Tami (So far behind...)'s Reviews > The Caretakers

Love is a striking example of how little reality means to us. —Marcel Proust. It's not til the end of this book that you realize just how well placed this one quote is at the epigraph.

This book captivated me from the very beginning. As an American, I too have dreamed of living in what I imagine Paris to be, knowing my perception is most likely different from that of Parisians.

This story is told from multiple viewpoints at different places in time. We know from the start the community is built on host families, au pairs and a tragic death will occur, but how it all plays out kept me coming back for more and more. Was murder involved? Bestol-Seigal does an exceptional job at giving each character an authentic voice.

The book gave me new insight into the au pair world. We all know au pairs live with families to care for children but I didn’t know about communities and how au pairs from other countries would meet others and form friendships. I didn’t know about au pair language classes.

While the chapters are divided by characters and on the long side (something I'm betting the final edit will resolve), I enjoyed the book immensely. I'm left with words from au pair, Holly, "But I guess...when I moved to Paris I came with me," which reminds me you can never escape your past or "reinvent" yourself. Your history is part of you good or bad and you bring those experiences with you into your future decisions and adventures. You just have to stay open throughout life.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC.