In 1996, a young graduate, Violet Baretto leaves Goa to work in oil-rich Kuwait as a maid for a wealthy Kuwaiti woman. To her horror, she finds herself accused of theft, her colleagues assaulted, thrown from moving cars or performing ‘favors.’Sabah Dashti, the Kuwaiti matriarch can’t tell Violet the truth; nine of Sabah’s previous maids have absconded, five of them were found pregnant or that the … or that the police think she’s running a prostitution ring. Sabah has no idea who’s responsible.
Kuwait is still patriarchal and women are second-class citizens. Despite their differences, both Sabah and Violet are hungry for success as it will give them a chance to live life on their own terms. Together they build a thriving business. But a woman-hating, killer has set eyes on them and will not let them succeed at any cost.
Poignant, chilling and honest, Painting Kuwait Violet underlines the reality of women on either side of the country’s class divide.
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Painting Kuwait Violet was a good 4 star read.
Against her mother’s wishes, Violet gets a job working as a maid in Kuwait to help pay her father’s debts after his death. She is working in Kuwaiti’s house. While there she struggles with some barriers being in a new area and can’t leave until her contract is up.
We watch Violet develop and adjust to her new setting and create some friendships. There are lots of twist and turns with a great storyline. It felt like we were getting a second story when maids started to disappear. There was the mystery of who was doing it and why. The secondary characters added a great element to the story as well.
I found some things difficult to read when it came to the violence and treatment towards women. I had to keep telling myself this was a foreign culture. There were a few ugly cry scenes for me, I was a wreck. This is my first read from this author, she pulls you right in with the detail that you won’t want to stop until your done. If you like a good page turning mystery with suspense as well, this is a book you will enjoy. I look forward to reading more from Pamela.
5 Star
Painting Kuwait Violet By Pamela Q. Fernandes is a coming of age book that I was drawn into and couldn’t put it down once I started reading. This book is about a woman who has taken a job as a maid in Kuwait to make money to pay for her mothers mortgage. But what she didn’t realize was she might have gotten more than she expected to. I love Violets character and her attitude, she doesn’t take anything from anyone. Ilook forward to reading more from this Author. I definitely recommend reading this book
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes
5-stars
Violet has a lot on her shoulders following her father’s death. He left a massive amount of debt behind and being a recent graduate she had hoped to gain a decent paying job to tend to her mother and keep the house. Unfortunately things don’t work out for her like she hoped and in order to pay off the debt she agrees to work as a maid in a home in Kuwait. As she steps into this different culture she learns a great deal on cooking their cuisine and tending to the family. Sadly other maids kept disappearing before she arrived and trouble lurks just around the corner.
I loved following Violet in a new culture. She was a fascinating character who experienced a lot of growth upon leaving home. I did not foresee many of the changes and events that occurred in her story and I felt that it kept it interesting. Something I took away from this novel though is that you have to work for what you want and to stay focused on that goal no matter what life throws your way. It also made me appreciate my family in a new light. Excellent read though and I definitely recommend this book.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes is a five star novel. I love reading about other countries and how their lives are different than ours. Being written by an author who lived in Kuwait and came back in 1996 after the war, I feel that her depiction is probably pretty accurate. It is hard for me to imagine having a life where I couldn’t be in control of it. As a woman, I live my life, work my job and make my own decisions. In Kuwait, life is very different for women where society is strictly patriarchal. Violet is a young woman just trying to help her family. When her father dies unexpectedly, she realizes she needs to find work to help her family pay off the debts that were accrued by her father. She leaves her homeland to go work in Kuwait. Once she gets there, she realizes things have been happening at her new home where she is a maid that are unexplainable. She soon realizes her boss and her are a lot alike and only want to make their own way in the world to make life easier for themselves and their families. Will they both come out the other side and be successful people? Read this book and you will find out what happens to them.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes
5 Stars
This is my first book by this author, I chose it first because the synopsis made me curios, I was in the mood for something different, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
I don’t normally read stories like this and I think it has a lot to do with just how real it makes things in the world…If you don’t read about it you can kind of convince yourself that it really isn’t real when in fact it’s more real than I like to imagine. In saying that, this author grabbed me right from the first page and didn’t let go. I didn’t want to be so engaged but I couldn’t help it because the writing was just that good.
This story was rich in history and also had a storyline that kept me glued to my kindle. The writing was so smooth and before I knew it I was done and had to sit for a few minutes letting it all sink in. Some parts were really hard to read, not because of the writing but because of the facts themselves.
I was looking for something different and i definitely got it with this book, and the fact that I stayed interested is purely the writing talent of this author, and I came away with somethings I wish I didn’t know but also an amazing new author to follow. I can’t wait to read more and definitely will.
Sincerely loved this book!
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes. When I first read the description I thought “I’m not sure if this would be my thing” but let me tell you, I was so wrapped up in this book I read it in one sitting. It is probably the best book I’ve read in a long time. It’s the story of Violet Baretto a college graduate from Goa whose father has recently passed away leaving the family in horrible financial straights. She tries and tries to find a job but no one will help her, friends, family, no one. She hears about moving to Kuwait to become a maid from one of her friends so she decides its what she has to do to save her family. Her mother is furious with her for leaving and thinks being a maid is beneath them. When she gets to Kuwait she becomes a maid for Sabah Dashti and befriends Tintin another maid in the house. She finds the work very hard but soon learns everything and becomes very good at it. As time goes by Violet finds out more than 8 maids have disappeared from this same house and some of them were pregnant. There is something very dark and sinister going on but Tintin has always warned Violet to hear nothing, see nothing, say nothing. Violet ends up befriending Sabah’s sullen teenage daughter, helps her excel in school and sports and helps Sabah become very successful in her businesses. They form a bond. But women are always going to be second class citizens in Kuwait so Violet has a hard time dealing with that. When Violet goes home on Holiday her family treats her like she’s nothing more than a bank and her boyfriends breaks her heart. Violets whole future has turned out nothing like she had planned leaving her heartbroken and bitter. This book is so good and teaches you so much about the Kuwaiti culture. It’s a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
Painting Kuwait Violet
By Pamela Q. Fernandes
Painting Kuwait Violet is a wonderful story by Pamela Q. Fernandes. This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I not only liked the book but the writing style of the author. Violet is a much-educated young lady. But after the death of her beloved father, her family is now in monetary crisis. Her aunt gives her information on being a maid overseas and also outlined the strict obligations that comes with the role. Violet sees no other way to help her family out of the crisis they are in but to become a maid. Violets mother is not happy that her educated daughter is even thinking of being a maid and voices her worries of what other people will think of this matter. Violet tells me mother that this is only for two years and since she can’t find a job at home she has no other choice. After all its only for two years, right? The question is will Violet be able to cope being a maid in a strange country? And will she become a victim of Sabah Dashti, her sponsor?
Painting Kuwait Violet was my first book by Pamela Q Fernandes, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
I have to say that I was impressed with the character development as well as the plotline. The book was different than what I’ve experienced before, but it was a good different. Definitely considered this a 4 Star book for me.
Painting Kuwait Violet is a stunning and descriptive depiction of the way that women are treated in modern day society, and the struggles they have each and every day. Simple things like going to school is a luxury many never experience. This powerful novel is extraordinarily written by Pamela Q Fernandes. It was difficult to read, at times, but the author demonstrated respect, compassion and clarity in her writing.
In a world where women are not treated equally or respectfully, Violet has learnt that she has little value as a human and must serve a purpose, or be deemed of no use, which is something she does not want. Traumatic times were experienced by Violet, and even though many tried, she could not be broken. A little scarred and a lot battered, but still holding it together.
Pamela Q. Fernandes penned a brutally honest and deeply moving tale that left quite an impact on me as a reader. It made me thankful that I grew up free and where my opinion and feelings mattered. This author makes you think and appreciate all that you have and be forever grateful for all the women who fought against adversity, paving the way for women to live freely and safely and use our voices and be heard. 4 stars.
Painting Kuwait Violet
By Pamela Q. Fernandes
I was riveted by this story from beginning to end. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I am glad I took a chance on a book I wasn’t sure about. This book dealt with a few different issues and it did it very seamlessly. The story of Violet and her reasons for becoming a maid and the issue with the other maids, and so much more was very intriguing. This is a very good book, and a must read if you want to find out where Violet ends up and do they find out what’s happening to the other maids? I found out things about a different culture that I knew nothing about and I truly enjoyed reading this book!! I highly recommend this book.
Painting Kuwait Violet
Pamela Q Fernandes
4 out of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Painting Kuwait Violet since Pamela Q Fernandes is a new to me author, but I know I wasn’t expecting the novel to hit the ground running with such pulse quickening speed. The first chapter was attention grabbing and I was drawn to the book immediately.
I felt that the writing throughout stayed incredibly strong and the conversations between characters were authentic and felt as though I was listening in on friends. The characters were raw and relatable, specifically Violet and the story really held a lot of emotion.
Painting Kuwait Violet is a very different story then the ones I’ve been reading lately, more of a book that sticks with you, popping into your mind here and there and really making you reflect on what you just read. I really enjoyed the book overall and I am intrigued by the about the author segment, I am looking forward to checking out more of what she has written.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes is a brilliant thought provoking story of an age where money talks and the boys club was rife.
The book is set in the 90’s when the currency of the world was Oil and Kuwait had lots and the men who run them were royalty and nothing could hurt them. Violet is an educated woman who needs to support her family and decides to take a job as domestic help in Kuwait,where an unlikely friendship develops.
The author discuss some topics which were heart felt and shocking, with Violet trying to get to the bottom of the disappearances will this passion to seek justice put her in more danger. Will her mistress be pushed into a corner as a businesswoman and her reputation ruined just because of her gender.
I thought this book opened up topics that people have been debating for years, to be set in the 90’s when these questions and behaviours were just coming to the forefront was a refreshing twist also with it set in the Far East. I enjoyed the twists in the story and enjoyed the flow of this well written novel.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes a four-star read that will turn your head. This was my first read by this author and I hope it won’t be my last as it was a compelling and often eye-opening but at times a little confusing. The twists and turns make the story interesting and give it a depth that would be missing from the story otherwise.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes takes place in the oil rich land of Kuwait. Violet gets a job in Kuwait as a maid to help payoff er father’s debt. But it may not live up to everything she has expected. She sees and hears things going on that she questions what may be happening around her. She develops a relationship with Sabah Dashti who realizes that Violet knows a lot more about business, which helps develop a good relationship between the two. But things keep happening at the home of Sabah. Will they figure out what is going on and who is doing it?
The writing of Ms. Fernandes keeps you engaged and it is very realistic relating to what was going on in Kuwait during the time the story took place. It flows and is very descriptive. The characters are well developed and very believable. Painting Kuwait Violet is full of mystery and suspense and keeps you turning the page to see what will happen next. I am looking forward to reading more from Pamela Q. Fernandes.
Painting Kuwait Violet is beautifully written by Pamela Q. Fernandes. In this story there is a little bit of history, some life lessons, and new culture to some. I did not know what I was expecting when I picked this book, but I got more than what I was expecting. From her bio it says that she a doctor, author, and medical writer. Her spirituality plays a major role in her life. From reading Painting Kuwait, I could see Pamela Fernandes faith. This is a moving story about a woman, Violet and the Kuwait matriarch Sabah who is her employer. See Violet Is working as a maid and some evil doings happen in the house of Sabah. There becomes a bond between Violet and Sabah that many cannot stand because of the simple fact that they are women. This story is a moving story that engulfed me from the beginning. This story also let me think about the placement of a woman and what they should do compared to what they want to do. I recommend all women take the time and read this story. You will look at your world differently as that is what happened to me.
Painting Kuwait Violet is written by author Pamela Q. Fernandes. This is an intriguing and suspenseful read and one that makes a change from the usual books I usually read. It did take me a while to connect to this read, and the characters but as the story progresses and the story gets more developed I began to really enjoy the read!
This author has a very intriguing and engaging writing style. She has created some inspiring and strong characters especially Violet. This was an eye-opening read that I didn’t expect to be as captivating as it was. Most of the time I was on the edge of my seat wondering what could happen next. This read is full of mystery, danger, suspense and packed full of action. I loved reading the description of Kuwait, I could mentally visualise everything I read which made it that much mor enjoyable. There was some dark twists and turns within the book, such as theft, assault and many more but it added to depth of this book. It was great to see the friendship blossom between two unlikely people in Violet & Sabah, but it helped both of them in certain ways.
For this being a read I wouldn’t normally read, it was surprised how much I enjoyed it and was compelled to read it and the characters stories. It’s a read that should be experienced by all.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q.Fernandes
4 Stars
This story takes place in Kuwait, in a patriarchal culture where women are second class citizens and their hired help have no rights. Men have all the power and mistreat and manipulate women as if they were mere possessions. This is the world that Violet finds herself stuck in. After her father’s death, she realizes that her family has too many debts that need to be paid off. Though educated with a bachelors degree in finance, she cannot find a job. She must demean herself and work as a maid for the Dashti family in Kuwait.
Life is difficult for her at first but she overcomes obstacles and forms an interesting friendship with her boss Sabah Dashti. Sabah is lucky to have Violet in her life for she helps Sabah with her daughter Aliya and gives her sound advice for her business. This is what I enjoyed most about the book. Watching the relationship grow between Sabah and Violet. What started out as a boss and hired help turned into a friendship of trust and respect.
There was a second storyline with a misogynistic, sadistic man who thrilled in preying on the maids. It added tension and drama to the story. Both storylines were good, I just wish the author would have concentrated on one. Either one would have made an excellent story; having both I felt took a bit away from each.
To be honest, I was hesitant to read this book mainly because of the culture it takes place in. It angers me that men feel they have the right to believe that women are lower than they are. This ended up being a poignant story that had my heart reaching out to not only Violet but the rest of the women in the story. Although the book didn’t end the way I would have liked, I really enjoyed the book.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes
4 out of 5 stars
Painting Kuwait Violet written by Pamela Q. Fernandes is the first book that I have read by this author. This is a different kind of book than I’m use to reading. The characters are well written and the description of Kuwait is awesome I could picture myself walking along the dessert. The story was great but I hated that women are mere possessions to be manipulated. Yes I know this is an everyday thing in certain countries.
Violet Baretto graduates in 1996 and leaves Goa to work in oil-rich Kuwait as a maid for a wealthy Kuwaiti woman. To her horror, she finds herself accused of theft, her colleagues assaulted, thrown from moving cars or performing favors.
Violet is well educated and intelligent and she takes this job because jobs are tight and no one is hiring in her field. She takes the job and form an unusual alliance with the Kuwaiti matriarch Sabah Dashti. Sabah is hiding something from Violet the police think this matriarch is running a prostitution ring because nine of Sabah’s previous maids have absconded, five of them were found pregnant.
Kuwait is still patriarchal and women are second-class citizens. Despite their differences, both Sabah and Violet are hungry for success. But a woman-hating, killer has set eyes on them and will not let them succeed at any cost.
Like I said earlier this is a great story but I hate that woman are second-class citizens in this part of the world. I recommend this story
By
Tracy
Review by @tracym
PAINTING KUWAIT VIOLET is one of those books that has many layers to it.
It’s a look at cultural “standards” in the not so distant past. Women are less than second class citizens and laws and traditions are slow to change; “… Kuwait was rebuilding and needed skilled and unskilled laborers. Most Kuwaitis were either not qualified or too rich to do the work.” People like Violet saw this as an opportunity to perhaps get ahead in life. Violet wasn’t afraid to lower her expectations for work.
It’s also a story with mystery and suspense. There is someone running amok and making the protagonist’s boss (Sabah) tip toe around what is going on.
This book is very detailed in its writing. At times I found myself skimming a bit because I wanted to know what happens next. There are many characters in the story and each is introduced in a way that I was able to keep most of them straight. There is good and there is evil and there are those doing evil for what they think is the greater good.
This story was very complex. At all times it made me grateful for the life I live today.
This is the first story I’ve read by this author and I will keep an eye out for her stories in the future.
Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q Fernandes is a book that stays with you … it is not one of the ones that you just inhale and enjoy for a moment and then move on to a next one … In some ways I have really hard time to really describe it … I have to say that I had to take breaks when reading it, it left me unsettled and quiet and pondering and … it had been a while since I had read something that so deeply dug into a foreign culture (foreign to me) and the layers of humanity and a world where woman have no say and are supressed and where other human beings are considered subpar … and then mix it with a mystery …
Violet is a young and well educated woman from Goa who takes a position as a maid in Kuwait to pay off her families debts. She starts to work for a wealthy woman Sabah Dashti. In some ways we are given two stories – the story of Violet and her surprising friendship with Sabah in this patriarchal world, and the mystery that shows us abuse and murder and injustice … what a powerful writing!
I cannot get Sabah’s thoughts out of my head as somehow they resonated so deep as it hit close to home … “She knew trust was like paper. Once crushed, it would never be pristine again, to be discarded as worthless trash. Money and status could not restore what she had tossed away”.