The Nanny Diaries
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Review:
The
reader is thrown straight into a prologue where a nanny is being
shown around a very particular and expensive apartment, which looks
like it came out of a designer magazine, by a flourishing and privileged
woman, who lives there with her husband and young son. Welcome to the
X family; the stresses of not staining the clean look of the counters are only the
beginning, when Grayer’s mother lists everything her child can and
can’t do, tightening his freedom. A rocky road for Nanny, but
starting her final year of college, she must take this job and show
her worth to gain the best grade possible.
Grayer
(nicknamed Grover) is a neglected child, once the reader understands
who his parents are. A father who is never seen, managing a
successful business, but has a secret his wife hasn't got a clue
about. Mrs. X helps out here and there but usually leaves Grayer to
his own.
We
follow the main character of the story, who goes by Nan, and
supposedly has been called by her first name once. I found it strange
that her family called her Nan whilst Grayer wasn’t with them,
since it felt odd calling their daughter her job title instead of her
actual name. Unless Nan told them outside of the main book to be
referred to as Nan, then that’s the only way. She lives in New York
with her roommate, studying a major in child development at NYU.
Mrs
X has an extraordinary and strict schedule for Grayer, which Nan must
pursue. This story follows the adventures of Nanny and Grayer,
similarly to Mary Poppins, which I loved. Even before each chapter
starts, the authors include famous quotes from a couple by Mary
Poppins and a range of other iconic characters. However, although Nan
is given a tight schedule, she still strives to give Grayer a normal
childhood, including him in fun games and letting his imagination run
wild.
Grayer’s
relationship with Nan grew from distaste after Catlin, his most loved
nanny, was forced out of the job. Although it starts to expand to
each having fun and enjoying their time on each adventure. I thought
the characterisation of each main character worked out great. I grew
a hatred of the parents and felt worried for Nan, wanting to make
sure that Grayer isn't interwined with the family drama.
With
working extra hours, not being paid enough, and Mr X’s secret
tripling through the family, the drama was overflowing for Nan. Each
complication was well written and felt important for the story. Can
Nan help Grayer and the family needs? Would she become successful
with her college degree?
