A review by artemisf
The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker

dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The First Day of Spring is a novel that will make you feel the entire spectrum of emotion: amusement, tension, abject horror, discomfort, sadness, and hot, fiery anger. Chrissie is a character like none other, and her voice is so clear and unique. The way the dual timelines unfold is incredibly satisfying, and I think Tucker did a wonderful job with pacing. Several moments were jaw dropping, and I had a genuinely difficult time putting the book down.

I have two small nit-picks with this almost perfect novel, however. Firstly, the amount of "said" and "asked" dialogue tags became so redundant that I got into the habit of skipping over them with my eyes. I wish that several of them were pared down. Secondly, I had a difficult time
reconciling the behavior of Chrissie as a child and "Julia" as an adult. They seemed like two completely difficult people, and other than some exposition about Haverleigh, we never truly learned how she came to redeem herself and develop into a caring, empathetic mother.
I wish that that aspect of her character and story was a bit more explored.

Otherwise, I truly enjoyed how The First Day of Spring explored the horrifying effects that neglect has on children's development. Nancy Tucker and I are both experimental psychologists, and I felt her knowledge on the topic radiating through the pages.
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