What’s it all about?:
When Myriam, a French-Moroccan lawyer, decides to return to work after having children, she and her husband look for the perfect caretaker for their two young children. They never dreamed they would find Louise: a quiet, polite and devoted woman who sings to their children, cleans the family’s chic apartment in Paris’s upscale tenth arrondissement, stays late without complaint and is able to host enviable birthday parties.
The couple and nanny become more dependent on each other. But as jealousy, resentment and suspicions increase, Myriam and Paul’s idyllic tableau is shattered…
What did I think?:
First of all, thank you so much to my sister and fellow blogger Chrissi Reads for loaning me her copy of Lullaby (also published as The Perfect Nanny) to read after she had finished it. This is another one of those books that has been everywhere with mostly rave reviews and when it was picked for The Richard And Judy Late Summer Reads book club here in the UK, I knew I had to finally give it a shot. Lullaby is a work of translated fiction which is also another bonus for me as I’m trying to expand my horizons and read more translated work, and was originally published as Chanson douce in French back in 2016, winning the Prix Goncourt. By the time I finished this book, I was kicking myself for not having picked it up sooner. This was a remarkably short but powerful piece of fiction at just over 250 pages and I fair flew through the pages in less than 24 hours.
Leïla Slimani, author of Lullaby.
It’s no spoiler to say that Lullaby has one of the most astounding opening lines I’ve ever come across in a novel:
“The baby is dead. It took only a few seconds.”
Already, the reader is fully aware that this story is NOT going to end well but the sheer might of this opening line propels us into a narrative that explores exactly how our characters get to this life-altering point and what could have potentially precipitated such a heinous act. It’s the story of an ambitious couple, Myriam and Paul and the nanny that they employ, Louise to look after their two young children whilst they spend more and more of their waking hours at work, building a life for their family. It follows a woman whom when we first meet her is already teetering on the brink of a precipice emotionally and financially and how events in her past and present collide together to push her off the edge of that cliff into complete turmoil. Could these events have been predicted? If the couple had spent more time with their children and not left so much of the responsibility and parenting to Louise would things have been different? Possibly, possibly not. This is a fascinating insight into a troubled individual with devastating and heart-breaking consequences for all parties concerned.
The Perfect Nanny? Julie Andrews as the inimitable Mary Poppins.
As I mentioned before, this is an incredibly short, engrossing novel that it took me no time at all to whizz through and I was completely absorbed every minute I spent reading it. I’m sure that staggering first line must chase away any residual hesitancy you might have as well? It certainly did for me. That was an incredibly savvy ploy by the author/editor to pull a reader into a novel and I can only applaud them for it, it worked a treat and before I experienced the story for myself, it was all anybody could talk about initially online. Lullaby feels quite literary in its execution so don’t be expecting major plot twists and turns, that’s not what this novel is all about. It does everything it needs to do quietly, intelligently and thoughtfully and I can certainly see why it’s been praised so highly. As I reached the “final bow” of the narrative, I have to admit to a slight tinge of disappointment at the ending at first. However, the longer I’ve sat thinking about it, the more I understand that it was pretty perfect the way it was and certainly fits the entire tone of the novel. I really don’t believe this needs any bells, whistles or exciting, unexpected moments – the story runs on a lot deeper level that that and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Would I recommend it?:
But of course!
Star rating (out of 4):
I really liked this as well, in spite of not having any plot twist or shocking moment (apart from the first sentence / prologue).
Maybe because of that. I don’t know. Sometimes i feel some plot twists are just there for the sake of having one even though they are not needed.
Definitely Norrie. Sometimes you don’t need all that, you just need beautiful writing and interesting characters and I think this was absolutely that! 😊
Fab review I really enjoyed this one on holiday, I really should review it!
Thank you Nicki and ooh yes you should! I’d love to hear your thoughts. 😁
I felt a little disappointed by the ending too but I think the book is probably better for ending the way it did. It’s a wonderful character study.
Absolutely Cathy. I found Louise to be such an intriguing character and I really liked that we already know how the book ends from that very first horrifying line! 😳
I thought perhaps it would turn out to be Mother or Louise’s daughter.
I enjoyed this one, too, Beth. With the ending, the trial wasn’t finished when I read it, and it kind of made sense somehow? I loved your review and am happy you enjoyed it. ♥️
It did Jenni you’re right, I was initially surprised but then when I thought more about it I realised it was perfect! Thank you so much 😊
I was a bit disappointed by the ending too. I’m glad you enjoyed the book overall.
Thank you sis, that opening line was really something! 😱 xx
Beth, this review is perfect! You’ve captured all that this book is! I really liked it too, and am in complete agreement, such a powerful opening! And I’m really loving literary fiction with dark themes so this one ticked all the boxes. I also want to read her other book, Adele 😊
Ah thank you lovely! 😊 Ooh I didn’t realise she had another book translated, thanks for that! 😁
I think it’s out already, but I’m waiting for the Faber edition to publish next year so my editions match!
Haha what a good idea! 😁
Awesome review, Beth! <3:I passed the book up when it first came out because I didn't like the cover (I always judge books by their covers :D), but this is making me want to pick it up!! I like that it's more of a contemplative read than your standard thriller.
Thank you so much Kathy! 😁
I read it expecting a twist which never came but ultimately I agree with you in a way it was a nice surprise not to have a twist. Also so nice that it is concise and not a hard read. Hope to hear the author speak tomorrow 🙂
Thank you so much 😊 that’s exciting that you’re going to see the author speak, hope you have a lovely time!