HomeBook reviewsThe Perfect Nanny Book Club Review

The Perfect Nanny Book Club Review

A parent's worst nightmare.

-

Who is Louise?

Behind a perfect facade, the reader slowly learns Louise is not as perfect as she seems. Characteristics that Myriam first adored about Louise, begin to irritate her, but the nanny and mother are dependent on one another and try to step around each other, instead of face the tension between them. Myriam and Louise’s relationship continues to remain tense as Louise’s life spirals out of control and Myriam’s life seemingly falls into place.

The Perfect Nanny explores the dynamic between social class in a powerful way.

Slimani has a lyrical style of writing, some descriptions were impossible not to picture clearly.

The Perfect Nanny is well written, explores interesting social dynamics, but unfortunately, this book wasn’t the gripping thriller we expected and left us wanting a firmer resolution.

Note: we do not have a copy of The Perfect Nanny at the library, but it is available through inter-library loan.

SUMMARY

When Myriam decides to return to work as a lawyer after having children, she and her husband look for the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. They never dreamed they would find Louise: a quiet, polite, devoted woman who sings to the children, cleans the family’s chic Paris apartment, stays late without complaint, and hosts enviable kiddie parties. But as the couple and the nanny become more dependent on one another, jealousy, resentment, and suspicions mount, shattering the idyllic tableau. Building tension with every page, The Perfect Nanny is a compulsive, riveting, bravely observed exploration of power, class, race, domesticity, motherhood, and madness—and the American debut of an immensely talented writer.
When Myriam decides to return to work as a lawyer after having children, she and her husband look for the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. They never dreamed they would find Louise: a quiet, polite, devoted woman who sings to the children, cleans the family’s chic Paris apartment, stays late without complaint, and hosts enviable kiddie parties. But as the couple and the nanny become more dependent on one another, jealousy, resentment, and suspicions mount, shattering the idyllic tableau. Building tension with every page, The Perfect Nanny is a compulsive, riveting, bravely observed exploration of power, class, race, domesticity, motherhood, and madness—and the American debut of an immensely talented writer. The Perfect Nanny Book Club Review