The Servant
on Goodreads (472)
What’s inside...
Faten's happy life in her village comes to an abrupt end when her father arranges for her to work as a maid for a wealthy Beirut family with two spoiled daughters. Suddenly stripped of her friends, family, education, and freedom, the bright, ambitious 17-year-old enlists the help of Marwan, a mysterious, wealthy young man living nearby. Together, they secretly pursue Faten's studies and develop a romance amidst the civil war. Despite societal pressures and differences in religion, class, and wealth, and their parents' divergent plans for their futures, their relationship flourishes. This coming-of-age novel is engaging and lucidly written, capturing the struggles and resilience of young love.
Discussion points
How did the actions of the servant impact the people around him?
Why do you think the servant made the choices he did?
What would you have done differently if you were in the servant’s shoes?
How do the other characters in the story react to the servant’s behavior?
What do you think is the main message of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motives behind the servant’s actions by asking them to relate to similar situations they've encountered.
Discuss the outcomes of the servant’s decisions and explore alternative choices and potential consequences together.
Highlight the reactions of other characters to foster empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, focusing on how the key events were interconnected.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life examples that your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to apply the story’s lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: In 'The Servant', the protagonist's consistent acts of kindness transform the lives of others around her, demonstrating the impact one individual’s positive actions can have on a community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their peers, sharing their belongings, and being compassionate in their daily interactions both at home and school.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The main character faces numerous challenges but her determination to overcome obstacles showcases the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for all
Explanation: Throughout the book, respect is highlighted as a pivotal aspect of the protagonist's interactions, which helps in building trust and understanding among the diverse characters.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to respect differences in opinions, cultures, and personalities in their classrooms and playgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The servant’s dedication to her duties, irrespective of the hardships, emphasizes the ethics of hard work and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible for their chores and schoolwork, understanding that their efforts will lead to rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story conveys empathy through the protagonist’s efforts to understand and alleviate the suffering of others, nurturing a caring community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be aware of the feelings and needs of others, helping them to develop emotional intelligence and stronger relationships.