Tokyo Suite by Giovana Madalosso is a compelling exploration of the intricate dynamics within a modern family, examining the emotional undercurrents and complex relationships that define their lives. The novel opens with the seemingly impulsive disappearance of Maju, a nanny, who boards a bus with Cora, the young girl she’s been caring for and vanishes. This act of abduction sets in motion a chain of events that forces each character to confront their deepest fears, desires, and regrets.

At the heart of the story is Fernanda, Cora’s mother, a successful executive who is so absorbed in her own personal crisis that she fails to notice her daughter’s disappearance at first. Her marriage is in turmoil, and she seeks solace in an affair, further distancing herself from her family. Her emotional detachment only deepens as she becomes consumed by her work and personal turmoil. Meanwhile, her husband remains detached, overwhelmed by the pressures of their domestic life.

As Maju makes her way through São Paulo with Cora, the narrative shifts to delve deeper into Maju’s psyche. The presence of the “white army” of nannies, a term coined by Fernanda to describe the community of nannies who work with the wealthy, adds a layer of tension to Maju’s journey. Her increasing paranoia and urgency reflect the broader societal pressures faced by individuals trying to navigate a world that is often indifferent to their struggles.

Madalosso’s narrative is rich and multi-layered, focusing on themes such as maternal guilt, societal expectations, and the search for personal identity. Through Fernanda and Maju’s contrasting perspectives, the novel paints a vivid picture of the challenges that working mothers face, particularly those caught between ambition, family, and self. The author’s sincerity in exploring these difficulties, without judgment, invites readers to reflect on their views of motherhood and ambition.

The book’s structure, with its change of narrators, is skillfully executed, giving voice to both Fernanda and Maju in a way that feels authentic to their characters. The exploration of motherhood, personal ambition, and the choices women make in the face of societal expectations is handled with subtlety and nuance.

Tokyo Suite is a thought-provoking and poignant read that offers a nuanced look at modern urban life, the tensions that exist within families, and the lengths people will go to reclaim control and meaning in their lives. Though the book is light and accessible, it holds deeper reflections on complex emotional and societal issues, making it an engaging and fulfilling read for those seeking a narrative that resonates beyond its surface. It’s a great choice for readers looking for something reflective and layered, especially after more dense or heavy reads.

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Book Overview: The Tokyo Suite by Giovana Madalosso
Giovana Madalosso’s The Tokyo Suite is a gripping exploration of class, privilege, and the hidden tensions simmering within modern domestic life. A Brazilian executive's carefully curated existence spirals into chaos when her nanny kidnaps her daughter, setting off a suspenseful and emotionally charged journey across the Brazilian countryside.

Plot Highlights
Fernanda, a high-powered executive, tries to keep her life in balance by offering her maid Maju the ultimate incentive to stay: a luxurious retreat within her home, the "Tokyo Suite." But her carefully constructed façade crumbles when Maju vanishes, taking Fernanda's young daughter, Cora, with her.

While Fernanda initially fails to notice her daughter’s disappearance, her realization triggers a frantic search that forces her to confront not only her neglectful tendencies but also the societal structures underpinning her life.

As Maju and Cora travel through desolate motels and isolated rural landscapes, Maju's plan begins to unravel in unexpected and violent ways. Meanwhile, Fernanda is forced to reckon with her choices, her privilege, and the fragile foundations of her seemingly perfect life.

Themes Explored
Class and Privilege
The dynamic between Fernanda and Maju highlights the entrenched class divides in Brazilian society, exposing the complexities of dependency and power within domestic work relationships.

Motherhood and Guilt
Fernanda's delayed reaction to her daughter’s kidnapping underscores her struggle to reconcile her career ambitions with the expectations of motherhood.

Desperation and Agency
Maju’s actions, though morally ambiguous, reveal the lengths to which individuals will go to regain control over their lives in a system that perpetuates inequality.

Intersection of Past and Present
The novel examines how unresolved histories shape the lives of its characters, leading to an explosive reckoning with the present.

Why You’ll Love It
Multifaceted Characters
Madalosso crafts characters that feel raw and real. From Fernanda’s polished but unraveling persona to Maju’s determined yet vulnerable journey, the novel dives deep into their psyches.

Social Commentary
Through its layered narrative, The Tokyo Suite offers an unflinching critique of societal hierarchies, making it both timely and thought-provoking.

Tense, Gripping Storytelling
The alternating perspectives of Fernanda and Maju keep the story dynamic and suspenseful, ensuring readers remain on the edge of their seats.

Vivid Settings
The contrast between Fernanda’s urban affluence and the stark, decaying countryside creates a compelling backdrop for the story's unraveling tensions.

Who Should Read This Book?
Fans of literary fiction with a focus on social issues and character-driven narratives.
Readers who enjoy suspenseful domestic dramas with morally complex characters, like those found in works by Liane Moriarty or Celeste Ng.
Anyone interested in stories that explore the intersections of privilege, family, and personal ambition.
Final Thoughts
The Tokyo Suite is an evocative and haunting novel that dives deep into the cracks of modern society, exposing uncomfortable truths about power, motherhood, and inequality. With its sharp prose and unforgettable characters, Giovana Madalosso delivers a compelling story that lingers long after the final page.

Rating: ★★★★☆
A captivating tale of class, ambition, and redemption that readers won’t want to put down.

Giving an insight into family dynamics this is a good read .

Fernanda lives a life of luxury and when her maid disappears with her daughter Cora all hell breaks loose.

I loved the complexities in this beautifully written tale. It shows that family matters above all else. It is an intriguing read and fatherhood is a theme taken into consideration.

These reads are usually all about the mother POV so it's refreshing to see a different side

On an otherwise ordinary morning, Maju, a nanny in São Paulo, makes an impulsive and life-altering decision: she abducts Cora, the young girl in her care, and disappears into the bustling city. This act sets in motion a chain of events that unravel the lives of everyone involved.
Fernanda, Cora’s mother, is a high-powered executive whose personal crises and infidelity blind her to her daughter's absence until it is too late.

I’d give The Tokyo Suite 3.5 stars.
The novel focuses on the lives of two women in the midst of a deeply challenging moment. Through their fear and uncertainty, we delve into their complex emotions and personal stories.
The writing style is direct—simple, straightforward, and fitting for the emotional depth of the narrative, and it works well for the raw and honest exploration of its themes.
Some things are left unsaid in a way that feels intentional rather than incomplete.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy character-driven stories, interested in the complexities of motherhood, womanhood, and the unspoken nuances of class privilege and guilt.

I didn’t think I was liking this at first but it grew a lot on me. This is a Brazilian novel about a nanny who on a whim decides to steal the girl she looks after and take her across the country, whilst the family of the girl at home barely notice she is missing amongst their own dramas and pitfalls. I loved how there were two different points of view between the mother and the nanny and we got a picture of how confused the child must have been due to a lack of attention from almost everyone around her. The way the nanny was characterised through her decisions and you could see her mental decline getting to breaking point was so unique and thrilling. It’s a slowish book but reading it became a joy and I adored reading about the characters by the end of it.

No hesitation, this book jumps straight in, and from the first line you are involved, as Maju, the nanny of a well-off couple in Sao Paulo, is in the process of trying to kidnap little Cora (their daughter).

The story alternates between Maju and her mother Mrs Fernanda, who has a big role with a TV producer and is trying to manage all the expectations on her. In addition to her work, Mrs Fernanda is also in a new passionate affair with a co-worker and constantly trying to balance it all - executive, lover, wife, mother...

The brilliance of the story is the contrasting stories, of Mrs Fernanda in a life crisis and Maju's thrilling abduction. Each time we visit Mrs Fernanda it is guilt, expectation, demands, and guilt repeated. And with Maju, we are escaping the city, learning about her motives and questioning her ability to manage what she has taken on.

The first part of the book sets the scenes for both characters and the second half is a 'can't put it down' thriller as Mrs Fernanda realises her daughter is missing, and Maju strikes all sorts of trials in her quest to claim Cora for herself. Balancing both of these characters is Caca, Cora's father who plays the role of the primary carer in the Fernanda household. We see him mainly through Mrs Fernanda's eyes. I quite enjoyed this reversal of stereo types:

<blockquote>'Already a little tipsy, lying on the living room rug, I listen to my husband talk to women I've never heard of, about children I've never heard of, about events I had no idea happened, like a lice outbreak at the school.'</blockquote>

This is a great story, it is a deep introspective of the guilt a woman feels when they are a working mother. There is no doubt that Mrs Fernanda loves Cora, but most of the time her focus is elsewhere. When there is any issue impacting Cora's health or wellbeing, she is very attuned to it - money is no obstacle. It is a throwback to the stereotypical man of the past 50 years, the bread winner who loves their kids, but is just 'not around' due to work. The book loosely asks the question of the importance to the family structure of both roles and that of the carer.

I don't normally read a thriller, but I found in the short expanse of this book, much to consider. I haven't touched much on Maju, as her story is by far the more interesting and the less balanced, but the difference between the two perspectives is vast. It is a great character assessment and ultimately asks an interesting question: 'nature or nurture', but not in relation to how to treat a child, but who is the better parent of a child... ?

Very enjoyable read!

Massive thank you to Europa Editions for the ARC and to NetGalley for making it possible. This review will also be posted on my blog over the weekend.