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abbie_ 's review for:
The Perfect Nanny
by Leïla Slimani
The recurring theme of motherhood in my October reads is now becoming spooky in itself... But I can’t resist them! The topic is endlessly fascinating to me, especially when it’s underpinned by a layer of darkness - which Lullaby certainly is. As you can see from the tagline, this book goes to some dark places, with the murder of two children taking place on the first page and the rest of the book going back in an attempt to understand the nanny’s motivations.
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I’m torn with this book. I think it’s one of those that had great potential but ultimately fell a bit flat. When I began reading it I had a lot of comments on the post from people who thought that, despite the fact the book is a character study, it lacked depth, and I would agree in a way. We get a pretty thorough examination of Louise but then the author touches upon a load of other topics too which aren’t given enough attention to make it worthwhile - such as the mention of the corrupt landlord who exploits the housing market by charging vulnerable tenants exorbitant rent. There are a few more instances like this, flirting with misogyny in the workplace, racial discrimination among nannies and their employers, all of which isn’t handled BADLY, just not as well as they deserve.
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There were also a few translation issues... I may have a slight prejudice against Sam Taylor as he translated one of my most-hated books ever (The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair) so now when I see his name I associate him with that. There were a few very clunky constructions which stuck too close to French syntax, and I never want to hear the term ‘sex organ’ in English ever again, thank you.
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I would suggest reading this one in one sitting if you can, as I think that would heighten the effect and allow you to witness Louise’s descent more clearly, which would make for (probably) a more satisfying reading experience! And despite my rather ranty review and lower rating, I probably will read Adèle by Slïmani too.
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In short, the bones of a great story were there, it just needed fleshing out!
.
I’m torn with this book. I think it’s one of those that had great potential but ultimately fell a bit flat. When I began reading it I had a lot of comments on the post from people who thought that, despite the fact the book is a character study, it lacked depth, and I would agree in a way. We get a pretty thorough examination of Louise but then the author touches upon a load of other topics too which aren’t given enough attention to make it worthwhile - such as the mention of the corrupt landlord who exploits the housing market by charging vulnerable tenants exorbitant rent. There are a few more instances like this, flirting with misogyny in the workplace, racial discrimination among nannies and their employers, all of which isn’t handled BADLY, just not as well as they deserve.
.
There were also a few translation issues... I may have a slight prejudice against Sam Taylor as he translated one of my most-hated books ever (The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair) so now when I see his name I associate him with that. There were a few very clunky constructions which stuck too close to French syntax, and I never want to hear the term ‘sex organ’ in English ever again, thank you.
.
I would suggest reading this one in one sitting if you can, as I think that would heighten the effect and allow you to witness Louise’s descent more clearly, which would make for (probably) a more satisfying reading experience! And despite my rather ranty review and lower rating, I probably will read Adèle by Slïmani too.
.
In short, the bones of a great story were there, it just needed fleshing out!