and is likely praying for some miracle herself. -
1. Throughout the book so far, we see Ms Hattingh do as she pleases. So it wasnt surprising to see her be so contradicting when it comes to her beliefs and what suits her at her time of need.
2. She makes excuses for everything rather than facing the truth. (no one likes her and by no one I mean me)
3. I dont think he likes his mum very much and he’d rather find every excuse in the box to be as far apart from her as he can be
4.No, the better writing itself is already breaking that boundary set up by both of them without even realizing it.
5. Its very, “oh I already know that” rather than actually wanting to learn. She’s always trying to make it seem like shes SO much better.
6. a comforting character for Soraya honestly
7. she’s so condescending its unreal. she’s looking for errors in places she can’t and will not find
8. My room lol and my bunny… especially after a long day of being on campus
9.I hope so. There’s still so much I want to know about her.
10.It shows their type of character and their own story
11. I genuinely dont know but shes CREEPY for that and so damn invasive
12. 110% YESSSS !!! I feel like Ms Hattingh will hide so much from her and misconstrue so much of the contents
13. it puts them on equal footing highlighting equality even just for that time
14. it was something different. Rosa enjoyed it. I feel like there were hidden themes and meanings lurking in there that you just had to pick out.
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1. Mrs H always seems to contradict herself. She bends the truth or any situation to suit herself, so it is no surprise that she does this.
2. She will find any excuse to hide her embarrassment and twist the narrative so that she feels better about herself. She cannot cope with the possibility that perhaps they don’t want to visit her due to her financial status, or perhaps because she is an awful human being.
3. I’m not sure on this one. I do feel claustrophobic for Suraya so I can only Imagine that Tim also wanted to get away from his mother who seems to be quite suffocating. I also feel as though there could be more to the story, maybe he is not in a good way, or there is something more sinister going on. I also wouldn’t want to visit Mrs H.
4. No, I think as time goes on Soraya will see Mrs H for what she truly is. I don’t trust her. I also feel weird about the letters to Nour… she is hiding something. I think the truth will come to light and that their relationship will forever be changed.
5. Soraya is extremely intelligent and knows that Mrs H could use ANY information given to her against her, so I feel that she is doing the right thing by not revealing too much.
6. I think Fatima is a guardian, I think she is silently supporting Soraya. Fatima knows what Mrs H is really like so I think she is appearing to show Soraya that she is not alone and that she will be in her corner to assist and guide her.
7. It’s just plain childish. Mrs H seems to always have ulterior motives and wishes to keep Soraya very close. It makes me feel claustrophobic.
8. I first seek out my Dog, Benji when I get home. He is the light of my life. 🙂
9. I worry about this because I love Soraya. I think she will give us some insight about what happened in the past.
10. I think Fatima added a soft element to the scene. She is supporting S and helping her. Almost like a big sister or a mommy.
11. She has an ulterior motive. Mrs H doesn’t do anything without making sure it benefit’s her. (In my opinion)
12. YES. I have a bad feeling about it.
13. A moment of equality.
14. She feels unsettled because her gut is telling her that she shouldn’t trust Mrs H. She knows there is something sinister going on. The story showed how quickly things can turn badly so I think it’s a subtle foreshadowing. Rosa seemed to understand this sentiment. (Also I think Rosa is such a fantastic addition to the story)
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I don’t think she realised she was contradicting herself as I don’t think her reason for hiding the photo is true. It feels like she’s hiding something.
I think it’s just an excuse. Maybe she’s embarrassed that he doesn’t visit more. And because he’ll be visiting “soon” she wants everything to be perfect so that he’ll decide to stay longer, or visit more. Again, I think it’s just excuses.
I think him living on a whole other continent is to avoid his mother. I’m not 100% sure why. But with the long delay to his trip, it kind of confirms my suspicions.
From what we’ve seen so far, no I don’t. Especially with the letter writing. Nothing here is black and white, the lines have already blurred.
Mrs. Hattingh seems to want to know a lot, and I’m wondering if it’s genuine curiosity or if it’s somehow ammo to be used against Oraya at a later date… Oraya wants to keep her distance, maintaining a “professional relationship” and probably finds Mrs. Hattingh’s questions a bit intrusive. Like Mrs. Hattingh is entitled to know everything about her.
I think Fatima is warning Oraya to be careful.
It feels like she’s on some kind of power-trip. Maybe she has done this as some sort of blackmail so that Oraya can’t leave.
For me, it’s my hubby too. My parrots greet me as I walk in and then I go to let the dog in if hubby isn’t home.
I hope so. It’ll add to the story and give us more insight into Soraya’s character.
Fatima helped in a big way here and changed the outcome. This could’ve been a disaster.
I think it’s more to be nosey than anything else. And a form of control.
Probably. She doesn’t know what Mrs. Hattingh is actually writing to being with.
I thought it strange that it was mentioned at all. I get being at different heights for various reasons, but can tell why the eye level stood out to her to this extent.
This story threw me off. I have no idea what it means.
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1. Mrs H is a walking contradiction who holds everyone to a different set of standards than she holds herself. She dabbles in superstition but because she doesn’t seek out spirits she automatically criticises those who do. She has a superiority complex!
2. I think she’s dishonest about the real reasons no one visits because she is embarrassed. So she uses their deaths as an excuse to pass the blame onto others.
3. I honestly think he is intentionally avoiding coming home to his mother; and based on what we’ve learnt about her I don’t blame him.
4. I don’t think their relationship will be so simple. Mrs H loves to meddle and I feel like their relationship will eventually change even if Soraya doesn’t want it to.
5. Mrs H’s responses were very judgy and condescending and bordered on racist too. She pretends to be sincere but always passes crude remarks and insults. I loved that Soraya was very guarded in her responses and selective in what she was willing to share.
6. Having worked for Mrs Hattingh for so long I think she is knows her character best. I feel like she is trying to warn Soraya but also appears as a protector too.
7. Her behaviour is so childish and petty. She’s constantly looking for fault and I think it’s because she isn’t happy about Soraya going home to her family.
8. My husband and child.
9. I think we will because she’s a very complex character.
10. It brings calm to what would have been a chaotic experience and the outcome is an amazing meal.
11. I think she wants to feel important and superior and as if she’s doing a good deed. It’s more to for herself than for Soraya.
12. Yes I think she will; because as guarded as she is she might slip up and reveal something she shouldn’t.
13. It’s both literal and figurative because they’re employer and employee; and their social statuses will never be on the same level.
14. Honestly the story confused me and I struggled to understand the significance of it in relation to the greater plot. Rosa seemed to enjoy it though.
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I think Mrs Hattingh is a bit superstitious, but likes to ridicule others’ superstition. She won’t admit that she feels a kernel of truth to the superstition and will instead amplify and joke about how badly someone else believes in the same thing.
I think she’s in a state of denial and justifies what happens around her/ why no one is around her to avoid dealing with the reality that they just don’t want to visit her. If she controls the narrative/ provides a viable excuse that sounds plausible even to her, then she will believe it (she’s trying to convince Soraya as well as herself).
I think he resides there so that he doesn’t have to deal with his obsessive, intrusive and overbearing mother.
With the hindsight that I have at the time of writing the response to this question, I wish things had remained this simple!
Her responses reveal that she’s very intrusive, but it could be a response of her boredom more than a sincere need to actually know more about Soraya. Soraya is limiting her responses because Mrs Hattingh doesn’t need to know all of the details about her life, just in case she twists the love in Soraya’s recollections of her family and Nour as an exotic catalogue for more “your people” comments, rather than acknowledging Soraya and her family as actual people.
I think she revealed herself as both a warning to Soraya to be careful about how much she reveals about herself to Mrs Hattingh, and as a figure of solidarity so that Soraya doesn’t feel alone in her disbelief.
I think her behaviour is extremely petty and manipulative. Soraya is doing a good job, so Mrs Hattingh is manipulating the situation to ensure that she has something to scold Soraya about upon her return.
The first thing I seek out is my roommate’s kittens, Yuki and Tigger. They’re usually right by the door when I arrive, so I greet them before I greet my roommate.
With the hindsight I have now, we certainly do learn about her past in flashbacks, but they’re more centred around her family. We definitely get a lot of insight into her inner thoughts.
It not only makes the meat preparation more collaborative, but it shows how different methods are passed down from generation to another to ensure harmonious servitude, which is both comforting (in the sense that knowledge is being passed down) and extremely saddening (that this is a cycle of servitude passing down from one woman to another).
I initially thought that she offered to do this out of kindness for Soraya. Even if it felt like an invasion of Soraya’s privacy, at least she was performing one of those good deeds she’d been bragging about in a previous chapter.
Yes. Absolutely. She would indeed come to regret this 100%.
Due to their differing upbrigings and positions in life (and Mrs Hattingh’s biases against Soraya’s people and Soraya’s inability to fully understand Mrs Hattingh), they never see eye-to-eye. However, with the letter writing and Mrs Hattingh effectively channelling Soraya’s voice, they are able to have the same approach and views for the hour of letter writing.
I interpret the story as a representation of Mrs Hattingh (the visitor) breathing life into Soraya’s words (the soap woman’s soap) to create something whole. So both of them are needed for the letters to Nour to be created and come into existence. I interpreted Rosa’s reaction as encouragement for more of Soraya’s rebellious storytelling/ verbal expressions of herself and her views outside of the letter writing she does with Mrs Hattingh.
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