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Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
"The Housekeeper's Son" by Christopher Loke is a compelling and, at times, complicated tale. Christopher Loke weaves quite a story involving Eleanor, hired as housekeeper, her son David, and the Cunningham family, Elizabeth, Katherine and Edmund. Add abuse, incest and murder, and you have the backdrop for "The Housekeeper’s Son". Eleanor is tired and disillusioned with life. Her only son died in tragic and controversial circumstances, leaving her completely alone in the world. She is old and her position is tenuous and strained within a household already brimming with emotional dysfunction. The following quotes will give you a glimpse into the story.
“May I ask you a question?” Eleanor asked, a little hesitant. “Sure”, Katherine replied. “Where is your father?” “Why don’t you ask my mother?” “You see, dear, your mother doesn’t talk much. After all, I’m just a curious old woman”, - Eleanor took Katherine’s hand and gave it a light tap - “I do care about your family, and I’d do anything to help. Anything at all.” A smile was visible on Katherine’s face. “My father left us two years ago,” Katherine replied. She chased him away”. “Mom’s sick you know”. She takes lots of pills and sleeps a lot”. “She was jealous”.
There are many stories within the main one and each manages to evoke strong emotions. At times I found the novel difficult to follow as the time frame switched back and forth – but not so much that it caused me to want to stop reading. The conclusion was not the one expected. People and life are rarely predictable but "The Housekeeper’s Son" is definitely not predictable as the writer unfurls one surprise after another. Eleanor was forced to make some major decisions, each one impacting not only her life but that of her son and the members of the Cunningham family and their community.
