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Cover of The Babysitter

The Babysitter

by Liza Rodman

Book Details

Publisher:Simon and Schuster
Published:2022-06-28
Pages:352
Format:BOOK
Language:en
ISBN:9781982129484

Reading Info

Age Range:0-3

About This Book

"Growing up on Cape Cod in the 1960s, Liza Rodman was a lonely little girl. During the summers, while her mother worked days in a local motel and danced most nights in the Provincetown bars, her babysitter--the kind, handsome handyman at the motel where her mother worked--took her and her sister on adventures in his truck. He bought them popsicles and together, they visited his 'secret garden' in the Truro woods ... Everyone thought he was just a 'great guy.' But there was one thing she didn't k

Our Review

This memoir explores a deeply personal childhood story set against the backdrop of 1960s Cape Cod summers, where a young girl's seemingly idyllic experiences with her family's trusted handyman gradually reveal unsettling complexities. The narrative captures the innocence of childhood adventures—truck rides, popsicles, and secret gardens—while subtly weaving in the darker realities that adults often miss. This biography for adults provides a poignant look at memory, trust, and the stories we tell ourselves about our past.

What makes this autobiography particularly compelling is its nuanced exploration of childhood perception versus adult understanding, making it a thought-provoking read for parents reflecting on their own childhood narratives. The Cape Cod setting and period details create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for this complex coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers interested in family dynamics and psychological memoirs. The emotional depth and careful storytelling offer a powerful meditation on how childhood memories shape our understanding of safety and betrayal.

Themes

Biography & Autobiography

Subjects

Biography & Autobiography