Diary of an American au pair: a not often covered part of history is revealed
Diary of an American au pair follows the young Melissa as, out of work and at odds with her fiance, she heads to England in search of a new life as the nanny of the titled Haig-Ereildouns. A witty and light read, Ford highlights both the ups and the downs, the triumphs and hardships of being an American in England and performing the task of nanny to three children.
Margorie Leet Ford writes of an American working as an au pair, or nanny, for a titled family in England post-World War II. Melissa has grand illusions of what England will be like, and is surprised to find a dilapidated house with a poor titled family. The children prove difficult to handle, especially the youngest Claire, and Mrs. Haig-Ereildoun seems to take an immediate dislike to Melissa.
Diary of an American au pair is a witty book, written from the point of view of Melissa, who finds delight and irony in her day to day life as an au pair. With insights into life in England post-World War II, the book proves to be an interesting period piece.
Those interested in learning more about the job of an au pair, post-war England, and an amusing read can find it in Ford’s Diary of an American au pair.
