The Contractors

My Thoughts

Lisa Ko returns to the themes of immigration and class that made The Leavers so powerful, delivering a tightly crafted short story about the lives of contractors working in wealthy homes. In this Amazon Original Story, she shines a light on the invisible labor that maintains privilege and the complex humanity of those performing it.

The story follows contractors—immigrants navigating the American dream through physical labor—as they work in the homes of the wealthy. Ko excels at capturing the strange intimacy of this relationship: these workers see the private spaces of their employers' lives while remaining largely invisible to them. The power dynamics, the cultural divides, and the quiet observations of the workers create a rich, layered narrative.

What impresses me most is Ko's ability to avoid didacticism. She doesn't lecture about inequality or immigration; instead, she shows us specific people in specific situations, trusting readers to understand the larger implications. Her characters are fully realized individuals, not symbols or types, and their struggles feel authentic and earned.

The prose is clean and observant, with Ko demonstrating a keen eye for the telling detail—the quality of finishes in wealthy homes, the way employers speak to workers, the small moments of connection or disconnection that reveal character. Her writing has an almost documentary quality, capturing reality with precision while maintaining emotional depth.

The story also explores the relationships between the workers themselves—the hierarchies, solidarities, and tensions that exist within immigrant communities and working-class labor. These dynamics are rendered with nuance and understanding, avoiding both romanticization and condescension.

My only critique is that some readers might find the story too restrained. Ko's approach is subtle and observational, and those looking for dramatic confrontation or clear resolution might be disappointed. But I appreciate her trust in readers to engage with the quiet power of observation.

Why You'll Love It

• Keen Social Observation: Insightful exploration of class and labor
• Humanizing Portraits: Complex characters, not stereotypes
• Immigrant Perspective: Authentic voices and experiences
• Subtle Power: Quiet moments that resonate
• Clean Prose: Precise, observant writing
• Relevant Themes: Timely exploration of inequality and work

Perfect For

Fans of Lisa Ko's The Leavers, readers interested in immigration stories and working-class narratives, those who appreciate literary fiction with social consciousness, and anyone drawn to observational writing that illuminates invisible lives. Great for readers who value subtlety over drama.

Final Verdict

The Contractors is a well-crafted short story that showcases Lisa Ko's considerable talents for social observation and character development. She brings dignity and complexity to lives often rendered invisible, exploring themes of class, immigration, and labor with intelligence and empathy. While subtle in its approach, the story packs considerable punch for those willing to engage with its quiet power. A worthy read from a talented writer.