The House of Little Sisters
What’s inside...
Set in 1931 Singapore, 'A Supernatural Exposé of a Past System' tells the story of Lim Mei Mei, a sixteen-year-old girl sold as an indentured servant to the Lee household. There, she encounters the spirit of a former servant, Ah Lian, who reveals the hidden injustices faced by mui tsai, the indentured servant girls. Amidst this revelation, Mei Mei falls in love with Hassan Mohamed, an Indian-Muslim poet, challenging societal norms of the time. As their forbidden love grows, Mei Mei discovers a way to secure a future for herself and Hassan, gaining empowerment in a system that once held her captive. The novel beautifully encapsulates the sights, smells, and sounds of pre-WWII Singapore while delivering a haunting and rich narrative applauded by authors for its meticulous attention to detail and compelling storytelling.
Age
12-17
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What made the Little Sisters' house special? How did it make you feel?
Which Little Sister did you relate to the most and why?
Why do you think the Little Sisters reacted the way they did when they faced challenges?
How would you have solved the problem if you were in the story?
What do you think is the most important lesson the Little Sisters learned?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine living in the House of Little Sisters. Ask them to describe their own room in this magical house.
Discuss each sister's unique traits and ask your child how these traits helped solve problems in the story.
Create a fun activity where you and your child can draw or build the House of Little Sisters, incorporating elements discussed in the book.
After finishing the book, ask your child to recap the story in their own words, prompting them with questions about specific challenges the sisters faced.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations by discussing similar experiences your child may have had and how they handled them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story highlights interactions among the little sisters, who learn to understand and share each other’s feelings. Their journey teaches the importance of seeing things from another's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and empathetic towards their peers and family members, improving their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the sisters must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles. This cooperation is key to their success.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can utilize teamwork in school projects, sports, and other group activities, learning that collective effort often leads to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The close-knit relationship between the sisters underpins the narrative, teaching the value of familial support and love.
Real-World Application: This lesson can remind children to cherish and rely on their family members, reinforcing the family unit as a source of support and comfort.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The sisters create imaginative solutions to their challenges, showing that creativity is not just fun but useful.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use creative thinking in their daily challenges, fostering problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Persistence
Explanation: The sisters face several setbacks throughout the book but always persevere, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether in their academic, personal, or social lives.