The Maid's Secret

Although on its surface, The Maid’s Secret is about the complications that ensue after Molly finds herself in possession of an immensely valuable Fabergé egg, the text’s characterizations and plot argue that the real “treasure” in Molly’s life is love. This theme is introduced early in the novel through the story Molly shares in the Prologue. A maid is disappointed with her lot in life until she experiences the lives of others and realizes that she already has what is most important in life: “There [is] someone who [loves] that maid deeply. And just one person’s love is enough to keep your soul alive” (3). This story’s moral encapsulates the book’s contention that love is what matters most, a stance echoed in both Molly’s and Viola’s narratives.

Molly’s relationships matter deeply to her and are constantly in her thoughts, illustrating their priority in her life. Although her gran has been dead for years by the time the story opens, she still thinks of Gran constantly and is guided by Gran’s lessons. When she has the opportunity to take objects to work to be valued by Beagle and Brown, she chooses sentimental items that Gran left her. She openly and frequently expresses her love for