Lullaby by Slimani: Happy Halloween

"The baby is dead. It took only a few seconds. The doctor said he didn’t suffer. The broken body, surrounded by toys, was put inside a grey bag, which they zipped shut." (1) 

HELLO, what an opener! This line immediately pulled me in, and I couldn't wait to start reading. I'd like to begin by asking: Are we entering a new era of psychological thrillers? And was this book placed on our reading list during Halloween week on purpose? 

Interestingly, Lullaby begins by revealing the climax of the story. Unlike some of the previous novels we've read, which slowly build towards a final reveal, Slimani immediately exposes us to the horrific outcome. However, I'd say that rather than taking away from the reading experience, this approach made me even more curious. We already know what happens, but the real question is WHY - what led to such a terrible event? This sense of impending doom followed me throughout the novel, and I felt on the lookout for unsettling aspects of Louise's persona.

At the beginning, Louise appears to be the perfect fit and the answer to the couple's prayers. She is organized and devoted to the children. She quickly becomes an essential part of the household, allowing Myriam and Paul to focus to their professional lives. Yet, as the story progresses, we begin to see how this seemingly "perfect" arrangement turns into every parent's worst nightmare. Louise carefully integrates herself into the family, becomes central to its functioning, then eventually takes EVERYTHING from them. 

One scene that made me feel very uncomfortable was that of the chicken carcass. You're telling me Louise picked this out of the garbage can to creepily display it on the table? And that she also let the children eat the spoiled meat? Bye, she should've been banished at this moment.

Beyond the thriller aspect, I also found the novel's theme of motherhood interesting. Myriam struggles with balancing her responsibilities as a mother with the desire to return to her legal career. Hiring Louise gave her the opportunity to pursue something outside of motherhood, but it also introduced a complicated dynamic into the household. Louise became responsible for so much of the children's daily lives, which perhaps raises questions about the expectations placed on women when it comes to raising children?

My question for the class is: What was the turning point? At what point did Louise descend into madness? Or did her past lay the foundation for everything that occurred? 

Finally, the image I selected for this novel is essentially what I imagine when I picture this creepy nanny strutting around the house. #Happy Halloween