lucky little cat answers “Toward the end of the book it was...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about The Perfect Nanny:

Toward the end of the book it was emphasized Louise was destitute. Why didn't she have any money? She was paid and they mentioned Louise didn't spend much on clothing (accepting hand-me-downs), and she ate at the Masses' house.

lucky little cat In 2012, the NYC family whose story is the basis of the novel, paid their nanny $550 weekly, which comes to $27,500 annually before taxes, without ben…moreIn 2012, the NYC family whose story is the basis of the novel, paid their nanny $550 weekly, which comes to $27,500 annually before taxes, without benefits. They offered her an additional $100 per week if she would do an additional 5 hours of cleaning, so 45 hours of work weekly for $32,500 before taxes, no benefits.

Slimani has the nanny's pay cancel a beginning lawyer's salary. But honestly, if the mother made $50,000, she's splitting her salary with the nanny & earning less than the nanny. (But w/ benefits.) So the mother could earn that much and still see it as a wash.

Also, the novel is set in Paris, and city living is expensive. (less)

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The Perfect Nanny

by Leïla Slimani

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