The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

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?