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A review by leselotta
The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
To start with the positive aspects: The perspective of the nanny and the parents is very special and also makes you think about social issues. The fact that the ending is known from the beginning puts you into a kind of detective mode and you ask yourself while listening/reading: Where is the point that could have triggered this?
It's also about understanding that people who seem flawless on the outside can still have huge psychological burdens and problems on the inside. I think this is an important and interesting topic, but I don't find it convincingly done in the book.
In the end, you're left rather perplexed.
But for me, the whole book is not written in a very exciting way. I found many passages rather boring (which I then listened to at a higher speed). I would have liked to know more about Louise's private life and her thoughts earlier on. Unfortunately, I don't really like the characters either.
Maybe I'm a bit confused or can't really appreciate it because I'm so used to thrillers a la Fitzek. This one is maybe less exciting and less preoccupied with suspense, but unfortunately not really more deep than some Fitzek books. All in all, it didn't really convince me.
It's also about understanding that people who seem flawless on the outside can still have huge psychological burdens and problems on the inside. I think this is an important and interesting topic, but I don't find it convincingly done in the book.
In the end, you're left rather perplexed.
But for me, the whole book is not written in a very exciting way. I found many passages rather boring (which I then listened to at a higher speed). I would have liked to know more about Louise's private life and her thoughts earlier on. Unfortunately, I don't really like the characters either.
Maybe I'm a bit confused or can't really appreciate it because I'm so used to thrillers a la Fitzek. This one is maybe less exciting and less preoccupied with suspense, but unfortunately not really more deep than some Fitzek books. All in all, it didn't really convince me.