Erica Berquist’s The Servant is a quietly tense and fascinatingly written novel that explores the psychological intricacies of emotional suppression, perception, and personal identity. Told in the voice of Ellie, a domestic servant, the story unfolds in hushed tones, inviting readers into a private world of emotional entrapment and shifting realities. 

Berquist crafts a narrative that delves into the intricate layers of human relationships forged in the crucible of past transgressions. The opening immediately establishes the narrator’s unique perspective, revealing a mind drawn to structure over the perceived chaos of nature. The narrator states, “There is always beauty and balance in the world for those who know where to look for it. It is, of course, a subjective art.” Berquist’s prose is lyrical yet measured. Each sentence seems carefully weighted, reflecting the servant’s obsessive attention to detail and her desire to understand—or perhaps control—her world. The tone of the story varies from serious to humourous with interesting choices of words and phrasing to create an enjoyable reading experience. Themes of complex identity, and the wavering of her emotional control pulse beneath the surface. 

The lore that is woven into the story starts out as a mysterious force that makes the reader question the rules of the society as well as learn about them alongside the narrator. 

An early scene establishes the narrator’s position and the dismissive attitude of the free people towards servants. During a dinner conversation, the mistress says to her daughters about the servants, “They’re not like us,” highlighting the rigid social hierarchy. The narrator’s relationships evolve throughout the story. Her bond with Harrison deepens, marked by moments of vulnerability and tenderness. The narrator also grapples with her feelings about her mother and the revelations about her family’s past. The plot takes a dramatic turn when violence erupts at the house. The Ellie and her mother are caught in a dangerous situation, forcing her to confront her identity and role in society.

The story introduces elements of mystery and the supernatural with the emergence of the Grail, an object of power and peril. The Grail’s presence adds another layer of complexity to the narrator’s journey and raises questions about her destiny and the nature of her existence. The introduction of the Grail adds a mystical element, serving as a catalyst for potential healing and restoration. The narrator’s willingness to use this powerful artifact to return Rufus’s soul – “And what kind of friend would I be, if I let the person who I want to call friend continue to suffer without his soul?” – signifies the depth of her compassion and her desire to move beyond the constraints of the past. This act suggests a journey towards emotional liberation for both characters.

Ultimately, “The Servant” is a story about a character’s journey toward self-discovery, the blurring of social lines, and the struggle to define oneself beyond societal roles. The narrator’s transformation is marked by her growing awareness of emotions, her defiance of social expectations, and her confrontation with a dangerous destiny.

Verdict: Erica Berquist’s The Servant is a deeply introspective and elegantly unsettling work of fiction. Rich in emotional resonance, it is an excellent piece in psychological storytelling that will resonate with readers who appreciate nuance, ambiguity, and quiet devastation.

Grace S. Allan is a musician, composer, and writer from South Africa. She is a graduate of the University of Pretoria, and her compositions have been featured by Non-Zero Recordings. While she is new to reviewing books, she is an avid and life-long reader.