I came across the title is one of those 'must-read' lists. Since it was a novella, I didn't hesitate before picking it up.
The novella has three governesses (mythical creatures?), a family house with huge gardens, the owners of the house, their little kids, a handful of little maids, and an elderly gentleman with a telescope.
What the story actually does, is nothing much. It starts at some point and ends at another point. It's like opening a dairy and reading random pages. The novella was called a fable by other reviewers. Guess it does fit in a way. It is surreal with a lot of philosophical undertones, wrapped in so-called semi-erotic and sensual description.
With books like this one, the best thing is to not try to make too much sense. Unless the reader wants to delve deeply into the philosophical aspects (which are in abundance), don't bother.
Someone said the book was one of the best translations from French to English, though I can't help but wonder if the prose lost its lyrical beauty during the translation. Not knowing French puts me at a disadvantage for sure. The English version seems a bit weird (in phrasing).
Overall, if you are looking for something different and (even) strange, pick this up.

Trigger warning (if required): Nudity, sexual assault (of a man).