The Housemaid's Wedding

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

“The Housemaid’s Wedding” is a domestic and psychological thriller, creating a sense of constant danger as Millie is stalked on her wedding day. McFadden explores Millie’s psychology, as Millie insists that the man is no true danger to her but feels increasing fear as the man makes it clear that he is watching and following her. Her wedding, which is supposed to be a time of happiness and love, is instead threatened by vengeful violence. This unsettling blend of romance and suspense keeps readers emotionally disoriented, mirroring Millie’s own whiplash between joy and fear. The genre fusion also reinforces how trauma often intersects with even the most hopeful milestones.

McFadden uses the story’s structure itself to build suspense. The story creates tension as the mystery—of who is calling, how dangerous they are, and whether he will actually attack Millie—unfolds, building toward the climax and resolution to the threat. With small, divided chapters, McFadden uses repeated cliffhangers that create a sense of foreboding. For example, as Millie receives a phone call in the café bathroom and the man tells her that he is outside the door, Chapter 7 ends with the line “And then the doorknob starts to turn” (37).