The Pleasing Hour A Novel
The Pleasing Hour by Lily King, published by Grove Press in 2010, is a novel that explores the complexities of relationships through the eyes of Rosie, an American au pair in Paris. At 237 pages, this edition delves into Rosie’s journey as she navigates her feelings of loss and homesickness while attempting to connect with Nicole, the mother of the children she cares for. As Rosie grapples with her emotions and the dynamics of the household, her interactions reveal deeper layers of family life and the intricacies of human connection.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of family life, marriage, and the challenges of personal growth. As Rosie’s bond with the father of the children develops, tensions arise, particularly when Lola, the middle child, begins to sense an inappropriate closeness. This prompts Rosie to relocate to the south of France, where she encounters the family’s elderly guardian, who holds the key to understanding the hidden truths of their past. Through this journey, the novel presents a rich tapestry of experiences that challenge conventional notions of innocence and maturity.
Official synopsis Publisher
Lily King’s highly acclaimed, award-winning debut novel is the story of Rosie, an American au pair in Paris whose coming of age defies all our usual conceptions of naïveté and experience. Rosie is fleeing an unspeakable loss that has left her homesick for her family. As she awkwardly grasps for the words to communicate with and connect to Nicole, the cool, distant, and beautifully polished mother of the three children she cares for, Rosie’s bond with the patriarch of the household develops almost too naturally. When Lola, the middle child, begins to suspect an indecent intimacy between Rosie and her father, Rosie moves to the south of France to care for Nicole’s elderly guardian, the storyteller of the family’s secrets. There, she discovers a past darkened by war and duplicity, and finally comes to understand the tragedy behind Nicole’s elusive demeanor.
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