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A review by travelseatsreads
The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
From the very first line I was immediately hooked on this book. A little girl has killed a little boy and the most frightening part is...she liked it.
There's been a few books recently with the trope of a young child gone bad, and while these have been gripping reads, The First Day Of Spring stands miles ahead in so many ways. For me, it's one of the few of these types of books where it's possible to empathise and with the child who has done such terrifying acts. Nancy Tucker writes so well and draws you in so much that you flip from being revolted one minute to then wanting to scoop up Chrissie and rescue her the next.
The book switched back and forth in timelines and perspectives and it flowed brilliantly. It gave such a good insight into the Chrissie before and after her crimes and indeed what may have caused such unthinkable actions.
There is no doubt this is a harrowing read, from the descriptions of the murder to the repetitive neglect of Chrissie by her mother but it is one of the best books I've read in quite a while and poor Chrissie will stay with me for a long time to come.
There's been a few books recently with the trope of a young child gone bad, and while these have been gripping reads, The First Day Of Spring stands miles ahead in so many ways. For me, it's one of the few of these types of books where it's possible to empathise and with the child who has done such terrifying acts. Nancy Tucker writes so well and draws you in so much that you flip from being revolted one minute to then wanting to scoop up Chrissie and rescue her the next.
The book switched back and forth in timelines and perspectives and it flowed brilliantly. It gave such a good insight into the Chrissie before and after her crimes and indeed what may have caused such unthinkable actions.
There is no doubt this is a harrowing read, from the descriptions of the murder to the repetitive neglect of Chrissie by her mother but it is one of the best books I've read in quite a while and poor Chrissie will stay with me for a long time to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Murder, Child death, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol