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Product Description
The arrival of a nanny for the son of Daisy and Solomon begins this subtle novel of domestic horror. Daisy's existence is soon to become the nightmare of a woman who allows herself to be pushed to the limit, even when that means the loss of her home, her husband, her children and even her life.
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Format:Hardcover
Daisy, an ex-model and sometime actress, now stays at home in her beautiful house in the country, whilst her husband makes large amounts of money to fund their very comfortable life-style; in addition to the family home in the country, they have a London house, several cars (some for the country, others for the city); Daisy has a cook, a housekeeper, a gardener and now she needs to hire a new nanny for her four-year-old son. Enter Margaret Pride, with her excellent references, her sensible clothes and her abhorrence of stimulants: no coffee, tea or alcohol will ever pass Margaret's lips, or so she says. When Daisy asks Margaret if she has any boyfriends, Margaret replies that she is engaged - in such a tone that it makes Daisy think of the lock on an old-fashioned lavatory. On the face of it, Margaret appears to be the perfect person for the job: she is sensible, efficient and willing to work hard and Daisy congratulates herself on finding such a wonderful nanny.
However, as time passes, Daisy starts to realize that Margaret is not all that she first appeared and that first impressions can be rather deceptive. She begins to notice distinct oddities in Margaret's behaviour and soon, the rather plain and dowdy mother's help, starts to take much more care of her appearance. And then Daisy's quiet, little nanny begins to cause a few ripples throughout the entire household.
This slim novel is a well-constructed and somewhat unsettling tale of domestic life amongst the chattering classes. Candia McWilliam is an original and elegant writer who writes using a spare, sophisticated and cool prose which she can easily move to flamboyance when required. However, much as I admired the author's writing, I could find nothing to admire in her character, Daisy, who is so removed from real life with her fully-staffed house and nothing to do all day, that it is difficult to empathize with her situation or to really care about what happens to her - especially when she has staff to cook, clean and garden for her, but can't find the time or the inclination to look after her own small son. However, that said, this novella `A Little Stranger' does make for an entertaining, if unsettling read and there is much to admire in the originality and the talent of McWilliam's writing.
3.5 Stars.
However, as time passes, Daisy starts to realize that Margaret is not all that she first appeared and that first impressions can be rather deceptive. She begins to notice distinct oddities in Margaret's behaviour and soon, the rather plain and dowdy mother's help, starts to take much more care of her appearance. And then Daisy's quiet, little nanny begins to cause a few ripples throughout the entire household.
This slim novel is a well-constructed and somewhat unsettling tale of domestic life amongst the chattering classes. Candia McWilliam is an original and elegant writer who writes using a spare, sophisticated and cool prose which she can easily move to flamboyance when required. However, much as I admired the author's writing, I could find nothing to admire in her character, Daisy, who is so removed from real life with her fully-staffed house and nothing to do all day, that it is difficult to empathize with her situation or to really care about what happens to her - especially when she has staff to cook, clean and garden for her, but can't find the time or the inclination to look after her own small son. However, that said, this novella `A Little Stranger' does make for an entertaining, if unsettling read and there is much to admire in the originality and the talent of McWilliam's writing.
3.5 Stars.
Format:Hardcover
Bought it as a gift having read it many years ago. Interesting and misleading with understanding coming very late in the book.
Format:Paperback
When this book arrived I was quite excited to read it as it's a lot different from what I normally choose to read. A little stranger was a very fast paced read I think but entirely captivating throughout.
The characters throughout are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and their personality's. The descriptions used throughout were pretty awesome.
The arrival of a nanny for the son of Daisy and Solomon the efficient and capable Margaret Pride appears to be the perfect candidate. But as Daisy becomes increasingly removed from family life and the nanny becomes more prominent, oddities in Margaret's behaviour soon surface. Daisy's existence is soon to become the nightmare of a woman who allows herself to be pushed to the limit, even when that means the loss of her home, her husband, her children and even her life.
Overall an intriguing novella, although it took me a while to get into the storyline to really understand what was going on, on some occasions have to re read parts a couple of times.
The characters throughout are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and their personality's. The descriptions used throughout were pretty awesome.
The arrival of a nanny for the son of Daisy and Solomon the efficient and capable Margaret Pride appears to be the perfect candidate. But as Daisy becomes increasingly removed from family life and the nanny becomes more prominent, oddities in Margaret's behaviour soon surface. Daisy's existence is soon to become the nightmare of a woman who allows herself to be pushed to the limit, even when that means the loss of her home, her husband, her children and even her life.
Overall an intriguing novella, although it took me a while to get into the storyline to really understand what was going on, on some occasions have to re read parts a couple of times.
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