Chanson douce

When Myriam, mother of two young children, decides, despite her husband's reluctance, to take up a new job at a law firm, the couple starts looking for a new partner. After a rigorous casting process, they hire Louise, who quickly wins the children's affection and gradually occupies a central place in the household. Little by little, the trap of mutual dependence begins to close in, leading to a dramatic turn of events. Through the precise description of the young couple and the fascinating and mysterious character of Louise, the narrative reveals our era, with its conception of love and education, relationships of domination and wealth, and class and cultural prejudices. The sharp and incisive style of Leïla Slimani, interspersed with flashes of dark poetry, establishes an enchanting suspense from the very first pages.