If I didn't know that the two authors had worked for New York families, I wouldn't have believed that such a world could exist. Hopefully, the extremes of behaviour are exaggerated - although sadly, they probably are not. I lurched between laughing and feeling my eyes filling up. How can any parent possibly be so unknowingly nasty to their 'beloved' child? I found myself swearing at the charming Mrs X, unable to believe that Nan could put up with so much. At first I found this lack of retaliation a bit unconvincing, but in reality, if your livelihood depends upon you forever capitulating, then capitulate you will.
A great read, that I finished far too quickly, wishing there was much more.